Following the launch of its smaller sibling, the 3008, Peugeot is introducing its latest MPV offering, the 5008.

Bigger in every way – except engines – this family car has seven seats in Peugeot’s Multiflex format, which allows for the second row of seats to fold flat and the third row to be hidden below the floor.

Its healthy level of equipment as standard will satisfy most.

The base 1.6-litre petrol model comes in at just under £17,400. How-ever, of more relevance to fleets is the 1.6-litre HDi diesel at £18,447.

With emissions of 140g/km of CO2, this 110bhp entry-level diesel model will cost a basic rate tax payer £668 a year in benefit-in-kind, rising to £703 in 2012, according to CAP.

And CAP’s forecast over four years and 80,000 miles is encouraging. The 5008 is predicted to hold 26% of its value, compared to VW Touran’s 28% and the Vauxhall Zafira, which has the lowest in the group at just 19%.

The test car we drove – the £19,223 mid-spec Sport 1.6-litre 110bhp diesel – should account for most sales.

While there is an awful lot of car for the money, it is worth upgrading to the Exclusive range for just under another £2,000.

This model comes with extras that really make it very desirable for families and company drivers, such as the panoramic glass roof, distance alert, USB connection, Bluetooth hands-free technology and rear parking sensors.

The car has achieved the maximum five stars in the new Euro NCAP test.

ESP (Electronic Stability Pro-gramme), automatic electric parking brake with Hill Assist, Energy Saver tyres and air conditioning are all standard across the 5008 range.