True to its French character, the new Peugeot 208 is now offering a purely aesthetic option that is completely unnecessary, but undeniably cool. It is a unique ‘textured paint’ finish which gives the 208 an artsy look and “greater individuality.”

Currently, the textured paint finish for the 2015 Peugeot 208 is available in only two colors, Ice Grey and Ice Silver, but you can customize them further through optional Lime Yellow or Menthol White personalisation pack.

The textured paint is subtly granular to the touch which makes it hard-wearing. But we suspect the finish would look like, in the flesh, like a vinyl wrap or something – at least when viewed from a distance. The quality of the textured paint job on Peugeot 208 is guaranteed for the lifetime of the car and costs an extra £645.

As for how you can get a paint finish to become textured, the secret is in the composition and application of the lacquer, which features fine particles of silica and micro-balloons of polyamide. The silica gives the paint its matte finish, while the polyamide creates the texture effect.

Peugeot recommends you order the textured paint in tandem with the personalization kits, the main highlights of which include: ‘Equalizer’ grille with 3D-effect coloured markings; Gloss black grille surround; Gloss black front foglamp finishers with laser-engraved coloured line; Coloured front and rear PEUGEOT lettering; and Nera Black door mirror shells and coloured side repeaters.