The Twingo is a neat little motor, but in high-performance Renaultsport mode it’s a pocket rocket.

There are faster cars. And there are more sophisticated cars. But there aren’t any that meld power, performance and value into such an appealing car.

New Twingo is on its way, costing from £10,350 but it’s the high-performance version we’re looking at here. Forget those child-like Twingos you might have seen in mainland Europe on holiday a decade or so ago: modern Twingo is a proper grown-up car.

The new Twingo Renaultsport goes on sale in April, but there is still plenty of chance to get hold of the current version at £12,210 is a very able car indeed.

In a way it harks back to the first hot-hatches with its simple design, huge power to weight to weight ratio and its emphasis on fun. That said, it’s an accessible car. neither the list price nor the running costs should prove a obstacle, given that it manages good performance without sky-high insurance or economy costs.

Twingo Renaultsport 133 is a good looker. The decision to move Twingo upmarket raised a few eyebrows, not least from those who liked the old model’s quirkiness. But it has been transformed into a more mainstream model, and the New Twingo carries on in the same vein. It’s no longer a bargain basement model, but neither is it a MINI-rivalling premium model. Rather, something in between. Cheap but fun and very well put-together.

But while the Twingo is definitely a girly car, the Renaultsport Twingo is definitely designed to appeal to both boy-racers and girl-racers.

Tuned by the experts at the Renaultsport division – the people who made the acclaimed Clio 197 and Megane R26 – this Twingo is more than cosmetic update. A far cry from the usual city car model, this Twingo boasts a suitably purposeful bodykit, big wheels and a convincing roof spoiler. The Twingo 133 also looks pretty mean when parked up. The car’s lower than standard ride height and increased track does much to convince you of its potential.

There’s more because there’s not one but two Twingo 133 models – the standard car and one fitted with a Cup chassis. Essentially you get a car with suspension that’s been further tuned and stiffened – plus an even lower ride height – along with 17in wheels replacing the standard 16-inch items.

Factor in an ESP system that can be switched off, supportive sports seats, a chunky sports steering wheel and a naughty exhaust note and you’ve got a feisty toddler fun car.

New Twingo is coming but there is still live in the Twingo Renaultsport yet.