Peugeot certainly had their work cut out to make a car to compete with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, and the Skoda Yeti. But this urban crossover has earned them rave reviews – and rightly so. The 2008 is based on the 208 hatch but is taller, wider, and longer, with a higher ride too. The 2008 has that crossover look that so many people seem to love these days. It probably scores heaviest in the cabin where they put a lot of thought into making it as user-friendly as possible. Most people feel they have succeeded. There’s plenty of standard kit and safety features. Importantly, there is plenty of room and a large boot. The rear seats can be folded flat to create even more space. It is a fine car to drive too. For an SUV-crossover, it handles like a smaller car with plenty of ability to dissolve the effects of bumps and crevices on roads. The steering is decent and visibility is excellent. Grip Control option gives is 4WD capability at the push of a button.

•  Driving position is pretty awkward and may take some getting used to

•  It has small car handling

•  Good election of really efficient and economical engines

•  The Grip Control option is excellent and really worth it

•  Running costs are surprisingly low

•  Nicely designed cabin; feel of quality throughout

•  Well thought out and well-priced

•  Grip Control not on entry level