It's not a car you'll want to zip about in, so we'd go for the smallest petrol engine, the 1.4. This gives out 95bhp, which is good for its size. There are also a 1.6 and 1.8, should you want something a little stronger. They're also the only engines to be available with auto 'boxes, although these are very rare.

Of the diesels, the 105bhp 1.9 is much smoother than the 80bhp version, and uses less fuel, too.

In 2001 and 2002, Renault loaded more kit as standard on to the cars to keep them competitive, so even the entry-level model, the Authentique, had electric everything.

We'd move one up to the Expression, though, which had standard air-con, or the Expression Plus, which also had a CD player and electric sunroof. Dynamique, Sport and Privilege are the top trims, but they're rare and not worth the extra cash. Buy from used dealers for the best value.

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