IT is a straightforward choice: six of one or half a dozen of the other.
However figures can mean a lot, or nothing, confirm opinion or confuse.
Peugeot is pulling out of Britain, right?
Well, the French car maker may be closing its factory at Ryton in Coventry but the brand is definetely staying.
The British market has been very good for Peugeot over the years and the old 205 GTi was one of their best sellers - especially in Britain.
Times, like economies, change and today's hot-hatch buyer wants more than a small swift car. They want a safe, stylish and more spacious machine which sips fuel as it speeds along.
Enter the Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi 110 GT.
With more numbers than some recent English cricket innings, the new Peugeot is a tough test on many counts.
It provides excellent economy with very useful everyday performance and an attractive amount of equipment which includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, powered mirrors and front windows, CD player, cloth and leather seats, and four front airbags - as well as electronic stability control.
Where it sits in the market puts it up against some bigger competitors, some with more powerful engines, and a few with matching or better equipment. But it is how the Peugeot diesel GT brings it all together which makes it so attractive.
The proven engine produces good through the gears acceleration from rest or moving while its overall economy is remarkably and effortlessly achieved.
Responses are quick and refined with very low noise level through the power range.
Gear ratios pack punch and produce long legged leanness while the light and precise steering has good feel and the brakes are beautifully balanced between power and precision.
The car comes with three or five doors and the latter is better for families even if you think it doesn't look as good as its stablemate. Certainly, climbing into the back seats of the three-door is difficult.
The hatch opens high to reveal a sensibly shaped and fairly roomy boot providing between 270 and 1,475 litres capacity, but you have to watch the height of goods being loaded.
The room for passengers is tight in the back but good in front and the seats are all well shaped and supporting.
Ride quality is exceptionally good for a sporting small hatch. It soaks up bumps and potholes without causing body roll or pitching and its roadholding is reassuring while its handling is very precise and fail-safe.
You can drive it confidently - and wonder where all the fuel is not going because the needle on the gauge barely moves for scores of miles.
Visibility from the driving seat is better than most of its rivals with thin roof pillars and a low waistline making it a dawdle to park in the smallest space.
For all its performance it remains remarkably composed and quiet as well with hardly any engine or road noise becoming apparent.
It is one of the best 'warm' hatches on the market today.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 207 GT HDi 110 3dr
Price: £14,745
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 10.1 secs
Combined mpg: 58.8
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 126g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 12yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust