BUYING a practical and spacious family car often comes down to a choice between the merits of an SUV or an estate.

The SUV may boast the durability, rugged good looks and street cred that'll appeal to parents and kids alike but the estate can usually offer more room for your clan and all of their stuff.

Car manufacturers are well aware of this dilemma and in recent years we have seen the arrival of models seeking to combine the merits of both - like Audi's Allroad models, Volvo's XC70 and the Skoda Octavia Scout.

Peugeot's offering in this niche is the 508 RXH - a range-topping, pumped-up version of their executive load-lugger which arrived in 2012 with raised suspension, chunky cladding and the French car-maker's groundbreaking diesel-electric hybrid system.

The hybrid technology meant four-wheel drive and improved economy but also pushed up the price.

As we have seen with SUVs, though, it seems to be the looks that appeal more than any need for serious off-road capabilities and most are now available in two-wheel drive form.

So coming up with a non-hybrid, front-wheel drive RXH seemed a bit of a no-brainer and that's precisely what Peugeot did late last year as part of a mid-life refresh for the entire 508 range.

The BlueHDi 180 offers the same muscular styling and top-end trappings of the flagship hybrid - for £4,350 less.

Power comes from the 2.0 litre version of Peugeot's latest Euro 6 compliant diesel engine which also offers economy not far short of the hybrid and broadly similar performance, ensuring it remains a good proposition for business users.

The 180hp power pack claims average fuel consumption of 61.4 miles per gallon and emissions of 119g/km and will shift the RXH from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 136mph.

It feels quite spritely for a car of this size and handles pretty nimbly too with accurate steering and little pitch and roll in corners - although the pay-off for this good control is a slightly firm ride which rattles over larger potholes.

The six-speed automatic transmission isn't as slick and smooth as those in the premium German offerings that Peugeot increasingly sees itself as competing with - but it's not too bad either.

Apart from an occasional tendency to change down unnecessarily, it is largely prompt and unobtrusive - and you can always intervene with the racing-car style flappy-paddles on the steering wheel if you wish.

An automatic start/stop system helps keep those emissions low and is also relatively smooth if, again, just a little more hesitant than those in the established premium marques.

All in all the drive is relaxed rather than engaging - but that's not a bad thing with most prospective buyers probably expecting the rack up the motorway miles.

And inside the RXH is not a bad place to spend time on long trips. It is obvious that Peugeot have gone to great lengths to give the spacious interior a classy feel.

There's plenty of room for five and a panoramic glass roof ensures a light and airy feel while half leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats and automatic dual zone air conditioning keep everyone comfortable.

A seven-inch touch-screen interface is now standard on all 508s, grouping together most of the car's functions, with quick shortcuts to the main menus - satnav, aircon, radio, connectivity, etc. - also accessible via physical buttons too.

This more minimalist approach, and the use of an automatic electric parking brake frees up room for an extra modest storage box in the centre console - a welcome addition as Peugeot still struggles with personal storage, with relatively small door bins for a car this size and a continued insistence on putting the fuse box in the glove compartment.

The boot, however, is generous and versatile with hooks and tie-downs and the 60/40 split rear seats fold down as well as featuring a load-through hatch in the centre.

Other desirable kit includes a colour head-up display in front of the driver, DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, reversing camera and a blind spot warning system.