WHEN you spot the rev counter spinning backwards you know there is something different about the Peugeot 308 SW GT180.

A lot of thought has gone into this new semi-estate touring type carry-all based on the highly successful 308 hatchback.

There's a massive range of powertrains it shares with the hatchback but it comes with increased luggage space from 660-1,775 litres, underfloor storage, fold-flat seats and other purposeful practical touches.

There is a spread of carefully considered features intended to make it a true family friendly estate able to fulfill a variety of roles. The platform it uses is unique to the 308 SW and it really is a very comfortable car for longer journeys, soaking up bumps and yet delivering sharp handling when needed.

The big range of engines and transmissions includes the six-speed automatic we tested with the most powerful engine featuring stop start technology as well, and it easily returned 45mpg overall.

It's not the quickest changing automatic we have tested whether left to its own devices or encouraged through the paddle levers behind the steering wheel, but it is one of the smoothest operating up or down the gearbox.

Combine this sophistication with the feelsome steering through a small wheel and the delightfully balanced brakes underfoot and you have a car which is truly effortless covering hundreds of miles in one go.

The enormous range of secondary switches need familiarisation and the big touch-screen nav and info display can be distracting, but it's clear when the selection is made. There are small dials for speedometer and tachometer, which moves distinctively anti-clockwise, and flanked by still smaller temperature and fuel level indicators.

Heating and ventilation through the touch-screen is straightforward and effective, with fascia and floor vents to quickly fill the interior with desired air. Our test car had the optional £500 full-length glass sunroof and this is one of the best options you could order, lightening the interior throughout.

Oddments space is good as well for a family car with plenty of pockets, cubbyholes and trays, but we did manage to lose the keys in the console's magic box on one occasion. Rear seat back pockets are big and the under-floor compartment in the boot is useful as well while the seats can be dropped down from the back door.

Access to the loadbed is excellent with a regular shaped compartment, flat folding seats and driver and passengers have unimpeded ability to slip into some large, well shaped, supporting and, in the front, very adjustable seats.

Visibility is good with front sensors and rear camera and sensors to ease into tight spaces, big wipers both ends and really bright main beam lights.

Noise levels were all very low, even road rumbles were muted despite there being low profile wheels and tyres on this GT version.