SLIMMING is good for your health, or in the case of Renault for its wealth.

In 2011 the French car giant decided to radically re-arrange its range and dropped seven models altogether as it sought to cut costs and maximise profits.

That included concentrating on where the money and sales were to be fattened, and in the case of the urban chicque city car Twingo it is now just a single model with a new front and back and some careful interior updating.

The Dynamique 1.2-litre comes with cruise control with speed limiter and 15-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, height adjustable driver's seat and steering, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

The options list marks the return of the popular fabric sunroof that was a feature of the original Twingo but is now electric powered, as well as a glass panoramic sunroof, climate control air conditioning and street-smart bi-colour alloys.

Fuchsia and Bermude Blue are new metallics and there are some sharp decals as well to make it stand out.

Under the bonnet is the proven Renault 1,149cc 16-valve engine and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox which together give it quite low emissions and a zero road tax bill in the first year.

The powertrain is a good combination for city driving but it struggles on open country roads and its motorway performance is distinctly inside lane as it sounds and feels stretched when you are cruising at the legal limit for any length of time.

That said, the light clutch, direct change and willingness to rev are appreciated around town, as is the neat turning circle and adequate brakes.

Secondary controls easily come to hand and the instruments are positioned in groups either in front of the driver or over the central console, and are fairly large and clearly marked. Warning lights back them up.

Heating and ventilation is very straightforward and has good direction and temperature control but the car struggled to give strong output and the system was noisy.

The oddments room is OK, but spaces are on the small side, and the three-door bodystyle means you have to be very pliable to squeeze into the back two seats. Having said that, the amount of legroom is very good because all the seats have their own runners and move fore and aft with ease.

Access to the boot is easy and for a little car it can hold a fair amount.

Visibility is good all round, the wipers big and the lights adequate but not far ranging. You can slip it into the tightest spaces because you can see all the corners and its  power steering and turning circle are good.

The seats are cloth covered and quite well shaped to support users and the rear pair quickly drop to raise total loadspace if you need it.

Ride quality is good over all but the worst bumps and potholes. You can hear the suspension working away but it does a good job of keeping the occupants cocooned in comfort.

There is some body roll on tighter turns and a little pitching under acceleration and braking but its not too unpleasant.

The acceleration and top speed are fair but not remarkable, however the economy is good without really trying and the emissions are towards the right side of 120g/km.

For a distinctive, modern city car the Renault Twingo does a good job. It's a healthy alternative to high priced motoring and travel costs, helped by a four-years' warranty.