The Peugeot 3008 has been given a major revamp - and it’s all the better for it.

It’s attractive, practical and well kitted-out.

This SUV represents a complete change from the last 3008 and is a lot sportier and chunkier than the outgoing model.

It has a higher stance than its predecessor, with an element of ruggedness coming courtesy of the strong shoulder line, jagged front lines and horizontal bonnet.

Sports stainless steel doorsills, a chrome-trimmed floating roof, twin exhaust effect trim and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels complete the car’s stylish look.

It’s all a little bit of a contrast to the appearance of the outgoing vehicle, which was rather mundane in comparison.

The new model is available with high-performance PureTech petrol engines or BlueHDi diesel units, with the 1.2-litre petrol variant tested here.

If I’m honest, I’d expected a 1.2-litre unit to struggle to shift such a large chunk of metal.

In reality, the three-cylinder engine is sufficient to give the 3008 sprightly performance on all but the very steepest of Yorkshire’s hills.

It’s also worth noting that the PureTech powerplant has just won International Engine of the Year for the second time running.

This engine also seems well-matched to the six-speed manual gearbox.

Meanwhile, the handling inspires confidence and there’s no shortage of grip through the corners.

While it’s never bustling with feel, the steering is sufficiently accurate and responsive for most everyday situations.

Lean and body roll in the sharper bends also seems to be well controlled.

The vehicle also features a very impressive interior after almost everything inside was redesigned.

The instrument cluster is now to be found in a stylish angular display pod underneath the windscreen.

It features multiple tech upgrades including 3D connected navigation, smartphone charging plate, panoramic glass sunroof and a range of driver assistance systems.

Its unique i-Cockpit interior design is one for the most technologically advanced currently available.

I found that the system positioned key information in the driver’s eyeline, allowing for a safer driving experience.

High-quality materials are to be found throughout the interior, including Aikinite contrast stitching on the armrest, gear level gaiter and dashboard fascia.

In terms of space, there’s no shortage of head and leg room up front, with four adults able to fit into the vehicle with considerable ease.

Luggage is also well catered for thanks to easy-folding rear seats and a sizeable, versatile load area.

With the back seats up, there’s a decent 512-litre boot, which can be made even bigger by deleting the space-saver spare wheel.

This particular marketplace is highly competitive and very crowded, with the 3008 going up against the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Audi Q3, the Ford Kuga, Mazda CX-5 and the new SEAT Ateca.

In short, there are dozens of mid-size SUVs out there, so you really have to stand out in order to thrive in this tough motoring segments.

However, the upgrades made by Peugeot make the 3008 one of the most improved cars in its class and a worthy contender that should give Peugeot’s salesman an easier job in the coming months.

And, to prove the point, the awards have already started to roll in for the 3008 after it was named ‘Crossover of the Year’ in the 2017 Fleet World Honours.

The coveted award was presented at the RAC Club in London late last month.

On the evidence of the quality on display during this test drive, there could be many more such accolades to follow.