Anyone who fancied a Renault Twingo, but thought the city hatchback a tad pricey, will welcome the new entry-level model, the more accessible £7,500 Extreme.

Funky and feisty, the latest starter Twingo even undercuts the starter Fiat 500 by £400, and the 1.2-litre petrol Extreme, capable of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, gets kit such as front fog lights, electric front windows, and a radio/CD.

Safety features such as anti-lock brakes with electronic force distribution, and driver and front passenger lateral airbags, are all standard.