THE Peugeot 208 and its predecessors the 207, 206 and 205 has been one of the best selling small cars in Europe for many years.

It is the French firm's best selling car by some distance and that is easily explained.

The 208 has appeal across both genders, is stylish, particularly the three-door version, versatile, well equipped, has a quality interior, is relatively cheap to buy and with its latest engines, to run.

The latest version, facelifted this year, is the most stylish yet.

Available in three and five-door hatchback body styles, it offers plenty of neat touches like the small and sporty steering wheel, new technology such as Active City Brake and a rear view camera and its optional unique textured paint.

Some wag commented: "What colour is that then, primer grey?" In fact it was ice grey, the only other option available on this being ice silver.

The granular matt finish certainly attracted attention, offset as it was by the optional lime yellow personalisation pack both inside and out.

The splashes of brilliant colour contrast nicely with the otherwise upgraded dark soft touch trim to dashboard and doors.

The textured paint has a granular feel and Peugeot says it is more hard-wearing than conventional matt paint and offers exceptional resistance to micro-scratching. It's guaranteed for the lifetime of the car, but costs only the same as a pearlescent paint finish at £645.

They are clever additions to an even better looking car. Revisions include new, smart alloy wheels, larger grille design with new black and chrome two-tone lights above a restyled front bumper, wider grille and newly-designed headlamps, as well as 3D ‘claw' LED rear lights.

Peugeot interiors these days have an executive feel with high quality fixtures and soft touch finish.

The also feature the firm's de-cluttered dash with many major functions operated from the central seven-inch touch screen.

The only issue is getting the small steering wheel in position to view the instruments. Interior space is decent generally, with good head and legroom to the front and it feels light and airy, particularly with the optional panoramic sunroof.

Four new engines include the PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel Euro 6-compliant range in addition to a new, slick-changing EAT6 automatic gearbox.

The three cylinder one litre petrol engine is fun, punchy and economical, but the 1.6 litre diesel tested here is even more so.

Claimed economy is a whopping 83-odd mpg with CO2 emissions a miserly 87g/km.

Despite its green credentials, performance is crisp enough and the diesel is refined enough not to intrude into the cabin.

Decent soundproofing means road and wind noise barely intrude.

Handling is decent, if not class leading, but this is small family car. If it's the thrilling drive you want, then go for the GTi.

For a small supermini practicality is good with a respectable 285 litres available, which can be increased by folding the rear seats, to open up a cargo space of 1,152 litres. There are plenty of other holders, compartments and cubby holes.

The entry-level Access features electric windows, Bluetooth, cruise control, stability control and six airbags, while the Allure tested here adds alloys, auto wipers and lights, parking sensors and powered door mirrors.

The 208 ticks most of the boxes on safety with a comprehensive raft of kit.