Should you buy one?

Yes, especially if your main concerns are style and efficiency. It’s more expensive and arguably not as complete an all-rounder as the Renault Clio or Skoda Fabia, though, and it is not as good to drive as the Ford Fiesta, but the Peugeot 208 has bags of charm and character, which makes up for its firm ride and lack of rear room.

It offers a wide range of performance from a compact set of engines (plus an electric version), and an enhanced tech and driver assistance package to bring the Peugeot in line with its rivals. Useful aids like lane assist and adaptive cruise control give this small hatchback access to big-car tech, while the 3D i-Cockpit display in particular is a genuine highlight – and the fact its effect is mostly cosmetic doesn’t diminish how impressive it is to use.

But it’s the styling that sells it for us. The 208 looks fantastic even in its most basic trim and it still manages to stand out in a world where car design seems to be rapidly converging.

What we like

The interior is a cut above all of its rivals in terms of design and trims, and as such is a lovely place to spend your time. It’s decent to drive and there’s plenty of powertrain choice.

What we don’t like

The lack of rear room is probably not a big deal for most buyers in this class, but it will become an annoyance on those occasions when you need to sling someone in the back. It’s also relatively expensive compared with its rivals, especially the Skoda Fabia.