BUOYED by the positive comments from the press regarding its 3008 compact people carrier, Peugeot is hoping for the same positive reaction from its larger 5008.

With the French car maker having successfully pitched its 3008 as not a people carrier but a ‘crossover’ vehicle in same vein as Nissan’s Qashqai, it believes stepping up a size shouldn’t mean having to sacrifice driving appeal.

Vauxhall’s Zafira proved that seven seats in a regular size car were possible, and Peugeot’s 5008 has been designed from the outset to add conventional car ride and handling characteristics to keep drivers who need that extra space from feeling like they’re driving a pup.

With the 3008 proving that a spacious hatchback can be practical and enjoyable to drive, the 5008 goes one step further with its seven-seat layout. Like the Zafira, the 5008’s rearmost pair of seats can be folded flat into the boot floor. The second row also folds to liberate a vast load area.

Previously you’d have needed a lumbering great estate car for this purpose. Not any more; the 5008 boasts a mammoth 2,506 litres of space with all the seats down or a commendable 823 with the front two rows in place.

Furthermore, access to the rearmost seats is straightforward. A clever folding mechanism eases your way in, while despite the modest amount of headroom an average size adult is unlikely to complain on a short trip to the pub. Realistically the rear chairs are better suited to the smallest members of the family.

Also proving no cause for complaint is the 5008’s overall high level of quality. The car follows the 3008 and 308 in being the latest to benefit from Peugeot’s newfound focus on fit, finish and the use of high class materials. Positive comparisons with Toyota, Honda and even Audi are genuine and well earned.

On road performance is also highly polished. Much effort has been expended on the 5008’s ride, handling and engine range. The latter consists of a mix of 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines, petrol and diesel, with some the result of cooperation with BMW.

The 1.6-litre, 156bhp turbo petrol unit, is quiet, refined and willing, while the same is true of the 150bhp, 2.0-litre diesel unit. Six-speed manual gearboxes, plus an automated manual for the 110bhp diesel, are standard issue, while economy and CO2 are all impressive.

Along with a long list of standard and optional equipment depending on the trim level (Active, Sport, Exclusive) such as numerous airbags, a head up display, impressive audio system, sat-nav, Bluetooth phone connection, rear seat screens for DVD or video game inputs, the 5008’s trump card is the way it drives.

With the focus on balancing drivability and comfort, the result is, at 4.5 metres, a big car that behaves more like a family hatchback. It grips, steers and brakes with a polish that’s sadly lacking from most mid-size SUVs. Peugeot’s famous and uniquely supple ride is back, while the driving position strikes a comfortable balance between lofty SUV and easy-to-access family runabout.

Looking less like a people carrier and more like a low-slung shooting brake, Peugeot’s sleek 5008 is one of those rare beasts: something that drives well, comes with plenty of kit, looks good, is practical, spacious and doesn’t cost the earth. It almost makes you want to start a family to enjoy it.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Peugeot 5008 HDi 150 Exclusive, from £22,495 on the road. Range from £16,895, on sale Jan 2010. Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel unit developing 150bhp. Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels. Performance: Maximum speed 121mph, 0-62mph 10.0 seconds. Economy: 48.7mpg. CO2 Rating: 151g/km.