TWINGO does sound a bit cutesy, almost like a chocolate bar.

Some would describe it as sweet, others maybe, a bit tasty.

But the third and latest generation of Renault's city car is a lot more than that.

It looks better than ever and now features a rear engine and rear wheel drive, giving the little car what feels like the turning circle of a London taxi.

It is also well equipped for the price will will be cheap to run.

The French firm say the revamped baby is a 'clean sheet of paper' car which takes into account all the joys and stresses of living and driving in the cities it was primarily designed for.

I'm not entirely sure what that means, but it seems to tick all the boxes required of a city car runabout.

Like many cars in this segment, it has funky design, both inside and out, which can be further customised to suit owner requirements, has clean efficient engines and is fun to drive.

Another innovation is the French firm's R & GO smartphone connectivity system, which, thanks to the radio, a universal cradle and a free-to-download app, owners have access to a variety of navigation, telephone, multimedia and trip computer functions as well as Internet radio and a host of other practical features.

There are four trim levels, Expression, Play, Dynamique and Dynamique S and two versions of the three cylinder one-litre petrol engine delivering different power outputs.

Nearly 70mpg is claimed on the 70bhp model with the 90bhp version offering a bit more grunt, with a respectable 0-60mph acceleration time of 10.8 seconds.

Pretty decent performance while delivering a claimed 65-odd mpg with stop/start technology. Carbon emissions are under the magic 100g/km.

It does look eye-catching with the now familiar large Renault diamond logo dominating the narrow grille.

The boxy style is well-disguised by smart body kit, body coloured bumpers, concealed rear door handles, neat new headlights with round daytime running lights and striking alloy wheels on this tested model.

Inside, what appears to be a spartan interior is cleverly jazzed up with with funky paintwork and dark plastic to dash and doors, steering wheel and gear shift and various surrounds. Hardly sumptuous, but certainly practical.

The dash itself is minimalist with one large central dial. Other controls and switches are handily placed.

In practical terms there are numerous cabin storage areas, three cupholders and a boot light.

It is shorter than its predecessor, despite now having five doors, making it easier to park. The wheel-in-each corner set up, with engine and transmission in the rear means hit his highly manoeuvrable. In fact, the front wheels turn to an angle of 45 degrees.

To overcome fears over losing boot space with a rear-mounted power unit, Renault has positioned the engine at an angle of 49 degrees so that it does not intrude into the boot, and in a rear-end collision it is pushed beneath the passenger cell.

Boot space is always going to be meagre on this type of car and the Twingo capacity is 188 litres. This can be increased to 219 litres setting the rear seat-backs in a ‘cargo' position at 90 degrees, while still safely carrying two passengers in the back.

With the standard on all models 50/50 split-folding rear seats lowered, the boot volume is increased to 980 litres.

The wheel in each corner set up and MacPherson struts at the front and a De Dion torsion beam rear axle, means the car feel really stable and grippy while not being to harsh a ride.

Standard kit is good across the range with electric power steering, electric front windows, remote central locking, a speed limiter, a height-adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer and gearchange indicator, a lane-change function for the indicators and automatic activation of the rear screen wiper when reverse gear is selected.

The Play version adds a height-adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel and 15-inch black two-tone wheel trims.

Dynamique adds 15-inch alloy wheels, pinstripe shoulder-line decals, front foglamps, electric heated door mirrors, cruise control, a lane departure warning system, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob, white instrument backlighting, while Dynamique S TCe 90 adds the previously optional Sport Pack. This features an aluminium pedal set, red/black part leather upholstery and the red interior touch pack..

The Dynamique TCe 90 and Dynamique S TCe 90 are fitted with Variable Gear Ratio power-assisted steering, making the vehicle more agile and reactive at lower speeds.