Renault Twingo 2014-2019 verdict

The new Renault Twingo is an attractive addition to the city car ranks chiefly because it’s handsome and unusual.

The car is fresh and appealing to look at and comes across as likeable and charming – and among younger buyers, that may be more than half the battle. But the car is likeable mostly in spite of its handling, performance and practicality.

The Volkswagen Up is the quality option. The Panda is more fun, though, but the VW still just has the edge

Matt Prior

Editor-at-large

Truth is the Twingo’s rear-engined configuration brings more apparent compromises than gains – as the sanitised handling, disappointing refinement and flawed cabin packaging attest.

Add given the car’s sluggish performance, mediocre real-world economy and unexceptional value for money and you’re left with a lot to overlook for the sake of some amiable visual character and a tight turning circle.

Too much, clearly, for us to be able to declare the new Twingo much more than a competent new city car.