IT'S the pint-sized Peugeot with 5,000 different ways to look good.

That's the number of variations Peugeot claims are available to personalise a 108.

There's method in the madness as the city mini is part of a joint venture that is also responsible for the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1 - with all models built at the same factory in the Czech Republic.

So to distinguish the 108 from its siblings Peugeot has ensured its baby can stand out from the pack while its parentage is beyond dispute.

To do this the 108 adopts a more upmarket feel with the addition of a ‘floating' chrome grille and neat headlights now seen on the French marque's latest motors.

There are also a set of trademark claw lights at the back to mimic the company's lion logo, as well as a natty spoiler.

A variety of paint jobs, including a two-tone finish that will have the fashionistas swooning, and a number of snazzy sticker packs make it easy to differentiate your motor from the herd.

The interior is similarly slick and well designed. Options include different coloured finishes for the dash and centre console which costs £100 and look good.

The benefit of joint development and production can be seen in the price tag as the 108 offers a lot of big-car goodies for a small-car financial outlay.

The cabin's main event is a seven-inch colour touchscreen - available on all but the entry-level model - which offers easy access to the trip computer, vehicle settings and in-car entertainment featuring a DAB digital radio.

It also doubles as the reversing camera screen which, married to a tight turning circle, makes parking in tricky spots easy. Also provided is the USB, aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity essential for iPods, MP3 players and smartphones.

There are also steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls so you don't have to hunt around the dashboard for the relevant button.

A comfortable atmosphere is maintained by an efficient air conditioning system and there is a surprising amount of room so four adults can be accommodated without amputation becoming necessary.

There's lots of cubby hole space with a glovebox, door pockets, trays and cup holders providing caring homes for all your bits and bobs.

The boot's 196-litre capacity can handle a family's weekly supermarket shopping expedition with 868 litres available when the rear seats are folded.

The low load lip and a fabric luggage blind attached to the tailgate creates a wide mouth for a small car.

Power is provided by either a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre three-pot petrol engine in either three or five-door body styles.

If your ambitions are limited to being an urban warrior then the smaller unit should meet your needs but for those looking to venture on to a motorway the larger 82bhp beast should be the choice.

Fuel economy for all engines is excellent while pollution is kept to a minimum - the 1.2-litre achieved around 60mpg during my time with the car while boasting tax free carbon dioxide emissions of 99g/km.

There's a bit of zest about the 108 so it is no slouch when the lights go green. The handling is composed and there is a reassuring amount of grip.

Safety is handled by six airbags and stability control while Peugeot's active city brake and lane departure warning systems can be added for £390.