Renault has confirmed that its new Twingo model will be available in the UK from September.

Although the Twingo has been popular in Europe since 1993, it has never before been available in the UK, because of the costs associated with converting it to right hand drive.

The company unveiled the model at the Geneva Motor Show. It has been restyled with features that will appeal to younger drivers, such as iPod connectivity and Bluetooth hands-free telephone controls. It is also customisable with a range of transfers.

The three-door only car will have four independently sliding seats to make the maximum use of space and will also have ample storage space.

Two versions of the car will be launched - the Twingo Dynamique will feature a 1.2-litre, 16-valve, 75 hp petrol engine, while the GT version includes Renault’s new TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) 1.2-litre, 100 hp petrol engine as used in the Clio and Modus.

The Twingo is expected to sell for around £8,500, although lower-specification versions will be available in other European markets and are expected to be introduced to Britain later, priced at around £7,000.

A Renaultsport variant is expected in summer 2008, with a tuned version of the GT’s turbo.