IT is always a pleasure to road test an award winning model, a privilege which becomes an even greater joy when a particular winner actually repeats its winning ways the following year.

The car in question here is the Peugeot 3008, which was not only the 2010 What Car? Car of the Year but also judged the Best Crossover vehicle at last year's ceremony, a triumph which the 3008 repeated at the recent 2011 awards.

A quite compelling all round package, the 3008 is Peugeot's attempt to swerve away from the standard hatchback set-up and it comes stacked with some very clever thinking while its handsome, head turning, user friendly styling features some well worked detail.

Set on the same platform as the 308 hatch, this newcomer takes on board the practicality of the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), rugged looks of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and the vehicle dynamics of a conventional hatchback model, all of which help to add up to a distinctive family affair which some 15,000 UK owners have already enjoyed.

As you would expect from a quality performer in the mass market, Peugeot has provided a wide range of petrol and diesel engine options and to grace the quite plush interior of a well put together cabin there's a trio of generous trim levels on offer, Active, Sport and Exclusive.

Entry level Active models include the likes of a sound system with CD, front fogs, electric front windows and door mirrors and air con.

Sport trim adds 17-inch alloys, automatic electric parking brake with hill assist and rear parking sensors while the range topping Exclusive model driven here adds the likes of a head-up display and distance alert feature, panoramic glass roof and dual zone climate control.

A thoughtfully set out dashboard and impressive centre console also add to the interior comfort while there's a positive feel to the various controls and switchgear elements while roomy storage spaces and other compartments set in the floor add to 3008's user friendliness.

Despite the lack of flexibility of seat movement found in some SUVs, the interior is comfortably roomy, a chunky five-seater which provides masses of interior space.

A good sized load bay has been well thought through, easily becoming compartmentalised courtesy of a three-way adjustable floor and while available luggage area with all seats taken is a good 512 litres.

With rear seats folded flat via the pull of a lever a massive 1,604 litres is available while a very user friendly split tailgate is also a feature.

All round vision is excellent from the high command driving position and the 1.6-litre 112bhp diesel engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox proved a decidedly punchy performer.

Smoothly responsive at all times, it boasted some very decent low and mid range torque while there is the promise of over 50mpg

With stacks of grip and any body roll tempered by the Dynamic Roll Control System fitted to the rear suspension, the 3008 holds the road well and handles very tidily.

It delivers a nicely supple ride and responds well to the communicative power steering while offering an enjoyable and undemanding driving experience when on the cruise.

Further driver friendliness was also provided by the Peugeot optional Grip Control system which electronically controls torque delivery and works with the Traction Control, snow tyres and high ground clearance.

Although not a heavyweight 4x4 set-up, Grip Control is monitored by a dial which calls up five easily operated settings for various scenarios to be found at tyre level.

Combining effectively with 16-inch Mud and Snow tyres this innovative and intelligent traction control system proved more than equal to some pretty horrendous deep snow and ice covered ground conditions, providing effective grip whether on the climb or holding its own over some steep downhill slopes, as I can testify.

A pretty good all-rounder, the Peugeot 3008 is a highly practical and enjoyable alternative to your regular hatchback.