IF ever a car was designed to offer a fabulous, exhilarating drive in and around town, then that car is without doubt the Peugeot 207GTi.
It oozes power, handles exceptionally well and has enough style to turn heads at first glance.
My particulau model was white - it's not until you drive one that colour that you realise how few white cars are on the road these days - and this added to its unique feel.
From the moment you settle into the bucket-shaped seats - which are figure-hugging, but not uncomfortably so - adjust the reach and rake, it's almost like this car was personally made for you.
Turn the ignition key and the 1.6-litre engine roars into life and you just know this car is going to be fun, fun and more fun!
The interior is laden with top-of-the-range specifications with half-leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, a perfectly-placed central console and perfect-pitch sound system.
If I had to find fault, it would be the volume control button is a tad fiddly, but a small price to pay for such ear-bursting Blaupunkt power.
To my delight, the flawless 'built-up-area' driving is adequately matched by an open-road performance that boasts power, handling and outstanding acceleration.
There is room for four adults, although the rear-seat passengers can expect to be a little cramped at times. And there is also an impressive storage area in the boot, along with numerous other compartments scattered throughout the cabin.
Of course, safety features highly too. In fact, the 207 GTi incorporates a major innovation, the Steering Stability Program. This is the first time this system has been applied by Peugeot to a small hatch and drastically improves braking safety in all conditions.
In the Euro NCAP safety ratings, the 207 GTi was awarded the highest score of five stars for occupants' safety and highly commended in other areas too.
All in all, the 207 is a fabulous drive and possibly one of the best small cars in its class.
FAST FACTS
Peugeot 207 GTi THP 175 3dr
Price: £14,995
Mechanical: 175bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 7.1 secs
Combined mpg: 39.2
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 171g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 12yrs anti-rust, 3yrs paint