Renault Twingo GT

Through seven collections and a stack of limited editions, it remained tantalisingly out of reach across the Channel, where it sold 2.4 million units. The only opportunity for we Brits to drive one was as a hire car on French roads.

But with a burgeoning supermini market in the UK, Renault could no longer resist the temptation to launch a right-hand version to complement its Clio and Modus models over here.

There are two versions, and the pick of them is the flagship GT, powered by a 1.2-litre powerplant that whizzes from 0 to 62mph in a shade under ten seconds.

Equipped with a small turbocharger, it develops 100 bhp, while at the same time returning 47.8mpg on the combined cycle and emitting only 140g/km of CO2. These are impressive figures.

Nippy and agile, the Twingo makes a virtue out of being a lightweight. On city streets - and remember that it has proved its worth on the streets of Paris for more than a decade - it has the dimensions and performance to make it an ideal purchase for the urban dweller at £9,995.

What came as a surprise to me was the car's motorway performance, where the high-revving engine still sounded happy at speeds of 70-plus. With a revised version of the Clio Campus's chassis to underpin it, MacPherson struts and a compact torsion beam rear suspension, the taut ride and engaging driving dynamics are up to scratch for a company that excels in this sector.

On looks alone, the Twingo is a trendy winner in its GT specification. A silver rear spoiler, chromed exhaust pipe, 15-inch alloy wheels, silver grey mirror housings and GT branded sills make for an eye-catcher, particularly when decorative decals are added to the B-pillars, door handle hollows, doors, front wings and rear sides.

But don't expect hot hatch performance. It's quick enough, but no more than a warm hatch dressed to deceive through its decorative touches and those flared wheel arches, squat stance and pert backside.

Getting in and out of the cabin is a joy, thanks to the size of the doors, but beware when egressing because the wide opening might lead to a bump on an adjacent car when parked in a tight spot like a supermarket car park. Oh, and don't bother looking for a passenger vanity mirror, because there's none there. For a car that will be favoured by the well-groomed, that's an odd omission.

The dashboard layout is a little unconventional in that looking straight ahead from behind the wheel the driver sees only a rev counter.

The significance of that prominent pod-style rev counter becomes more apparent as you explore with the accelerator and gear stick. At engine speeds of 4,500 revs or more in second, third or fourth gear, a little more horsepower and torque is delivered through an Overpower function to warm things up.

Taking centre stage in the central instrument binnacle is the speedometer, planted above the air conditioning and audio controls.

Both models feature aluminium effect instrument surrounds, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, independent sliding and folding rear seats (this is strictly a four-seater), CD player, electric front windows, remote central locking and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution.

This all adds up to cracking good value in an excellent package. Renault has not skimped on quality, either. One look at the carbon-injected dashboard and supportive, attractively stitched seats will tell you there is substance to all this French style.

But there is practicality, too. Despite its compact dimensions, it has the biggest boot in the small car class, ranging from 165 litres with all four seats in place to 959 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Aimed at a young audience, both the GT and its sibling Dynamique model major on music through their Tunepoint Audio Connection Box, which enables music recorded on MP3 players, iPods or USB sticks to be played through the car's entertainment system . There's optional Bluetooth connectivity, too, operated via steering-column mounted controls.

Other options include climate control and an electronic panoramic sunroof. There is a choice of six "packs" offering a range of extras to personalise the car.

The result of a huge investment totalling 400 million euros, this latest incarnation of the Twingo - a portmanteau derived from the words Twist, Swing and Tango - will spearhead the Renault Commitment 2009 initiative, which will see the introduction of 26 cars.

The Twingo is a very good start.

At a glance

Model: Renault Twingo GT

Price: £9,995

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Acceleration: 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds

CO2 emissions: 140 g/km

Economy: 47.8mpg (combined cycle)