THE evolution from commendable people carrier to cool, sophisticated and super spacious SUV is complete for a new model certain to hit the big time.

Peugeot's 5008 has always attracted fans -especially those with families - but the latest, more upmarket, version has taken the generation game to another level.

Now boasting a more low-slung style, the 5008 not only has more passenger space but has also become a seven-seater, and with prices starting at £24,495 it's a package that really takes the sales fight to its rivals.

Add a state of the art line-up of petrol and diesel engines plus Peugeot's clever digital i-Cockpit to the equation and you have an extremely desirable piece of machinery.

But it's the all-encompassing premium feel of the car that really makes the 5008 stand out, marking the model as not only distinguished but also serious value for money.

Peugeot launched the newcomer in January to build on the success of the five-seat 3008 SUV launched at the beginning of 2017, which is the reigning European Car of the Year.

The 5008 is actually 20cm longer than its stablemate and its five rear seats can be folded flat completely to provide a whopping 2,150-litres of luggage space when needed, while the folding front passenger seat can extend that even further.

Each of the individual middle row seats can slide independently and the back pair, realistically only for kids, are also stand-alone.

So the cabin capacity and configuration options are multiple, and only when all seven seats are in place is load space severely restricted.

The seating position is raised to ensure good visibility all-round, a double panoramic glass roof ensures a light and airy environment and every seat feels durable and well made.

Elsewhere there's a classy fabric finish on the doors and dash in contrast with the surrounds, soft touch surfaces throughout and flip-up picnic-style tables on the backs of the front seats.

And the i-Cockpit brings an eight-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch hi-res digital display and piano key toggle switches - though the tiny steering wheel, while usually a treat, actually feels too small for the size of car.

Our model was also the entry point to the petrol line-up, a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol model in mid-range Allure trim with six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a wealth of kit for its list price of £28,125.

Far from lacking the capacity to cope with up to seven passengers, the three-cylinder turbocharged engine is a really strong unit, developing 131bhp and capable of 0-62mph acceleration in 10.4 seconds.

Its official combined fuel return is 54.3 miles per gallon, so our own consumption of a mainly urban 42mpg was a fair return.

You will get more from the 1.6 BlueHDi diesels, though it raises the list price by up to £3,000 for top spec variants.

As is the case with many new cars these days the 5008 has techno like DAB radio, smartphone charging plate MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also stuff like ambient LED interior lighting, a powered tailgate and heated seats.

Safety kit includes the likes of advanced grip control, distance alert, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, smart beam, driver attention warning and park assist.