SMALL cars keep getting bigger, to the extent that the VW Polo almost dwarfs the original Golf, and likewise the Fiesta overshadows the old Escort.

Strangely it's a result of the trend for downsizing while retaining creature comforts of larger cars.

And safety features, of course - crash protection on all sides, plus wall-to-wall airbags - all add to the dimensions.

As a result many small cars have through evolution lost that traditional nimbleness that made them such fun.

Renault has long been a master in the field of small cars, from the Renault 5 through to the Clios as the compact end of a comprehensive range.

On the continent there was another model which for years proved a hit both with the domestic markets and as a hire car for tourists - the Renault Twingo, first launched in 1992 but never brought to the UK.

But last September came the new Twingo, and this one we've got and it's fun.

With prices from £7,500 to £9,995, it is less expensive than rival three-door four-seater city car the Fiat 500, but also has four stars for adult occupant safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests to the Fiat's five.

There are three models, all with 1.2 litre petrol engines with power choices of 60bhp for the Extreme, 75 for the Dynamique and 100bhp for the turbocharged GT tested, which tops the price list at a fiver under £10,000.

For that it betters the Fiat Panda 100 and Citroen C2 1.6 VTR rivals by up to £1,500 and with a higher specification.

This is a mini car that youngsters and grey brigade alike can enjoy and afford to run, with insurance Group 5 and combined economy of 47.8mpg, yet it can crack the 0-60mph dash in under ten seconds and top 117mph.

CO2 emissions of 140g/km keep road tax to £120 this year, £110 next for those concerned about carbon footprints and bank balances.

On the fun front there are details like the optional multi-functional TunePoint system to play music from USB memory sticks or MP3 players, and hands-free Bluetooth phone controls.

Power steering, electric windows and mirrors - it's all there.

And on the practical front you can dismiss the go-faster stripe and point to the back seats that slide fore and aft to pack in loads of shopping, or fold flat to accommodate a pushchair or wheelchair.