The 3008 and 5008 are very similar cars. They share petrol and diesel engines (although there's no PHEV in the 5008 range), and are based on the same component set.

The 5008 has a longer wheelbase and competes against larger SUVs, such as the Nissan X-Trail, Skoda Kodiaq and others available with seven seats. As rivals for the 3008, Peugeot has models such as the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage in its sights.

The 5008 appeared in its current incarnation soon after the 3008 generation, but both model makes were previously associated with cars that were more in the mould of MPVs. The 3008 was a slightly more elevated alternative to the Renault Scenic, while the 5008 was a rival for the seven-seat Grand Scenic.

Peugeot realised early on that the market was gravitating towards SUVs and repurposed both its models just over four years ago with great success.

The 5008 targets those drivers who need the extra space and occasional benefit of seven seats without splashing out on a premium-badge model.

The 5008 is clearly part of the same family as the 3008, with a near identical front end, but it has a longer roofline and more vertical tailgate so as to accommodate an extra row of seats.

Cosmetic changes for the 2021 model are similar to what's happened with the 3008, with a new frameless grille and some black trim treatment.

Top-of-the-range GT and GT Premium models feature their own unique grilles and full LED headlights with a new 'Fog Mode' function to aid visibility.  At the rear, new upgraded LED lights with sequential indicators feature a clear, smoked glass finish.

Inside, the 5008 gets the latest updates to the I-Cockpit digital instrument display. Boot space with the third row folded ranges from 780 litres to 1,940 litres with the middle row folded.

The middle row features three individual and fully adjustable seats, featuring reclining backrests, which can be folded flat, and each can accommodate an ISOFIX child seat.

The two seats in the third row can be fully folded and removed, while the front passenger seat can be tipped forward so objects as long as 3.2m can be accommodated on that side.

Our encounter with the 5008 was with the diminutive 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine, which produces 131hp combined with the standard six-speed manual transmission.

On paper, it looks like a tough ask for the engine, but it actually performs surprisingly well, pulling smoothly and quietly, with enough shove for overtaking if necessary.