THE small car revolution of recent years has seen vehicles that were once essentially designed to offer a cheap and cheerful way of getting from A to B become objects that are desirable in their own right.

It all started with the MINI and the Fiat 500, but their phenomenal success has prompted pretty much everyone to get in on the act.

If you're in the business of making a small car these days it needs to be stylish first and foremost, as well as offering something that helps set it apart.

The third generation version of the Renault Twingo certainly has fun and funky high up on a list of applicable adjectives.

Designed jointly with Smart - it shares its underpinnings with the next smart ForFour - the latest Twingo looks good and undoubtedly has appeal-a-plenty to style-conscious would-be buyers.

It's also something of a ground-breaker in that it features a rear engine set-up.

One of the chief benefits of this is that with all four wheels pushed out to the corners it has allowed the creation of an impressively spacious and practical small car, even though it's actually shorter than its predecessor.

In addition that rear-mounted engine drives the rear wheels, aiding driving dynamics, whilst also allowing a greater degree of manoeuvrability as far as the front wheels are concerned.

At 8.59 metres it has a similar turning circle to a Black Cab, a real string to its bow when it comes to delivering as a city car.

The Twingo certainly looks different and that squat appearance gives it added presence and character, rounded off by a distinctive contrasting black tailgate.

In Dynamique trim the overall visual effect is further enhanced by some swish chrome detailing.

Space in the cabin is noticeably generous and given its compact dimensions it has a surprisingly open and roomy feel.

This is partly due to it being quite a tall car, which also means it offers a nicely elevated driving position.

Rear seat passengers are exceptionally well catered for and the Twingo can transport two adults in the rear in a surprising level of space and comfort.

It might not fare quite so well against competitors in terms of bootspace (188 litres) but conversely it has a degree of versatility which means it comes up trumps when needed.

Boot space can be increased to 219 litres with the rear seats locked upright and with the rear seats folded down it offers 980-litres of space. In addition the front passenger seat can also be folded.

There's a choice of three trim levels - Expression, Play and Dynamique - and either 1.0-litre or 900cc three-cylinder petrol engines.

If fitted with stop start, both emit under 100g/km of CO2, meaning there's zero road tax to pay. If not then the entry level 1.0-litre engine has emissions of 119g/km meaning road tax is still minimal.

This range-topping Dynamique version featured the 900cc turbo-charged unit and it certainly has the edge when it comes to performance, completing the 0-62mph sprint almost four seconds faster than the larger unit.

Price-wise this car was about £2,000 more than an entry-level model which will set you back £9,495.

Like all good small cars these days, the Twingo offers a veritable raft of personalisation options to put your own individual stamp on the car.

Standard equipment is generous too, with one of the highlights being the Renault R&Go system.

Essentially this allows smartphones to be integrated with the car enabling access to multimedia, telephone, navigation and vehicle functions.

It means you can use the phone hands-free when on the go or find out what fuel consumption you're getting.

Standard equipment across the range also includes a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure monitoring, electric front windows and remote central locking.

Play models come with air conditioning, while the Dynamique offers more door storage space in the rear and electric heated door mirrors.

Around town the Twingo feels spirited and lively and is incredibly agile. Out on the open road one becomes a little more aware of the modest-sized engine, though in fairness it still manages to cope pretty well.

The drive is engaging and fun and ride comfort is commendable on a variety of surfaces.

Overall the Twingo delivers much as a city car while also exuding a degree of individuality that should see it prove a hit.