Peugeot has had a busy and productive few years, overhauling everything from the 2008 to the 508 amid widespread approval.

With its increasingly dynamic-looking line-up of vehicles, the French firm has been going from strength to strength.

Now, the 208 has been given some contemporary flair – resulting in a stunning supermini to rival the ever-popular Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio,

For starters, this is a quite awesome-looking machine, from whatever angle you choose to view it.

At the front, the fang-like headlights and the downward light strip that curls inwards to replicate the shape of the grille create a superb-looking effect..

The meaty bonnet is heavily sculpted in a way that reflects the light to complement the overall shape of the grille, as seen in the top right image.

From the side, the silhouette is easy on the eye, while the rear end is very sporty, boasting a slick black roof spoiler, stylish triple claw tail lights and angular design.

This GT line version, with its more exuberant wheels and gloss black details, is even more striking than its more understated stablemates.

Once inside, there’s also plenty to like about the interior.

The lines of the dashboard flow beautifully into the doors, with the dash characterised by a stepped design which creates a two-tiered effect.

In the upper tier, you’ll find the media/nav system, which is nicely angled towards the driver.

The Peugeot i-Cockpit is an impressive feature, while eight-colour ambient lighting is sufficient to cater for most tastes.

For example, you can select the red ambient lighting for a more dynamic experience or blue for a more serene experience.

The instrument panel, meanwhile, displays clear and crisp graphics.

Anyone who’s driven another Peugeot model recently may be familiar with the company’s piano key switches controlling a variety of functions in the cabin. To good effect, these have now been added to the 208’s cabin, adding a further dash of sophistication.

The front seats are supportive, comfortable and not lacking in adjustment. In the back, legroom is a bit tight, but no more than you’d expect from a supermini.

The 208 is built on the latest generation CMP platform - shared with the new Corsa - meaning it’s bigger but lighter than its predecessor.

There are numerous powertrain options, but my test car was powered by Peugeot’s excellent 1.2-litre petrol engine.

The three-cylinder direct fuel-injection unit, which is turbocharged, offers 129bhp and 230Nm of torque, feeling sprightly in most everyday situations.

During a day trip from Yorkshire to Derbyshire’s Peak District, I was able to test the 208’s performance on one of the country’s best driving routes – Mortimer Road over Strines Moor.

Some motoring journalists have suggested the 208’s steering lags behind that of the Fiesta, but I immediately felt at one with it, finding it trustworthy and sharp as I negotiated the twisty road, which ends near the iconic Ladybower Reservoir.

The ‘Pug’ felt superbly balanced through the bends, displaying an almost go-kart-like quality thanks to its low centre of gravity.

Helping the 208’s sense of agility is the small steering wheel, which allows you to almost ‘flick’ the car through the corners.

The ride quality is rather indifferent, although the occasional harshness and thudding over road imperfections is small price to pay for the dynamic handling offered by the firmer set-up.

In conclusion, there’s lots to like about the all-new 208.

It’s handsome, drives well and has a cabin designed to make the driver feel special.

No wonder, then, that it scooped the coveted European Car of the Year Award earlier this month.

Peugeot 208 GT Line

ENGINE: 1.2L PureTech 130

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed Automatic

PRICE: £23,350 OTR

PERFORMANCE: Top speed of 129mph, 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds

ECONOMY: WLTP Combined Low-Combined High fuel economy: 46.0-51.9mpg

CO2 emissions: 103g/km (NEDC-based estimate)