Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi FAP 110

More useful to most UK buyers will be a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display that includes estimation of the time gap between you and the car in front (for safety reasons rather than road racing) and an infotainment system.

The most intriguing feature, however, is the dynamic roll control device fitted to the rear suspension of the 150bhp petrol, which pressurises the outboard shock absorber in corners to counter roll and understeer. And in 2011, there will be an all-wheel-drive diesel hybrid, Peugeot’s first.

What’s it like?

The 3008’s exterior might disappoint but its interior certainly doesn’t. This is the best finished, modern Peugeot cabin yet, its robustly crafted fittings fashioned from fine soft-feel materials and metallic trim. Stylish dashboard architecture that includes an expensive-looking padded passenger grab handle, plentiful stowage space and appealing instrument displays all make the 3008 a car you’ll be pleased to climb into.

Its height provides the reassuring command view out, as well as generous room up front and decent space in the rear. The back-bench doesn’t slide, but its backrest can conveniently be flopped flat using levers in the loadbay, where there’s a false floor that can be repositioned on three-levels with ingenious single-handed ease. The split tailgate aids loading and can be sat on, the front passenger seat backrest folds forward for an extended load deck, while a torch and luggage-net are handy conveniences.

Some might want seven-seats, but the 308 SW and the five or seven-seat MPV arriving this autumn will cater to these needs, says Peugeot.

And the 3008 drives well. Supple suspension, strong refinement, clean-swivelling steering and tidy handling all make for a pleasing family bus. The 1.6 HDI’s 192lb ft of torque provides enough mid-range pull to convince, despite 1.6 litres and 110bhp looking inadequate to lug a load-carrier of this heft about. It’s not fast but it’s brisk, and turns in combined economy of 55.3mpg and Co2 emissions of 137g/km – not bad given its size.

Should I buy one?

If you need no more than five seats, crave high seating and need a big boot, then yes. Though Nissan’s Qashqai is more stylish, the 3008 offers more space, more sophistication and more room. The more economical diesel is the better pick money-wise, but if you often drive one-up, then the 150bhp petrol with the roll control system will provide more pleasure. All of which makes it a shame that it doesn’t look as sharp as a Kuga, a Qashqai or even a Tiguan.