Superminis have long held the top spots in the car sales charts with their low prices, easy to drive dimensions and cute styling winning many fans. The Peugeot 208 is one of the UK’s favourite small cars with buyers drawn to the car’s low prices, decent level of standard equipment and comfortable drive.

Not all 208s are a sensible buy, however, with some diesel models carrying a hefty premium – one that you’re unlikely to earn back in lower fuel bills – and top-of-the-range versions costing as much as some much larger cars. We’ve trawled through the 208 range to find the models that make the most sense to different types of buyers – whether you’ve got a tight budget or want to have the longest list of equipment for your money.

The smart choice for those on a budget – 1.2 VTi 82 Access+

As an affordable car, the 208 that makes the most sense to many buyers is one of the least expensive models – the 1.2 VTi 82 Access+. This model may cost more than the most basic 1.0-litre versions, but it offers a significant amount of extra power – making it more suitable for carrying several passengers and coping with steep hills – with similar economy and a modest price premium.

In 1.2-litre petrol form the 208 accelerates to 62mph in a reasonable 12.2 seconds, while being capable of fuel economy of 62.8mpg. Meanwhile annual car tax weighs in at a mere £20 per year under the current rules. Despite its low price tag of £11,945, standard equipment includes electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control and remote central locking.

The smart choice for value for money – 1.2 VTi 82 Style

The 1.2 VTi 82 Style may share the same engine and cost more than the model above, but it does include an array of useful extra kit to warrant its £14,245 price tag. Air conditioning and cruise control are again standard, while Style trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, Bluetooth, a digital radio, sat nav and rear parking sensors.

Other extra kit includes a touchscreen media system for a more upmarket feel, along with a panoramic glass roof and split-folding rear seats, which let you carry three or four passengers and still load longer items at the same time.

The smart choice for technophiles – 1.6 e-HDi S&S 92 Roland Garros

For those who have more to spend and want the best equipped 208 for their money, the 1.6 e-HDi 92 Roland Garros may be the best option. With a price tag of £18,745 this is one of the most expensive 208s you can buy, but all the equipment you could ever want comes as standard, while the diesel engine is both economical and sprightly.

Claimed fuel economy weighs in at 78.5mpg – meaning that fuel bills should be inexpensive – emissions levels are low enough to ensure free car tax while it can still accelerate to 62mph in a brisk 10.9 seconds. Extra kit over the Style model above includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, electric folding door mirrors, electric rear windows, dual-zone climate control and a park assist system, to make exploiting those tight parking spots a breeze.

Picture: Peugeot