So it was back to the drawing board and it will now be September at the earlier before we see the car on the forecourts.

The model is eagerly awaited by buyers here and in the UK as the previous version never made it into right-hand drive. When it arrives it will compete with cars like the Toyota Aygo, Kia Picanto and Citroen C1.

The Twingo has been a firm favourite on the continent for a number of years because of the trendy looks and low prices and the French company hopes that it can create the same enthusiasm when it arrives here.

It will come in a 3-door version only and has been designed to appeal to as wide an audience as possible.