Peugeot’s 3008 was one of the best cars the brand ever built. Launched last year 15,000 UK drivers bought one and 200,000 were sold around the world and sales continue strongly.

It was the first SUV to be named European Car of the Year which is one of the great accolades. So what was next for the French brand?

Well the answer to that question is the Peugeot 5008 and the company wants it to be the best seven-seater on the market. Looks like they might have just done that.

The Peugeot 5008 first saw the light back in 2009 and since then has built up a loyal fan base across the world who affectionately know it as the Space Wagon.

It was time for a refreshed model and the new 5008 certainly looks different to the earlier one both inside and out. Without doubt and it has had a complete overhaul and is quite swish compared to the older 5008.

There’s plenty to share with the 3008 and it’s like having your bigger brother or sister on the block to look after you.

The 5008 has the third row of seats should you want them which can be folded up to give you even more acres of space.

The price for a host of models is around £30,000 and the engines come over from the 3008, which uses the same platform.

That means there’s a 1.2 PureTech 130 petrol, a 1.6 e-THP 165 turbo petrol, 1.6 BlueHDi 100 and 120 diesels and 2.0 BlueHDi 150 and 180 diesels.

There is no 4x4 model, at least not yet, and we might see a hybrid later in 2018.

The 1.6 diesel which sneaks under the £30,000 mark and will give you more than 60 miles to the gallon will probably be the top seller.

Local dealers should have their models in the showroom by the end of the year and the rivals will be the Skoda Kodiaq, the Nissan X Trail and the Citroen Grand c4 Picasso. It should be an interesting 2018 to see what the public goes for.

Although it is quite a large car it is a pussy cat to drive, in fact not a lot different to the 3008 and the 1.6 diesel will give you 0-60mph in just over 12 seconds. The model with the automatic gearbox is tremendous and the ride quality is second to none.

Take a long journey and you will be refreshed when you get to your destination so an ideal car for 300 miles plus.

The 5008 is certainly stylish although from the back it does have a certain hippo look with its big square bottom.

The small steering wheel, which Peugeot fits into all its models these days, is here in the 5008 as well and some drivers found it disconcerting because of the size of the car. But it didn’t bother me at all, quite the opposite. Having a small steering wheel means it’s easier to see all the dials and you’re more in charge of the vehicle.

Everything else is uncluttered and easy to use. Onwards and upwards for Peugeot.