Hi!
Having owned ours for two days now and covered nearly 50 miles, I think I am more than experienced to give you the low down!
Honestly, I have had several new cars over the years and this is the only one to make me smile. It seriously out does the wow factor of the new focus back in 98 when it was launched, and considered extremely futuristic.
The 2008 is exactly what you see, we had a 208 before and whilst not a million miles apart in heritage, the 2008 is by far better. My only whinge is the auto wipers are a bit keen and wipe when not totally needed, other than that it is more than capable in its capacity. Four adults are comfortable, room in the boot for a collie, well laid out ergonomically and excellent on fuel/tax.
If you want to convince yourself that it is a good buy, take a note of the on the road price for the model you want, then pop around to Vauxhall and see how miserable the Astra is for the same money, forget about the Mokka, over 6 month waiting lists for them. In fact, compare the others... Renault, looks like it has melted, Qashqai is aged, despite being given a mild facelift, the Juke? It's a marmite thing. Fords Ecosport I have no experience of so will refrain from offering an opinion.
That's my thoughts for a Sunday, I'm off to drive around in my 2008 now, because I can!