SOME cars seem to come from nowhere, almost left field, to produce stunning sales.

I'm not sure if Peugeot was expecting the runaway sales figures across Europe for the 2008 but will no doubt be delighted.

So, the perennial problem after every three years or so, how do we revamp without compromising a winning product?

Making it look better is one option and offering a wide choice of trim, standard kit and engines is another.

The latest 2008, launched this summer, has done that and with a new design to include new wheel arch extensions, new bonnet style, grille and smart headlights and a truly sporting look with a new range-topping GT Line model.

The newcomer also features Peugeot's Grip Control which directs power and increased traction to either of the front wheels depending on conditions.

A rotary dial allows you to select setting for mud, sand and snow. Add winter tyres and car and driver are well able to handle inclement conditions.

With its smart roof rails, eye-catching 17-inch black alloys, a full length panoramic roof and electric blind plus GT flashes in subtle red lettering, the latest 2008 looks more than just a practical compact crossover vehicle, despite sitting that bit higher off the ground.

At around £20,000, this model is not cheap, but is fully loaded with kit, however the entry level Access comes in at a shade under £14,000.

Like all Peugeots, the interior is high quality, with soft touch finish to dash and door and the ‘less is more' ‘i-Cockpit' dash and control layout.

This includes a multi-function seven-inch touch screen which controls major functions such as sound, sat nav, climate and connectivity including smartphone and MirrorLink which allow certain phone apps to be displayed. The instrument binnacle features two elliptical dials.

The dark interior is offset with sporty red stitching on seats and doors and alloy finish to the snazzy handbrake, gear lever steering wheel and door trim. Topping it off are the sporty alloy pedals.

On the road, the 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech petrol engine in the GT Line proved a lively performer.

It can hit 60mph from a standing start in under 10 seconds, the power delivered with the throaty rasp typical of three pot engines.

It is pretty economical too, with a claimed 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km.

Despite sitting higher off the road, the new 2008 feels nimble enough while the ride is slightly firm, but not uncomfortable.

It proved a good long-distance cruiser, comfortabe at motorway speeds, with road and wind noise at a minimum.

Crossovers need to be practical and the 2008 can accommodate four adults who all have decent head and legroom and the boot is will swallow a decent 410 litres of luggage.

Fold down the rear seats at the touch of a button and this increases dramatically to 1,400 litres. The boot level is at a good height to allow for easier loading.

For those who like their bells and whistles, the GT Line just about provides it all, with the usual raft of electric aids, reversing camera, ambient interior lighting, tinted glass and a high quality sound system.

Like all Peugeots it is also packed with safety kit, which includes a full complement of airbags, assisted braking and stability control.