Peugeot 5008 Sport HDi 150 £20,59

It seems a very long time since Peugeot made anything other than mediocre cars. And it is. But 20 years ago the French lion was producing the best affordable new cars in the world and the 5008 is a glorious return to form.

This is without doubt Peugeot’s best family car since the 405 ceased production in 1995. The surprise is not the Germanic quality of the interior of this mid-sized MPV, for Peugeot is well versed in the art of creating veneers of sophistication in its cars to cover up their dynamic shortfalls. Nor is it the fact that the cabin works so well, offering easy access and a dizzying array of seating and loading configurations, which is par for the course. What you don’t expect from a seven-seat MPV in general and a Peugeot in particular is that it should also be so good to drive.

Engines come in two sizes, 1.6 and 2 litres, the smaller unit available with either petrol or diesel power, the larger as a diesel only. The only argument in favour of the petrol car is that it is £1,500 cheaper than its nearest diesel equivalent, for the diesels will cost less to run, will be easier to live with and will be worth more when it’s time for resale.

Whatever motor you choose, the unexpected and welcome talent the 5008 exhibits is its response on the open road. I drove one on a track, an environment that should reduce a car such as this to a quivering wreck, yet it tackled both fast turns and tight corners with impressive authority. Here is a quiet and comfortable MPV that will look after the needs of your family and your desires as a driver. The only other car in the class that is capable of offering anything comparable is Ford’s still outstanding S-Max.

This new 5008, then, is a brilliant family car that can go head to head with the best on the market, and it’s a storming return to form for the maker. Welcome back, Peugeot.

Engine 1997cc, four cylinders

Power 150bhp @ 3750rpm

Transmission Six-speed manual

Fuel 48.7mpg

CO2 151g/km

Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.9sec

Top speed 121mph

On sale January 2010

Rating

The rivals

Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Edge £21,745

For Good to drive, comfortable

Against Interior starting to age, not as quiet as some

Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI SE £21,025

For Beautifully built, well-planned interior space

Against Dull to look at and to drive