The 2023 Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 100 EAT8 in Active Premium+ trim is a masterclass in how to blend chic French design with everyday usability. Even in its mid-range guise, the 208 oozes visual flair, from its claw-like LED running lights to the bold grille and sculpted flanks, this is a supermini that looks every inch the style icon. The Active Premium+ doesn?t shout about itself, but with its 16-inch alloys, gloss black detailing, and subtly confident stance, it makes a quietly sophisticated impression. Under the bonnet lies Peugeot?s familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, here in its 100bhp tune paired to the smooth-shifting EAT8 automatic gearbox. It?s a lively, characterful powertrain, with enough torque to make light work of city driving and surprisingly competent on faster roads. The gearbox is well-judged, never rushed, but rarely caught napping, and contributes to a driving experience that?s more refined than one might expect from a car of this class. Inside, the 208 impresses with its signature i-Cockpit layout: a compact steering wheel, raised digital dials, and a driver-focused dashboard that feels both futuristic and upmarket. While the Active Premium+ doesn?t get the full 3D instrument cluster of higher trims, it still boasts a slick 7-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. The cabin feels solid, well-trimmed, and refreshingly different, a welcome departure from the supermini norm. In short, the 208 doesn?t just do the basics well, it wraps them in charm and polish, making it one of the most desirable small cars on the road today.