IF you want to get a grip on your motoring life then have a look at the Peugeot 2008.

The new compact crossover offers the strength and dynamism of a sport utility vehicle as well as the economy and manoeuvrability of a large supermini.

There are clever electronics fitted which make it versatile and adaptable when it comes to where you can drive it.

Principle among these new gizmos is something called Grip Control - which is fitted as standard on the Allure and top-of the range Feline models.

This offers a number of different driving modes which, together with the high ride height plus mud and snow tyres, give the car an off-road capability normally unthinkable for a front-wheel drive motor.

The driver can adapt the 2008 to the terrain encountered via a dial located handily on the centre console. As well as normal mode there are settings for Snow, Off-Road, Sand and ESP Off which disconnects stability and traction controls.

The 2008 takes the Peugeot 208 as its starting point so the exterior styling bears some resemblance although the 2008 is both wider and longer, as well as riding 96mm higher.

It features the supermini's stylish swept-back headlights and in-your-face chome grille. Roof rails are fitted as standard while muscular wheelarches and a rugged look help give the desired SUV feel. 

With this commitment to no-nonsense design you might expect the interior to follow a similar practical path.

But the cabin has a softer feel - particularly at night when the Feline's panoramic glass roof emits a dimmed blue light which gives the interior a slightly unearthly feel. The seats are comfortable and there's a nice finish on all surfaces with gloss black and satin chrome inserts catching the eye.

Opt for the e-HDi 115 diesel engine with the stop/start function and you'll remain out of this world thanks to its ability to go for miles on a thimbleful of fuel while emitting little in the way of tax attracting carbon dioxide.

Performance is reasonably punchy as well with the 115bhp engine able to propel the 2008 from 0-62mph in a shade over 10 seconds on its way to a top speed of 117mph.

The Feline model I drove has satellite navigation accessed through a colour touch-screen positioned prominently on the dashboard within easy reach and at eye level.

But even the entry-level Access+ gets goodies such as electric front windows and door mirrors, remote controlled central locking, cruise control with speed limiter, air conditioning plus a radio/CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls.

All versions of the 2008 are fitted with various bits of wizardry designed to keep you out of trouble as well as six airbags to minimise injury should an accident be unavoidable.

Thanks to a wide range of adjustment it is easy to get comfortable behind the wheel while all passengers have a decent amount of room and plenty of cubby holes to store their bits and bobs. The rear seats easily flip down flat creating a large space capable of handling all but the largest and most awkward of items.

The 2008 is a versatile package with a quality interior and decent running costs that make it a decent addition to the compact crossover sector.