Driving any car with vigour on the tight and demanding Gerotek test track will definitely highlight any failings. After some spirited driving, where the little Renault Twingo was taxed to the maximum, I came away with respect for its abilities.

When thrown hard into those tight corners it responded with great verve, its neutral characteristics around those bends a highlight. And I hammered the brakes hard and late, the Twingo staying with the game with optimal ease. I was impressed.

The new Renault Twingo has another feature ? going from modern, urban chic to high-fashion on the automotive modelling runway the visually attractive Cope will also be unveiled. Not that the Twingo isn?t eye-catching in its own right, the aesthetics perfectly matching Renault's proud boast of this being the epitome of the city car ethos.

It?s undeniably cute, featuring compact dimensions while still incorporating unmistakable Renault family styling cues to further set it apart from the crowd. The new Twingo speaks the energy put into it by this passionate French team, seemingly bursting with enthusiasm.

And yet despite this terrier-like impression, this small city car excels in practicality as well. In fact it?s a true master of duality; funky yet comfortable, easy to handle yet secure on the open road, economical yet exceptionally safe, even packing integrated communications features in-line with a distinctly modern image.

"For Renault, compromise is not in our nature, so we bring you the Twingo. An ultra funky little vehicle, Twingo combines top class practicality with motoring comfort while offering a host of customization and connectivity options.

"Representative of Renault?s new ECO2 symbol, Twingo affirms our commitment to a product offering that is both economical and ecological," says Renault of this exciting new model.

The new Renault Logan 1.6 instead is totally different to the Twingo experience on the racetrack and on the road. In fact one really cannot expect the superb results of the Twingo from a car that retails for a fraction under R100 000. For what you pay it?s worth it, but lacks the finesse of the more expensive equally sized sedans. However it should find an easy niche at the entry level of its segment. It will be available in SA showrooms immediately before local production of its hatchback sibling Sandero that gets rolling in January 2009.

Sharing the same B0 platform as the Sandero, Logan offers the identical, strong value proposition of this affordable hatchback. A similarly generous interior, extensive spec sheet and affordable purchase price, the Logan is even more practical with its commodious boot, ideal for the growing family in need of a reliable, affordable daily driver.

Despite the R99 950 starting price tag, entry level Logan models packs niceties such as power steering, electric windows, ABS with EBD and front airbags. Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder single overhead cam 2-valve petrol engine with optimised torque for relaxed stop-start driving it also features a class-leading boot volume as well as the exceptionally roomy interior that the versatile B0 platform provides.