Car Statistics: Peugeot - 3008 Series 09 (4 stars)

Styling (2 stars)

It doesn't look especially handsome with its toothy grille and a track that is slightly too narrow for a wide body. It's no head-turner in the company of Ford's Kuga, but the interior is pleasingly furnished.

Handling (4 stars)

The diesel corners and steers with precision decent enough to be enjoyable, while the roll control-equipped petrol is intriguing - and pleasing - for its dogged resistance to body roll and understeer.

Comfort (4 stars)

Generous room up front and decent space in the rear with comfortable seats make this a fine long-distance cruiser. It's roomy and civilised, and the optional panoramic roof lifts the ambience of the cabin.

Quality (4 stars)

A high quality, attractively configured dashboard - complete with a stylish padded passenger grab handle - and classy switchgear - lends the 3008 an upmarket feel.

Performance (3 stars)

Ranges from stoutly adequate go in the case of the 1.6 HDI, to almost brisk performance for the 150bhp petrol. The 2.0 diesel was unavailable for test.

Roominess (4 stars)

There's a big boot whose three-level load-floor can be repositioned with single-handed ease, as can folding rear seats that flop flat with a simple tug on a release. Just as useful is the split tailgate, which offers a flat-load deck and somewhere to sit for a picnic.

Costs (4 stars)

The 3008 promises to notch up modest running costs if you order the economical 1.6 HDI, which turns in 55.3mpg combined.

Value (4 stars)

The 3008 is generously equipped and well-priced compared with rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan but the Ford Kuga has an impressively low entry price point.

Stereo (4 stars)

A stereo with MP3 connection comes as standard while an (optional) high-mounted sat nav screen integrates pleasingly with the rest of the cabin.