PEUGEOT might well have renamed the 3008 when it was relaunched five years ago - such was the transformation.

From ugly duckling, it became an elegant swan yet it lost none of the practicality that has helped make crossovers the nation's most popular body shape. The dumpy, frumpy styling was exchanged for sharp lines and a rakish, almost sporty profile.

Now, the design though still fresh has been tweaked and facelifted to include a frameless grille and side flutes while the cabin has been improved allowing the 3008 to stay ahead of the curve.

Although the engine range has been widened with a couple of plug-in hybrids, the sweet spot remains the baby of line-up - the diminutive 1.2-litre, petrol three-cylinder.

Not only does it deliver in terms of economy, but it's got ample torque and enough punch to satisfy the majority of drivers. Top speed is 117mph and it disposes of the 62mph dash in just under 10 seconds.

Coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox it gives you an easy going family mile-eater with a willing nature and the sort of character that matches its youthful, sporty looks. It is the mid-range Allure Premium model that we review here.

Those not used to the latest Peugeot's current interior design maybe surprised to see the tiny steering set low into the smart fascia. The idea is you look over the wheel to view the dials and gauges rather than through it. The concept works perfectly well once you get used to it. A 10-inch screen takes pride of place.

Not only does the cabin look smart, but it's exceptionally practical. A huge central box between the front seats swallows up loads of clutter and the door pockets are wide enough to absorb any extra bits.

The interior itself is roomy, stylish and quite classy with material inserts and muted shades. Head and legroom is generous and the hatchback rear boot shames many larger crossovers with its capacity of 520litres with rear seats in place. Fold them down and this grows to 1,482litres.

With a commanding view of the road from its lofty stance, the 3008 is easy to place and its positive steering which is relatively high geared encourages precise cornering.

This is supported by sharp handling and low roll angles despite reasonable suppression of ruts and poor surfaces. Altogether it reaches close to the near perfect compromise between dynamic road holding and easy-going comfort.

The turbo three-cylinder engine emits a muted ‘thrum' which is far from unpleasant and there's almost no wind noise, making the 3008 satisfying transport on long journeys. The slick auto box further complements this quality.

Clocking up emissions of 146g/km, the small petrol engine proves pretty economical. We averaged around the 41mpg mark which most owners will probably improve upon.

The Allure Premium strikes a decent balance for standard equipment with keyless entry, roof rails and ambient lighting as well as infotainment screen, sat nav and 18-inch alloys. A full size spare wheel is a £100 option.

Few SUVs or crossovers can match the 3008's breadth of abilities, so the progressive Peugeot remains among best of breed.

£32,605

1199cc 3-cyl, 128bhp petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

117mph

9.7sec

38.7

21

146g/km

31%

3yrs/60,000 miles