THE SUV onslaught on Europe's roads will gather pace next year with the arrival of the all-new PEUGEOT 5008.

With seven seats, its makers claim that the new 5008 is the first SUV to offer modularity on a par with that of the best people-carriers. A range of powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines and trim levels - including sporty GT Line and GT versions - will be available when it goes on sale next Spring.

Features will include Peugeot's i-Cockpitwith its compact steering wheel, a large 8 inch touchscreen dashboard and a 12.3 inch high-resolution digital head-up display.

The French maker is hoping to entice buyers with a vast range of optional luxury and high-tech features including a multipoint massage system for the front seats, FOCAL® Premium Hi-Fi system, large panoramic opening glass roof and a 3D connected navigation system with TomTom® Traffic.

Cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems will also be available with an arsenal of safety features including Advanced Grip Control with Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Distance Alert, Active Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), Driver attention warning, Smart Beam Assistance, Speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, Adaptive cruise control with stop feature on automatic gearbox versions, Active blind spot monitoring, Park Assist and Visio Park (360° vision)

A variety of seating configurations will cater for a wide range of needs with three separate, folding seats in the second row, each fully adjustable, plus two removable, separate, folding seats in the third row. In addition Peugeot claims that the 5008 will have the biggest boot capacity in its class with 1060 litres of available space.

In addition the 5008 can be specified with a foldable front passenger seat to allow owners to transport especially long loads up to 3.20m and a practical hands-free, motorised tailgate.

And for those who want to leave the car behind and go looking for two wheeled adventure the 5008 provides an innovative mobility solution with an optional fitting which has been specially designed to integrate an electrically assisted e-Kick folding scooter or e-Bike eF01, a new electrically assisted portable bicycle, in the load area.

The 5008 is due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this month.