PEUGEOT might have been late entrants to the crossover market but they've certainly more than made up for lost time.

The 3008 might have eschewed the SUV-inspired styling that tends to be de rigeur in this fast-growing segment, but the smaller 2008 is more of a crossover in the true sense of the word.

Based on the current 208, the 2008 is a small but noticeably family-friendly mini SUV that has gone down very well indeed since it was launched.

Looks-wise it's very much in the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka mould and is a decent looking car that uses the basic SUV boxy blueprint to good effect.

Peugeot's designers really seem to have got things spot on at the moment in terms of producing vehicles that are eye-catching with that essential element of Gallic flair.

The phrase supermini SUV has been coined in some quarters and in many ways it's an apt description.

It's worth pointing out that despite those rugged-ish looks the 2008 is not an SUV in any shape or form.

It is available only as a front-wheel drive vehicle, so dismiss any preconceptions about it being a scaled-down off-roader.

However it does come with Peugeot's switchable traction control system and specially-designed tyres to give it added capability in slippery conditions.

Essentially it's all about those looks, its higher driving position and impressive practicality given its relatively diminutive dimensions.

On the inside the 2008 impresses with a cabin characterised by high quality throughout. Soft touch plastics abound and the switchgear is noticeably premium.

Some unusual elements might not appeal to all, such as the touchscreen system which controls many functions and the super small steering wheel that could almost have come off a go-kart but both actually make sense in many ways once you've become acclimatised to them.

Ambient lighting in the cabin adds to the overall atmosphere, as does the panoramic sunroof - an optional extra at £400.

Practicality is a key strength of the 2008 and it's the sort of car that could give a lot of traditional family hatchbacks a run for their money.

The chunky styling makes for an open and roomy cabin with an abundance of headroom throughout but although the 208's platform has been stretched, there isn't a huge amount of legroom for rear seat passenger. I found myself having to move the driver's seat forward just a little to enhance comfort levels for some adult passengers travelling in the rear.

That said one shouldn't forget the 2008 is essentially a slightly expanded supermini.

Given that, it has a generously sized boot (360 litres) and some imaginative storage solutions throughout also boost its overall versatility.

There's also a fair space under the boot floor around the spare wheel.

On the road the 2008 combines a smooth and cosseting ride with a more than decent drive.

A noticeably slick and short-shifting gearbox is one characteristic that stands out but given the class it is competing in the 2008 is a suitably engaging driver's car.

That SUV styling makes for a little bit of roll when being pushed hard, but that's to be expected.

Engine choices are good, with two diesels undoubtedly emerging as the best all-round options.

A super-efficient 1.4 HDI manages to stay within the magical 100g/km of CO2 emissions level but the 1.6 e-HDI is a more capable performer.

It comes in two power variants, 92bhp and 115bhp and this lower-powered model delivers plenty of punch as well as being very smooth and refined.

Price-wise the range starts at £13,195 and like the 208 the 2008 scores the maximum NCAP five stars.