THE entry level Renault Twingo comes in the Extreme spec, though you're hardly living "on the edge" by tootling around in it.
However, there's no denying it has character.
It is fiesty and practical, fun to be in and it comes competitively priced, with very low insurance premiums.
And, with the ever increasing fuel prices, bear in mind too that you can get more than 50 miles to the gallon using this vehicle sensibly.
In addition, it's very green. Powered by a lively, 1.2-litre 60bhp engine, it gives emissions of just 132g/km.
The Twingo has significantly boosted Renault's already big presence in the small car segment in the UK, lining up alongside the Clio Campus, Clio and Modus.
Besides the Extreme, there are two other models in the range, the Dynamique 1.2 16V 75 and GT TCE 100 (Turbo Control Efficiency).
For those who are particularly conscious about the environment, it's worth noting that all three qualify as eco2 models, with CO2 emission levels that do not exceed 140g/km.
All three versions make a valuable contribution to the '120-140' pledge of the Renault Commitment 2009 in which the company has committed to selling a million vehicles that emit less than 140g/km of CO2, including a third that emit less than 120g/km this year (2008).
It's all part of a massive 400 million Euro investment, which will ultimately see Renault introduce 26 new cars, 13 of which will be aimed at leading new markets.
The Twingo's clearly not big, but neither is it small, so the "compact" tag Renault have given it is pretty fair.
And it's certainly clever with the space its city-friendly dimensions (3,600mm long, 1,654mm wide and 1,470mm high, with 2,367mm wheelbase) offers.
This includes the largest boot in its class that ranges from 165 to 959 litres, depending on the model.
An impressively perky four-cylinder, eight valve engine powers the Extreme.
A city car, geared for style and commonsense economy, the 0-62mph sprint is reached in 15 seconds, which hardly sounds impressive, but who is likely to want massive accleration in a vehicle like this anyway?
Its shape is eye-catching and young, with boldly flared wheelarches, piercing headlamps and a bee-sting aerial. And those tight dimensions are a boon.
The Extreme features chunky front and rear sports bumpers and front fog lights in keeping with its sporty appearance.
The cabin has a look-good, feel-good quality, which blends ergonomic intelligence with a driver-centric layout.
It's very definitely forward thinking and aimed at the young, technically savvy and image conscious market. I'm not sure about the flick-up style door handles - I fear they could be a problem with heavy wear and tear.
There is a ground-breaking central instrument binnacle and an emphasis on music and connectivity for MP3 players and optional Bluetooth hands-free telephone system which operates via the steering column mounted controls and shown on the radio display.
It looks good, handles well, responds quickly, is alway nifty and generally pretty quiet.
And one final thing. Its got a good, catchy name and that's important, particularly when you consider some of the odd titles which some marques come up with.
FAST FACTS
Renault Twingo Extreme 1.2 3dr
Price: £7,777
Mechanical: 60bhp, 1,149cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 96mph
0-62mph: 15 secs
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 2
CO2 emissions: 132g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust