ALTHOUGH it's not quite as big on the outside, the Peugeot 5008 people carrier offers as much interior space as the larger VW Sharan.

I needed a car to transport five bridesmaids to my daughter's wedding and they all fitted in no problem at all, complete with big dresses and bouquets.

They were delighted with it, because it meant they could all be together going to and from the ceremony, which was a good few miles away.

The rear two individual seats fold up very easily out of the boot floor and are a decent size, but seven adults would be a tight squeeze.

The middle row tip and slide for access to the rear very easily and they have fore and aft adjustment for more legroom.

The mid-range Puretech Active was powered by Peugeot's latest engine - a smooth as silk 1.2-litre, three cylinder petrol turbo.

It is hard to believe that such a tiny power unit would have enough gumption for a large vehicle, but it certainly has, producing the same kind of power that 2.0-litre units were giving us just a few years ago.

And of course, the emissions are much lower - saving road tax, and economy is better.

This 5008 has an official figure of 52mpg but only managed 32 in real driving. That's still not bad for something of this size.

It really goes very well, pulling easily from lower speeds in higher gears. It was very impressive and I enjoyed driving it immensely.

Its hugely comfortable over all surfaces and still managed to take the corners with great grip and safety.

Equipment is excellent, with front and rear parking sensors, built-in sun blinds for all the back seats, fresh air vents in the back, loads of courtesy lights, wide opening doors, stop-start, aircon, alloys and a DAB stereo.

It also has cruise, stability and traction control and loads of storage all around the cabin.