SUVs are hot. Peugeot has sold 600,000 2008s around the world since 2013, 40,000 of them in the UK.

To keep the 2008 sales temperature up, and to distract buyers who might be looking at Renault's Captur or Nissan's Juke, the 2016 version has been given a new front end styling and lights, bigger wheelarches and new kickplates on the top two trim levels.

Under the skin, Grip Control (Peugeot's advanced off-road traction control system) has been fitted. New boxes on the options list include emergency city braking, self-park and two new paint colours.

At the top of the range, GT Line is the sporty and aggressive option. We tried it, along with Peugeot's proven 129bhp turbocharged three-cylinder Puretech petrol engine that’s being used for the first time in the 2008.

Despite its name and unique paint accents, the GT Line isn't going to set many drivers’ pants on fire. The Puretech engine works well enough in town and on the motorway, but hills do require the driver to stir the gearbox. In the 2008 this engine feels more vibey than it does in Peugeot's own 308, and a good bit of wind and tyre roar invades the cabin when you’re pressing on.

The 2008's aggressive steering (controlled by Peugeot's giveaway small steering wheel) isn’t a good match for its chassis. Vagueness on straights contrasts less than favourably with rapid weighting-up when steering is applied. Driver communication is less than fulsome, producing a nerviness that demands a lot of input especially in tight bends. The front tyres lose grip quite quickly too.

There are no GT Line suspension tweaks. The soft set-up creates a fair bit of cornering lean, vertical movement over bumps and dip under braking. On the plus side, bump absorption is good.

Things look up inside with an unchanged look. That’s a good thing as the old model had nothing to fear in terms of quality. A 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system that’s slightly below the class best is now standard from Active trim, as are the desirable Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link (for non-Apple devices).

The front seats are supportive and there’s ample room for two tall adults. Three adults in the the back will be squeeze, but the 410 litre boot with the rear seats up is impressive. Drop them to boost the space to 1400 litres.

All in all the Peugeot 2008 remains a good small SUV choice. The GT Line’s slightly uninspiring handling probably won’t bother most buyers, but its less than special ride and high £19,215 price are both points-losers. You can get a less well equipped Qashqai and Yeti for that.

Of the 129bhp and 109bhp Puretech options, we’d go for the less powerful engine. There’s little difference in feel on the road, pollution and frugality, and it’s cheaper to buy. Of the trim level options, we’d suggest Allure. You still get most of the 2008's desirable features at a more sensible price.

Peugeot 2008 1.2 Puretech 130 GT Line

Location: Valencia

On sale: now

Price: £19,215

Engine: 3-cyls, 1199cc, turbo, petrol

Power: 129bhp at 5500rpm

Torque: 170lb ft at 1750rpm

Gearbox : 6-spd manual

Kerb weight: 1160kg

0-62mph: 9.3sec

Top speed: 124mph

Economy: 58.9mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 110g/km, 19%