| Week at the Wheel | Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup |

Inside & Out:

Looking at the Twingo 133, several things stand out. Firstly, the way it hugs the road with a low, wide stance given to it by the broader track and sports suspension fitted to the Renaultsport models - lower still on the Cup car. Secondly, the nice large brakes concealed behind the dark alloy wheels and, sticking with those wheels, it's always a good sign to see tyres stretched over the rims on which they're fitted; it hints at intent and potential and makes us reminisce about cars like the Clio Williams, which shared that same feature.

The interior of this Twingo isn't too different from lesser models. Sports seats with Renaultsport stitching are the main point of note, but there are a few other nice touches in the form of the orange seat belts and Alcantara gear stick surround that lift the tone of the interior, which is in itself relatively dark thanks to the tinted windows. A rev counter mounted in the driver's eye-line, complete with integrated shift indicator, hints at the driving experience to come.

Engine & Transmission:

At odds with some other recent sporting Renaults, and the lesser Twingo GT we drove last year, the hottest Twingo forgoes the addition of a turbo in favour of some good old fashioned high-revving fun. The 1.6-litre four-pot is gutsy enough to provide adequate urge around town but it's in the upper echelons of the steering column mounted tacho's range that things begin to get interesting. Kept on the boil at the higher end - and aided by five closely stacked ratios - the 133 can make relatively rapid progress; certainly enough to keep the driver entertained and engaged.

The friendliness of the Twingo for everyday use is undermined by its lack of manners and long range abilities. Any motorway work - in fact any longish straight - reveals a somewhat obvious requirement for an additional ratio in the 'box. Sustained cruising equates to a noisy and unrefined experience as the short gearing leads to engine speeds towards the upper third of its operating range.

Ride & Handling:

Stiff. That's the first word that springs, if you'll pardon the pun, to mind when driving this Twingo and it's the first thing most passengers comment on. Suspended lower and more firmly than the standard Renaultsport car, the Cup chassis provides an even more focused offering. Amazingly, it's also even more sophisticated because, with the added firmness comes added control and, as well as the obvious talents on well finished surfaces, the Cup displays a genuinely impressive level of composure on the very worst tarmac and it's never more capable than when being pushed hard.

Renault's literature suggests that the Cup is aimed at the track day driver and whilst that may be pushing it a bit there is a genuine depth of talent here that is rare nowadays and would no doubt deliver in that environment. Equally, away from the track on real world A- and B-roads, and when you're in the mood, the 133 is a belting drive. However, when you're not 'on it' and you just want to drive around town or comfortably get from A to B it can be a tiresome companion.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

The 133 Cup is more about the engineering specification than equipment, but it comes kitted out nevertheless complete with air conditioning and the full complement of electrics, perhaps somewhat at odds with those track day claims. Running costs will be reasonable but don't expect supermini economy if you use the Twingo as its maker intended; a little over 30mpg was our average and the short gearing hampers the cruising figures too. The talent of the chassis probably justifies the price tag alone. Interestingly, our usual trawl through the Internet yielded little in the way of savings on Renault's list pricing.

Overall:

Taking the basic quality of the Twingo hatch and breathing some Renaultsport know how on it was only ever going to result in one thing: hilarity. And so it proves, as the Cup 133 delivers giggles by the bus load and a smiles-per-mile quotient that's hard to beat at any price. Ultimate usability is in question due to refinement and equally dubious is whether a track day enthusiast would spend nigh on £12,000 on this car rather than a more dedicated offering, but putting these details aside we should rejoice in a small hatch that harks back to what most of us remember a hot hatch to be.