MOTORS REVIEW: Peugeot 107

Engine: 996cc, three-cylinder, VVTi

Power: 67bhp and 70lb.ft.

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 14.2 seconds and 100mph

Fuel economy: 62.7mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 106g/km (manual)

Price: from £7,595

Rating: ****

I am quite keen on its cute proportions but the chrome trimmed bumper that now spans its grill gives Peugeot's baby a slightly gawky, fresh out of the dentist, aesthetic.

It comes as part of an update which also saw Citroen's C1—developed as part of a three-way partnership including Toyota's Aygo—develop silver lips.

A new front bumper also sees the number plate mounted below, rather than within, the grill which is now flanked by two sporty-looking air vents.

More pertinently the 107's three-cylinder engine now delivers improved economy (62.7mpg) and CO2 emissions (106g/km).

Prices start with the Urban Lite at £7,595 which comes with electric front windows, side airbags and remote central locking.

My Urban-spec test car came with optional curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control, a rev counter and air conditioning, adding £1,445 to its £8,745 list price.

Low-cost motoring was the aim when Peugeot-Citroen teamed up with Toyota to create a new crop of youthful hatchbacks so simple design and lightweight construction were key.

In the 107 there's a single front wiper, hinging rear screen/boot set-up, skinny doors and distinctive, lightweight, one-piece seats that look like an anorexic pair of Recaro buckets with their integral head restraints.

There are a few hard plastics used in dash construction but the overall feel is of an honest, functional, old-school hatchback.

It's not the most refined of small cars with the 68bhp three-cylinder engine revving loudly. The sporty-sounding timbre might prove attractive to the younger market but older buyers would probably tire of it.

They would be glad of my test car's five-doors, however. They add usability to the 107's genuinely adult-sized rear seat accommodation.

There's also just enough boot space (139 litres) to allow most couples' to carry out a weekly shop without resorting to the back seats.

Younger buyers might be more taken by the biddable nature of the 107's chassis, though. It might take 14.2 seconds to accelerate to 62mph but once up to speed the 107 is eager to please and great fun to hustle. At lower speeds the 1-litre engine's revvy nature even gives it a subtle adjustability through tight corners.

For young drivers group 1E insurance, £35 annual road tax and a frugal engine make for combination that's hard to resist.

With usable space and a fun driving experience Peugeot have made it a whole lot easier for parents trying to their teenager into a genuinely practical first car.

Brace-filled mouth or not, it's a little cracker!