The spirit of Nicole and Papa lives on in the economical new Renault Clio, says RAY MASSEY

The spirit of Nicole and Papa truly lives on in the economical new appearance of the evergreen Renault Clio.

And that’s especially the case with the bargain 1-litre petrol TCe 90 I drove after the model was quietly reintroduced to the Clio range.

For younger readers, the archetypal French duo Nicole and Papa were the face of the Renault Clio for seven years between 1991 and 1998, thanks to a series of clever, cheeky and charming TV ads that chronicled their adventures with the hatchback.

Renault believes there is still a market for affordable cars that are not electric, have manual transmission (this Clio has six) and good buttons and dials. It is correct. While Renault has an ambitious electric car program, sales of pure electric cars to private buyers are stagnating.

It was refreshing to step into an all-combustion car that offered joyful and engaging driving.

I drove the range-topping Clio Esprit Alpine TCe 90 with sporty seats and upholstery that pays tribute to the Alpine racing heritage of its Renault Group sibling. It costs £21,295 (including the optional Iron Blue metallic paint, which will set you back £700).

The top speed is 180 km/h and thanks to CO2 emissions of 120 g/km, the road tax in the first year is € 210.

Renault believes there is still a market for affordable non-electric cars

A car with a pure combustion engine that offers joyful and engaging driving

But the entry-level Evolution trim TCe 90 starts from £17,995 OTR (around £3,500 cheaper than the hybrid version), while the Techno version costs from £19,395 OTR.

Admittedly, with 90 hp it is not powerful. But it’s fun, smooth and agile, accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 12.2 seconds. Top speed is 180 km/h and thanks to CO2 emissions of 120 g/km, road tax in the first year is £210. Nicole and Dad would love it.

MG takes orders for Cyberster

The festive weekend is here and there are tempting cars to splash your cash on as MG Motor UK takes orders for its sparkling new two-seater electric Cyberster roadster with dramatic, uplifting scissor doors.

But the Cyberster – designed at Chinese-owned MG’s London design studio – doesn’t come cheap. First deliveries in August will start from £54,995 for the 340 PS (250 kW) single-motor rear-wheel drive model, which will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds and has an official range of 516 miles – enough to get from London to Newcastle .

Save your money: MG Motor UK is taking orders for its sparkling new two-seater Cyberster electric roadster

The more performance-oriented flagship Cyberster GT version from 59,995 euros with twin motor and all-wheel drive of 503 hp (375 kW) – the most powerful production model in MG’s 100-year history – accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds with a shorter range of 276 miles.

Both versions have four driving modes and come with a seven-year, 130,000 kilometer warranty.

Mercedes hopes the new electric G-Class 4×4 will arrive on the scene

Mercedes hopes its huge new electric G-Class 4×4 will turn heads with affluent customers.

The massive battery-powered ‘Chelsea tractor’ SUV was launched simultaneously in Los Angeles and at the Beijing Motor Show, before going on sale later this year for almost £200,000.

With a similar look to the recently updated petrol or diesel G-Class, it is also aimed at celebrities, footballers and bling lovers.

‘Chelsea tractor’: Mercedes hopes its huge new electric G-Class 4×4 will resonate with affluent customers

Officially it is called the ‘G580 with EQ technology’, after Benz’s electric car branch. Four independent electric motors with a total power of 580 hp drive each wheel and are powered by a 116 kWh battery, giving the car a range of up to 470 kilometers.