Drivers today are a demanding lot. They want the versatility of a people-carrier with the loadspace of an estate and the driveability of a hatchback.

That may sound very well but it gives a bit of a headache to car designers. Never mind, it seems Peugeot’s designers have come up with the answer.

The 3008 is, of course, a compromise. But it ticks many of the boxes that today’s motorists demand. It might not be the best in any one aspect but put together it’s a pretty formidable all-rounder. It’s the crossover to tackle all crossovers.

Peugeot’s view is that the modern range of SUVs (sport utility vehicles) are perceived as being ‘too remote from their daily needs’ and not very environmentally friendly. Estates are, perhaps, too dull and hatchbacks aren’t big enough.

So, enter the 3008. This has become quite an established car on the roads in the last couple of years and it has emerged as a sensible yet stylish contender.

So, how does the 3008 measure up? It looks pretty much like a hatchback with features from a people-carrier and SUV such as a split tailgate, spacious interior and raised driving position.

It also has huge windows which gives it a bright and spacious feeling. One of the key features for me is the split tailgate which makes it simple to access the boot. It also comes with the option for off-road features such as side trim and lower panels.

But the most impressive feature is the cabin. Peugeot’s interiors have always been ahead of the game and this trend continues with a lavish but comfortable cabin. It has lots of chrome trim and intricate switchgear, but it’s easy to fathom.

Peugeot claim it has similarity to the cockpit on an aircraft which may be true. For me, it has more in common with a plush limousine. Space is also excellent with rear-seat passengers particularly well catered for and the loadspace has a ‘multiplex’ interior which can be converted. For example, it has a three-position floor with automatic folding rear seats which can create a vast, flat loadspace. In fact, the boot holds 512 litres rising to 1604 litres with the seats down.

It rides and handles well, more like a hatchback than an SUV or a people-carrier. The engine in the test version is a 1.6 litre diesel but it feels quicker than the 0 to 60mph time of 13.6 seconds suggests.

It’s a well-equipped car with some interesting features. Take the head-up display, for example. This allows you to read the current speed on a Perspex display which rises up out of the dash when the engine starts. It’s a long way from the driver deep into the dash but it is comfortably positioned.

It also has an electronic parking brake which is essentially a button-operated brake rather than the traditional handbrake.

The suspension set up is interesting. I know, that’s not a phrase you may hear very often, but bear with me. The set-up involves a McPherson-type front system and torsion beam rear suspension which makes the car handle incredibly well for such a tall and bulky model. It also comes with a ‘Grip Control’ system which means it can cope with snow, mud, sand and wet grass. Not a Land Rover, perhaps, but it can cope with most conditions.

It may look like a bulky car but it is in fact very aerodynamic. It also comes with a choice of six engines and the option of a HYbrid4 version which combines a diesel engine and electric motor to create a very environmentally friendly model.