FUNKY is word too often used when describing small or budget cars.
The word, according to one dictionary, can mean having a mouldy or musty smell or more likely when describing cars; characterized by originality and modishness; unconventional.
But the Peugeot 107 does possess these characteristics, even if they are shared by direct competitors, the Toyota Yaris and Citroen's C1 which are based on the same platform.
All look stylish, but the curves and bulges of the Peugeot, together with the trademark shark grille and lion emblem edges it.
It is a car for budget motoring, but that does not mean corner have been cut in terms of quality.
Cheap to buy initially, the one litre petrol engine is capable of around 60mpg, it is cheap to insure and the low CO2 emissions put it in the cheapest road tax category.
The 68bhp three cylinder engine is quite spritely and is more than quick enough around town to get out of tight situations. It sounds like a more powerful car, the exhaust has a throaty rasp under acceleration, although it does run out of puff on the motorway.
The gearbox is slightly notchy but the ride is pretty decent except on the most potholed of surfaces. Handling is just so-so as the car tends to wallow a little on corners - not that you will be throwing this type of car around anyway.
The interior of the car is well laid out and yes, funky.
A combination of black and luminescent plastic on the heater controls give a nice display in the dark, while the main dial in the binnacle has all the information necessary. The funkiness is spoiled a little by the 'bolt-on' rev counter above the binnacle. This gives it the look of Micky Mouse minus one ear and seems unnecessary.
The car is not awash with luxury but feels solid and well manufactured, as do all Peugeots.
Large glass areas give good all round vision while the seats are both firm and comfortable.
It is also functional, because despite its size the 107 is a big little car.
Big on interior space, with masses of head and legroom for driver and passenger and a fair amount too, for rear passengers.
This is made possible by the wheel in each corner layout of the car that maximises interior space, but inevitably compromises boot space. You may just get a couple of medium sized shopping bags, but forget about anything with any bulk or weight because it is accessed by a hinged window rather than a conventional boot or hatchback lid.
Standard equipment on all models includes: electric power steering, driver and passenger airbags, stereo radio / single CD player with MP3 socket, ABS with electronic brake force distribution) and cornering stability control.
In terms of safety it is also impressive front and side airbags and it scores four NCAP stars for passenger and child safety and two for pedestrian safety.
Funky, fun, cheap and built to last the 107 tickes all the right boxes.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 107 1.0 Urban 5dr
Price: £8,795
Mechanical: 68bhp, 998cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 100mph
0-62mph: 14.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 62.7
Insurance group: 1
CO2 emissions: 106g/km
BiK rating: 10%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles