A 7-seater with a frugal 1.6 litre 110 bhp diesel engine is the latest offering from Peugeot which will be aiming for a share of the MPV market in January. The 5008 model comes hot on the heels of the 5-seater 3008 which has just gone on sale here.

The new bigger model from the PSA group shares many engineering parts with the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso but the bodywork is distinctly Peugeot. The entry level price is €26,995 and it has as diesel competitors the Renault Grand Scenic at €26,690, The Toyota Corolla Verso 7-seater with a 2-litre engine at €30,800 and the Opel Zafira 1.7 litre diesel at €28,365.

The clean lines, from the discreet grille and ribbed lower air intake to the sharply curved bonnet, high roofline and wedge rear give the 5008 a fresh look which conceals a big, well thought out interior. Large families and mums on school runs will be pleased with the thought that has gone into using every scrap of space.

Like the top level of the 3008 the big brother also gets a head-up display on a plastic panel which rises from the dash to give a digital speedo and there is the possibility of adding sat-nav and a radar activated warning system that lets you know when you are too close to the vehicle in front.

There are petrol options but the diesel engine line-up will be of most interest here. The 100 bhp unit can come with a clutch-less gearshift, there is also a 150 bhp 2-litre unit with automatic transmission, and a more powerful 163 bhp option is also available.

Inside there is a sliding mechanism for the middle row of seats to allow for maximum versatility. These seats fold flat to floor level, the rear seats have the same fold-to-floor flexibility and make a spacious cargo area. The cabin is roomy and Peugeot have coined 'Enjoyed by families, loved by drivers' as a marketing slogan.

Designed to be a smooth traveller with a quiet performance the 5008 has got the best of PSA technology to make it good on corners. Passengerss will also enjoy the big glass roof in the top specification models.