THERE is no doubt that Peugeot has discovered its mojo in the past few years.

The current range is stylish, high tech, efficient and many offer the kind of trim and fixtures in you would expect to find in an executive range.

Having recently been blown away by the new 3008, the question was, could the bigger seven seater 5008 come anywhere near. Well, yes. Peugeot has produced a stylsh, practical seven seater and in the GT, warm-ish hatch performance.

The all new latest version, based on the 3008, with it rakish styling is as good looking as anything on the market, to most who saw it anyway.

The interior features the firm's latest digital i-Cockpit and a high quality finish particularly in this range topper. There are a number of versions, with the entry level, but still well equipped Active, starting at just over £25,000 right up to this GT model with all the bells and whistles, at a price of just over £36,000. New this year is the GT Line Premium model which also features many of the features in the range topper.

It does look impressive with familiar cat's eye headlight clusters, cat's claw rear lights, long swooping bonnet with large grille, integrated roof bars and smart alloy wheels.

Inside there is the now familiar compact steering wheel with the centrepiece being the eight-inch high resolution central touchscreen, which controls major functions like sat nav, app connectivity with the Mirror Screen function and 3D connected, navigation system and infotainment.

Ambient lighting makes a relaxing atmosphere with firm but body-hugging seats, electrically operated and heated on this model with the further option of massaging seatsmaking even longer journey something to look forward to. As does the sliding panoramic roof for extra comfort and a bright, airy cabin.

Although slightly longer than the original, this is no bus and handles with car-like manners.

It is hugely practical with separate folding seats in the second row and two seats in the rearmost part of the car which fold away into the floor of the vehicle. They would only really be comfortable for adults for a short journey and more suitable for children.

There are a multitude of combinations which creates a huge boot capacity with 952 litres with the seats in place to 2,150 litres with all the rear seats down.Thehands-free motorised tailgate, make loading a doddle as does the kick action to allow opening with hands full.

There is also plenty of other storage space around the cabin including cup holders, rear trays and large, cooled box under the central armrest.

The two-litre 177bhp diesel engine on this model delivers in pace and economy, with low emissions for the size of car. In normal mode it is quick enough, but switch to the sport modeit can hit 60mph in just over nine seconds.

Claimed economy of around 60mph is nearer 50 in the real world and that's with careful driving. Hit the sport button and it drops to nearer 40mpg. That's the trade off for a bit of performance.

Mated to a slick eight speed automatic gearbox, driving is a pleasure, particularly on longer journeys where the vehicle cruises effortlessly. For suchbig vehicle it handles pretty niftily as well, capable rather stunning, but good nevertheless, while the small steering wheel offers plenty of feedback.

The cabin is well insulated from the outside with excellent sound insulation throughout, while the diesel is refined as well as efficient and wind and tyre noise is barely noticeable.

All seven occupants are seated in comfort with only the rearmost two only slightly less roomy. Otherwise head and legroom is decent.