Road test: Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 110 Allure

Small SUVs are big business these days. Nissan’s Juke and Renault’s Captur are doing well, and Peugeot has sold 600,000 of its 2008 model since it appeared in 2013.

To keep it up to date Peugeot has refreshed the 2008, giving it rather more aggressive front styling and slapping butch-looking plastic cladding on its wheel-arches.

Little has changed in the cabin. It still has a clear and simple layout and there is still a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, from 1.2 to 1.6 litres, including a new 110hp PureTech petrol unit.

It retains the optional Grip Control adapted traction system, which may not be as good as a four-wheel drive but should be enough to help you out of tricky, low-grip situations.

The ride, handling and grip are all fine. This is a nice little car, with willing engines and good economy. It does nothing badly but lacks the character to make it stand out from the crowd.