Renault haven’t had the best of times of late. A mixture of too many models and tough economic times in its key markets in mainland Europe have taken a toll.

Models have been ditched (there’s no Modus or Laguna any more) but Renault aficionados should worry not: the brand has re-found its va va voom, as Thierry Henry might have said.

Megane is going from strength to strength, it has a new bargain-priced Dacia range which will sell like hot gateaux and, very importantly, the new Clio is tres bien.

Clio has been around since 1990 and was once seen as the most chic of superminis. Women, especially, loved it. But new Clio is already a success with 4,000 orders banked.

It has a bolder, more macho style, larger windows to create a lighter cabin and more ‘personalisation’, That is, it has more ways to make the Clio just like you want it.

Personalisation is the in thing. Vauxhall’s new Adam is said to have one million combinations and while Clio makes no such claims, it has enough to make it appeal to younger motorists – for ever the Clio’s strength.

It was always a good car but it has lost its way of late.

The new Clio gains a new, stylish face. The bold nose will feature in a growing number of Renaults and should help make it a vigorous brand again.

Clio starts at £10,595 and comes as Expression, Expression Plus, Dynamique Medianav and Dynamique S Medianav.

Tested here is Dynamique Medianav, expected to be the biggest selling version.

Dynamique means it comes with minor leather trim, 16in alloy wheels, chrome and matt black features, economy mode and an upmarket stereo, Bluetooth connectivity and USB features.

The Medianav title refers to an integrated 7in touchscreen and satellite navigation system.

Most versions will be three-door models in line with Renault’s prediction that five-door cars of this size are declining in popularity. That surprises me, but Renault are sure of their research.

All Clios come with electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist and a keycard entry system with push-button ignition – no need to juggle with keys when your hands are full of shopping. Even the base models come laden with chrome trim, pollen filters, body-coloured bumpers and twin, side and curtain airbags. In line with Clio’s bid to win the youth vote, it has the option of colour-trimmed dashboards (red is said to be very popular) and an impressive set of wheel choices.

Other wheel options include roof decals, extra tinted windows and improved stereo systems.

Clio always was a sensible choice. especially among women. Now Renault hope men may be seduced a little, too.