Peugeot is on a roll.

This no-nonsense manufacturer has carved out a niche in recent years with its female-friendly convertibles which, it seems, are second only to MINIs in popularity with snazzy women.

Now Peugeot is making a big impression in the family market, too. We have the 3008 compact people-carrier which was launched with much fuss and fanfare recently, and that has been followed by an even better offering.

Welcome to the 5008, not as you might expect simply a bigger version of 3008. While their numbered names might be similar, the 5008 is, in fact, a daringly-designed crossover vehicle.

Crossovers are the big thing in the motor industry at the moment. They’re neither one thing nor the other, in reality, but instead adopt the better features of two different models, in this case a SUV (sport utility vehicle) and a people-carrier. With the French car maker having successfully pitched its 3008 as not a people carrier but a ‘crossover’ vehicle in the same vein as Nissan’s Qashqai, it believes stepping up a size shouldn’t mean having to sacrifice driving appeal.

Vauxhall’s Zafira proved that putting seven seats in a regular size car was possible, and Peugeot’s 5008 has been designed from the outset to add conventional car ride and handling characteristics to keep drivers who need that extra space from feeling like they’re driving a pup.

With the 3008 proving that a spacious hatchback can be practical and enjoyable to drive, the 5008 goes one step further with its seven-seat layout.

Like the Zafira, the 5008’s rearmost pair of seats can be folded flat into the boot floor. The second row also folds to liberate a vast load area.

Previously you’d have needed a lumbering great estate car for this purpose. Not any more; the 5008 boasts a mammoth 2,506 litres of space with all the seats down or a commendable 823 with the front two rows in place.

Furthermore, access to the rearmost seats is straightforward. A clever folding mechanism eases your way in while, despite the modest amount of headroom, an average-size adult is unlikely to complain on a short trip to the pub. Realistically the rear chairs are better suited to the smallest members of the family.

Also proving no cause for complaint is the 5008’s overall high level of quality. The car follows the 3008 and 308 in being the latest to benefit from Peugeot’s newfound focus on fit, finish and the use of high class materials. Positive comparisons with Toyota, Honda and even Audi are genuine and well earned.

Along with a long list of standard and optional equipment depending on the trim level (Active, Sport, Exclusive) such as numerous airbags, a head up display, impressive audio system, sat-nav, Bluetooth phone connection, rear seat screens for DVD or video game inputs, the 5008’s trump card is the way it drives.

With the focus on balancing drivability and comfort, the result is, at 4.5 metres, a big car that behaves more like a family hatchback.

Looking less like a people carrier and more like a low-slung shooting brake, Peugeot’s sleek 5008 is one of those rare beasts: something that drives well, comes with plenty of kit, looks good, is practical, spacious and doesn’t cost the earth.

The Peugeot 5008 costs from £16,895 and is on sale in January.