Family cars – I have to admit – are one of my favourite subjects.

This may make a lot of people groan, but you have to admit that the majority of us – at some point – have to consider the boring stuff like space and practicality.

On the other hand, I also strongly object to driving around in a characterless box, purely because it ticks all the practical boxes.

However, the new Peugeot 2008 crossover was a pleasant surprise.

Yes, its looks won’t dazzle you (although exterior styling becomes flashier the higher up the range you go), but it was a very enjoyable drive, it handled well both around town and on the motorway and the fuel economy was excellent.

The 2008 is based on the 208 supermini, but with bags more space and an elevated driving position, although the steering wheel did obstruct my view of the dash and seems more suited to much taller drivers.

There are two 1.6-litre petrol engines (with 118bhp or 154bhp in the turbocharged THP) on offer, and 1.6 HDI and 2.0 HDI diesels and a diesel hybrid.

Although its appearance might suggest it is a 4x4, it’s actually front wheel drive only, although the ‘Grip Control’ system equips the car with all-season tyres suitable for mud, snow and so on.

Inside, the seats were very smart, yet comfortable, and the blue LED accent lighting around the dials and beside the panoramic sunroof were cool and cockpit-like.

If you’re the type to gather lots of clutter (who isn’t?), there are numerous storage compartments, so keys, phones and other stuff will always have a home.

There is a 360-litre boot with easy-to-fold rear seats, taking the space up to 1,194 litres.

The touchscreen infotainment system is comprehensive, but a bit fiddly, especially if you’re changing radio stations while on the move.

All models come with six airbags and electronic stability control as standard.

All are fitted with an ESP – this can be disengaged up to 30mph – which combines several functions, namely anti-skid regulation, stability control, emergency braking assistance and electronic brake force distribution.

In the event of a serious accident (measured by the triggering of airbags), Peugeot’s Connect SOS system will automatically contact emergency services and pinpoint to them your exact location. While you hope that will never be necessary, it’s reassuringly clever.

Fact file:
Car: Peugeot 2008
Price: £19,145 on the road
Top speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
Fuel: 70.6mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 106g/km