Renault local agents Auto Sales on Thursday threw a lunchtime Country and Western mini-party to launch the all-new Twingo.

The first generation Twingo was only produced as left-hand drive and a consignment had been brought to Malta and sold successfully. Overseas, over 2.4 million Twingos were sold since launch in April 1993. The new Twingo targets a broader, more international customer base than its predecessor, and there's a right-hand-drive model for other markets like Malta. The model rounds out Renault's coverage of the small-car segment alongside Clio Campus and Clio III.

Thanks to its long bonnet, the robust stance of its rear flanks and its fluid sidelines, the new Twingo boasts a modern, pleasing design. Its long wheelbase (2,367mm) and short front and rear overhang dimensions exude an attractive blend of elegance and robustness, while its 14-inch wheels (or 15-inch wheels according to version) ensure that it sits squarely on the road. The clear break between the rear edge of the bonnet and the windscreen accentuates new Twingo's distinctive lines. Its laser-brazed roof - a production innovation - contributes to the seamless fluidity of its lines.

CO2 emissions are below 140g/km, nine per cent of recycled plastic material, and production at the Novo Mesto plant, certified to ISO 14001.

There are two petrol engines, the 1.2 60hp (43kW) and the 1.2 16V 75hp (56kW), which incorporate the onboard diagnostic system for lasting efficiency of the emission control equipment.

It comes with standard Continental MK70 ABS system, with electronic braking distribution and emergency brake assist. Under sustained braking, the warning lamps switch on automatically. It is equipped with two airbags and for the first time at Renault, the passenger airbag is of the '3D' type. When deployed, its form and volume are optimised to spread out the load between the passenger's head and thorax. To minimise damage to the groin area under frontal impact, the front seat cushions are equipped with an anti-submarining system, while the independent rear seats benefit from a profiled seat cushion.

The Twingo's very short overhang frees up space that results in exceptional interior space. An all-new design simplifies access to the rear seats and the practically positioned lever situated on the upper part of the front seatbacks (according to version) enables the seat to be tipped forward with ease.

In response to customers' expectations, the Twingo comes with a comprehensive customisation package available from launch, covering multimedia connectivity, stowage and decoration.

There is a wide choice of items to add an extra touch of fun and user-friendliness, like the grass-mat dashboard trim to hold bits and pieces like pens, small change, supermarket trolley tokens, tickets and photos.

For the fun-loving, funky new owners, there is also a choice of 'tattoos', stickers for the doors, handles, pillars or bonnet, to make the Twingo your own.

Prices start at €13,689 (Lm5,877). For more information call 2143 3601/2.