If we’re talking about a car with a rear-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, you’d usually expect us to be describing a product of Stuttgart.

This time, however, we’re talking French. Well, Slovenian technically, as that’s where production of Renault’s Twingo city car takes place.

Renault -Twingo -GT-rear

Power comes from Renault’s 898cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which produces 82kW/170Nm. That mightn’t sound much (and it isn’t) but bear in mind the Twingo weighs less than a tonne and performance should be sprightly, if not intimidating.

Renault also claims “precise cornering and outstanding road-holding” thanks to 17-inch wheels, revised suspension, variable-rate steering and a new ESP calibration.

Renault -Twingo -GT-top

Sadly for Australian Regie enthusiasts (and there are plenty) the Twingo GT won’t be making its way Down Under, but if you happen to be going to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, you’ll be able to see it on display.