SURPRISINGLY, there are not many full size people carriers which have real space for seven adults.

But the latest Ford Galaxy is one of them and those two back seats fold in a couple of seconds down into the boot floor when they're not needed, leaving a huge amount of stowage space.

I drove the Titanium 2.0-litre turbo diesel, with no less than 163bhp on tap, giving excellent performance and economy for something the size of a garage.

The engine is smooth and quiet - aren't today's diesels getting good - with plenty of low and mid-range urge.

The handbrake pulls upwards from between the seats with two arms disappearing down into the console but it can trap folds of skin without care.

The Galaxy has an excellent ride and still manages to cling on superbly in the corners. It feels great to drive and the higher seat compared to a car gives very good all-round vision.

It is very accomplished but it looks pretty expensive in this form.

As well as the trick rear seats, the middle row of three each slide for more or less legroom and even with all seats in place, there is still a bigger boot than many others have.

Titanium is close to the top of the range, so it comes with a full electric pack, climate control, Bluetooth and traction control.

: Peugeot 5008