Peugeot 3008 safety was tested by Euro NCAP in 2009 under the new regulations which result in one overall score that takes into account adult, child and pedestrian protection as well as ‘active’ safety system such as stability control.

It scored the maximum five stars and all models get six airbags as standard while the seatbelts include force limiters. There are two Isofix child seat mountings on the rear outer seats.

As a family-friendly car, it’s no surprise that the 3008 is not only practical but versatile too.

There’s an abundance of storage including a deep box in the centre console – although annoyingly the armrest which doubles as the lid, is hinged the wrong way and so opens toward rather than away from you, making it difficult to reach over. The glovebox is also disappointingly small due to the fuse box being located there.

But elsewhere there are large door pockets (which can hold a 1.5-litre drinks bottle), two cupholders on the centre console and a closed cubby under the steering wheel.

The boot set-up is clever and the split tailgate makes loading larger or heavy objects easy while the lower section can also be used as a seat, ideal if you’re changing out of muddy boots.

The boot itself can carry 512 litres of luggage – not far short of a Ford Mondeo hatch – plus it comes with a moveable floor that has three different positions (the parcel shelf can be stored underneath if required). The rear seats split 60/40 and fold down to create a totally flat load area of more than 2.5 metres long.