Building on a recent run of form from Peugeot, the new 2008 inherits the sharp design language that?s made such a success of its 3008 big brother and shares foundations with the DS 3 Crossback. Launching into an intensely competitive sector filled with talented and equally style-focused rivals, the 2008?s combination of style and the choice of petrol, diesel and full electric powertrains is impressive, likewise its user-friendly controls, practicality and excellent ride. As a bang-up-to-date model the 2008 benefits from the latest safety equipment and comes as standard with an impressive array of technology to keep you out of trouble. Standard features include active lane-keeping assistance, which actually tweaks the steering to keep you between the white lines should you start running wide. Automatic braking meanwhile brings you to a halt should a pedestrian step out in front of the car while the screen-mounted camera relays speed limits and other traffic sign information to the dash display. This is good enough for a four-star NCAP rating, which increases to a full five-star score on Allure and up, thanks to more sophisticated automatic braking that works in dark and low-visibility situations too. The flagship GT version gets the full kit, including blind spot detection that steers you out of a collision should you fail to see a vehicle alongside and full active cruise control with stop and go function in traffic. Black, £18,479