Although front and side airbags are fitted, electronic stability control – which can help the driver regain control of the car during a skid – is not available. The Twingo scored four stars out of five for adult occupant protection in Euro NCAP crash tests, which isn’t bad for a small car, but other similar cars have successfully achieved five stars.

And given Renault’s excellent record in these tests, we expected better.

The Twingo offers the choice of maximising rear passenger space for one or both occupants, or increasing luggage space. The minimum luggage space available is 165 litres – about as much as in a MINI and more than in a Toyota Aygo. This can be increased to 285 litres up to window height with the rear seats slid forward. This is comparable with a Clio or Vauxhall Corsa.

It can be increased to 959 litres up to roof height with both rear seats folded. There are plenty of stowage compartments too including good-sized door bins, a storage space on the dashboard cowling in front of the driver, two cup-holders plus a bin underneath the passenger seat.