RENAULT TWINGO

The original Twingo was very much a mainland Europe thing. The cute, bug-eyed little car was a regular fixture across the Channel, where 2.4 million of them have been sold since its launch in 1993. However, as Renault chose not to make a right-hand-drive model, so only a few were ever seen in the UK.

It'll be different with the new Twingo, the production version of which is at Geneva. Renault is targeting a younger clientele and certain countries, such as Italy, where the original Twingo didn't make inroads.

The new car has a longer bonnet, while retaining the short overhangs at the front and rear; inside, Renault claims its engineers have paid particular attention to optimising all available cabin space. Rear seating comes in the form of either a fixed bench or two independent sliding seats, depending on the version, with boot space ranging from 230 to 959 litres. There are also 11 stowage spaces, including a 13-litre glovebox and door bins that will accommodate 1.5-litre bottles.

Equipment includes an audio connection box that allows the driver to plug an MP3 player or USB key into the Twingo's in-car entertainment system, plus a hands-free Bluetooth phone kit.

The engine range spans three petrol units - a 1.2-litre with 59 and 73bhp outputs, plus a 98bhp TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) engine that Renault claims combines the fuel consumption of a 1.2 with the power of a 1.4 and the torque of a 1.6. And for the first time the Twingo has a diesel option, a 1.5dCi that develops 64bhp and generates 118lb-ft of torque.

There are six trim levels, an approach which Renault hopes will enable it to meet the demands of as many different customers as possible. Equipment includes new features not available on the previous version, such as cruise control, parking sensors and automatic climate control.