WITH so many new cars being launched it's always good to get a second chance behind the wheel of a vehicle to see how it stacks up to the new kids on the block.

I must admit I was more than impressed with Peugeot's large 5008 people carrier when it was first launched at the beginning of 2010 and so was more than happy to get reaquainted with the chunky machine after the wintery conditions I encountered on my initial stint were long gone.

Five engine choices made up the range, a 1.6-litre diesel good for 110bhp and two 2.0-litre diesels of 150bhp and 163bhp and a pair of 1.6-litre petrol units with the choice of 120bhp or 156bhp.

After spending time initially with a petrol-powered version, I managed to get my hands on the 110-brake 1.6-litre HDi oilburner, and to be honest, this diesel was more to my own personal taste.

Not only that, there was the added bonus in terms of lower fuel consumption and CO2 figures which came with modern diesel technology.

With loads of torque available at 4,000 revs, the big Peugeot MPV pulled like a train and it could attack even the steepest inclines without quickly running out of puff.

No matter what the road surface was like, the 5008 gave a smooth, comfortable ride and although it did stand quite tall at more than 1,600mm, wind noise was nicely suppressed making it a worthy cruiser for long journeys.

Around town is was a similar story, the fiesty engine offering bags of power for unfussed progress even in heavily-congested stop/start traffic.

With seating for seven - thanks to two extra folding seats which fold flat inside the boot - the 5008 is a great family transporter with all the practicality and refinement anyone could possibly wish for.

With the mid and back row of seats folded there's masses of room available, which is ideal for those occasional shopping trips to Ikea, but even when configured as a normal five seater there's plenty boot space for most family's needs.

Peugeot have certainly got their act into gear of late when it comes to quality. Soft touch plastics, hard-wearing fabrics and carpets and robust switches all add to the car's appeal.

Air conditioning, electric windows all round, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking and cruise control with speed limiter were all standard features, while my test car was fitted with a nifty head-up display which digitally reflected the speed and other important information onto the windscreen. 

Safety features also abound, which helped the 5008 score a top five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests. Front and side curtain airbags help protect those on board, while the ESP system helps the driver stay in control in critical conditions.

With plenty of choice in engines and trim levels, a used 5008 offers a lot of car for the money and you should have no difficulty in sourcing a model to suit your exact needs.

A 2010 10-plate 5008 Sport 1.6 HDi diesel example will cost between £6,895 and £9,530, while a similar 2012 model will set you back between £9,405 and £12,340.

A 2010 10-plate range-topping two-litre oilburner in all-singing, all-dancing Exclusive trim will cost between £8,000 and £11,055, while a 12-plate model will cost anything up to £3,300 more.