PEUGEOT 5008

Our photographer has unique needs that the 5008 caters for superbly

- Pete Gibson [e-mail]

PEUGEOT is on a roll at the moment. The French firm has found a design language that people like, while competitive pricing means the company is doing well in a tough market. The 5008 Hybrid that I've been driving for the past six months sticks to this formula, and I have to say that it has performed exceptionally well.

The price of our GT-spec car is £43,470, which makes it one of the cheapest seven-seaters you can buy. True, the back row is only really for occasional use, but it adds versatility.

When the car arrived, I was impressed by its styling. It’s difficult to make a large SUV not look like a big, square box, or end up copying a Range Rover, as some seem to do. However, the Peugeot's shape has evolved from its bland predecessor's into a more angular design, while the trademark claw-effect daytime running lights seem to 'tear' into the front bumper, which to my eyes is a sleek addition. The extra space for the third row of seats means the back of the car is a bit boxy when compared with that of its 3008 sister car, but I think many buyers might be attracted to the larger model for exactly that reason.