BOOT space tends to be one of the last attributes named by car makers when they are in the process of launching a new supermini.

That's not the case with Peugeot though, as the French brand prepares for next month's arrival of the new 108.

Conscious of the fact that the boot is an often under-appreciated area of consideration for today's small car buyer, the 108 will boast 196 litres of carrying capacity - up from 139 litres on the Peugeot 107.

And while that's large enough for a ‘weekly shop' from the supermarket, the boot sill is also 20mm lower for easier loading.

Another practical innovation is the new parcel shelf, the solid unit of the outgoing model being replaced by a fabric cover which lies flat against the inside of the hatchback glass when the boot is open.

As the tailgate is pulled down, the cover pivots to the horizontal position, hiding whatever is below.

The hatchback itself now features twin gas struts for additional stability when open, compared to the single support on the 107.

Also at the rear of the newcomer is another convenience feature - a reversing camera built into the rear bumper, just above the number plate - standard on the two highest trim levels in the range, Allure and Feline.

The rear bench seat splits 50:50 for extra practicality and each side can be folded using a separate fabric handle accessible from the boot.

These handles are the only component of the 107 carried over to the new car.

Available in three and five-door body styles, the 108 has interior space for up to four occupants, with almost identical cabin measurements to the 107.

The driver's seat is now height-adjustable on all but the entry level, Access trim, and on three-door models both front seats gain a memory function.

This means they will always return to the same position when tilted forward to allow passengers into the rear.

Peugeot says that premium features are part of the 108 ownership experience and on all but Access trim level the car comes with a multi-function steering wheel, while air-con is standard on three out of the four trim levels.