The Renault Twingo is the perfect example of a boutique hatchback, where form overrules function and practicality is not the vehicle’s prime raison d’ être. So it is not a car reviewed solely in the cold light of objectivity, for that is not the way the purchaser – invariably car allowance individuals who are young, footloose and primarily female – will buy a Twingo.

Likely rivals would be the other small three-door city cars that major on funkiness: the Fiat 500 and Citroen C2. In keeping with the heart overriding the head theory, the Twingo is available in suitably striking metallic colours, these adding a significant R2 500 to the list price. Our Twingo 1.2 Dynamique in Dyna Red therefore carried a R127 000 sticker price.

Looking good matters in this segment and the Twingo succeeds as eye candy thanks to colour-coded bumpers, bee sting aerial and wheel trims, which do a good job of looking like 14-inch alloys. Proportions are tidy, with a stubby, bold nose (with neatly integrated fog lights) and a pert rump. Flared wheel arches give the flanks an added dimension while the door handles (slightly impractical positioned as they are in the trailing edges of the long doors) do not interrupt the smooth lines.

The rear is relatively upright and like most cars in the class, the overhang is virtually non-existent. From behind, it is not especially distinctive and many observers could mistake it for the previous-generation Clio – which this car does not replace, by the way.

Interior treatment gels nicely with the sheet metal and there is an ambience that should appeal to young buyers. The architecture is immediately identifiable as Renault, thanks to cues such as the large steering wheel boss and textured grey plastic. There are some standout features too, including the digital instrument cluster perched atop the dashboard while the tachometer and key warning lights are dead ahead.

The tuner/CD is fitted at an unusual angle: fairly low down in the centre console with the face tilted conveniently upwards. There are also satellite controls on the reach-adjustable steering column and they remain among the most user-friendly in the business. A trio of faux aluminium rotary wheels for ventilation and air-conditioning controls are positioned above the MP3- compatible head unit and fall readily to hand, though the lever to move air flow to the ‘Recirculate’ position is slightly awkwardly positioned.

The driver’s seat is height-adjustable but tall folk may want it to go lower still. Considering the youthful positioning of the car it also seems odd that Renault has opted for dull grey upholstery (with reddish stitching, granted) and the cabin is rather monochromatic.

This is strictly a fourseater and there is a pair of individual seats in the rear. Ingress is no more difficult than in any other small threedoor, though it is easier with the back seats in the rearmost position. They slide through a 180 mm range, allowing interior space to be tailored. The backrests fold flat against the cushion and also tumble forward, increasing total volume to 959 litres. Minimum capacity is a modest 165 litres with rear legroom maximised.

The power plant is Renault’s proven 1,2-litre 16-valve unit, rated at 56 kW and 107 Nm. While the former number is impressive, the latter one is less so, and it means keeping things on the boil requires some effort on the part of the driver.

To be a truly successful city car it needs to feel nippier in the low gears, which would boost drivers’ confidence to take on the prevailing conditions and get to the right point in traffic with the minimum of stress.

Instead, the driver often needs to use all the revs available and anticipate which gear is going to be needed.

Working the drivetrain fairly hard does compromise fuel consumption and we achieved an overall figure of 6,8 l/100 km.

The Twingo’s light and accurate steering is a boon in town and coupled to the short overhangs make it a delight to manoeuvre even though the turning circle is not exceptionally tight. As far as road manners are concerned, we thought the Twingo was firmer than it needs to be and coupled to the short wheelbase (though it is long by class standards) it can become unsettled on badly pockmarked surfaces.

Brakes are easy to modulate and there is a full array of driver aids to help ensure controlled stopping. There are also four air bags and considering the price, life-saving equipment is class-leading and extends to ISOFIX child seat mountings.

Strangely, the front seatbelts are not height adjustable. Modest performance aside, the Twingo succeeds in meeting the needs of its likely target market.

It is aesthetically and emotionally appealing yet retains a modicum of versatility thanks to the seating configuration. A standard 3 year/45 000 service plan (generally better than similar products in the segment) will no doubt appeal to those on a tight budget and who need to know exactly what their motoring costs are going to be.