MID-LIFE make-overs can sometimes be more about style over substance - or even an outright case of the Emperor's New Clothes - but sometimes they really do re-shape and re-vitalise a vehicle.

That's definitely the case with the Peugeot 2008, which has been given a transformation that makes it look beefier, more rugged and purposeful.

At the heart of the exterior makeover are a new grille and nose, larger wheel arches and additional body cladding but there are plenty of other styling enhancements to boost the 2008's appeal.

Since it was launched in 2013 the 2008 has proved a big hit for Peugeot, both in the UK and globally.

Around 40,000 have been sold here and more than 500,000 worldwide.

The range now also benefits from a new top of the range GT Line model, complementing A/C, Active and Allure specification levels.

This was one of the GT Line versions and although it's significantly more expensive than en entry-level model it sees the 2008's new ruggedness further enhanced by black roof rails and door mirror cappings, as well as black alloy wheels, scuff plates and higher ground clearance.

Don't be fooled by that ground clearance though. Despite its SUV-inspired styling it's worth stressing the 2008 is not an SUV in any shape or form.

It is available only as a front-wheel drive vehicle, so dismiss any preconceptions about it being a scaled-down off-roader.

That said it does offer Peugeot's electronic Grip Control system, which means you can select modes to cope with varying road conditions and terrain such as sand, snow and mud. The 2008's tyres are also specially designed to offer extra grip.

The 2008 might be a supermini kind of SUV but it is immensely versatile and practical given its diminutive dimensions.

The cabin is open and roomy and offers the capability to serve as a decent everyday family car. Throw in a boot that boasts 410 litres of carrying capacity and it becomes a very tempting proposition.

Given this was a high-spec model it offered a lot of additional gizmos and features but the refreshed interior of the 2008 impresses overall.

The GT Line comes with a panoramic roof and blind which I really liked and adds to the openness of the cabin.

It also has little flourishes like upgraded seats, red edging around the instruments pod, a satnav and a colour reversing camera.

Engine options include 82, 110 and 130bhp, 1.2-litre, three cylinder petrol units or 75, 100 and 120bhp, four cylinder turbo-diesels.

An automatic gearbox is only available on the 110bhp petrol engine, other than five or six-speed manual gearboxes are offered.

This GT Line model came with a noticeably slick, smooth short-shifting six speed gearbox.

Given the class it is competing in the 2008 is an engaging enough driver's car and it rides nicely too.Its elevated height makes for a little bit of roll when being pushed hard, but that's to be expected.