It comes with a 1.2-litre 16 valve engine with a low C02 emission figure of 139g/km and an economical fuel consumption figure of 5.9L/100 km (47.9 mpg).

Bill Cullen, chairman of Renault Ireland, says that the special styling makes the car a real headturner yet the price is only 125 more than the current entry level model.

Stylish interior and exterior features include Rip Curl graphics on the tailgate, dash, side mouldings, door sills and upholstery to make the car stand out in the crowd.

Fun and style are are at the top of the design agenda. A 4x15W radio, CD, MP3 compatible player with iPod connection, four speakers, two tweeters and fingertip remote controls with multi-function TunePoint are standard features. The steering wheel controls can be used to select iPod tracks.

The standard equipment includes multi-function trip computer, red dashboard, red and charcoal upholstery, electric-heated door mirrors, leather steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats and three rear headrests.

It also carries equipment specially tailored for beach or piste . . . special front rubber mats and rigid rubber bootspace protector with compartment tray to protect carpets from sand or snow.