Peugeot 4007

The Peugeot 4007 shares every underpinning with the Mitsubishi Outlander, but comes with an impressive diesel engine. Arguably it’s the least convincing effort aesthetically, but the underpinnings are good.

• Comfort

  The need to limit body roll means the suspension in the 4007 is fairly firm, but it's not so much as to actually make it uncomfortable. General refinement on the move is also good, thanks in no small part to excellent diesel engines.

  

• Performance

  The 2.2-litre HDI is a fine bit of kit. The 4007 will never be rapid, but it makes solid, comfortable progress with the added incentives of good economy and relatively low CO2 emissions.

  

• Cool

  Although the coolness of an urban SUV is highly debatable, we reckon the 4007 is the least the cool of the three cars that share this platform. Something about being French and rugged really doesn't ring true does it?

  

• Quality

  The 4007 is well put together thanks to some Japanese quality control and a family-oriented lifestyle in mind. It's tough, simple and fit for purpose if the purpose in question is nothing more arduous than kids, dogs or mountain bikes.

  

• Handling

  The 4007 is part of that modern breed of urban SUVs with precious few pretensions towards the mud. As such it handles much more like a road car than a proper off-roader, with plenty of grip and little body roll.

  

• Practicality

  No chink in the 4007's armour here, with a split tailgate and the option of a third row of seats, albeit a very token one with scarcely enough room for kids. The second row folds automatically at the touch of a button too. Which is nice.

  

• Running costs

  The diesel in 4007 returns a reasonable 7L/100km. What the future holds for residual values on a French SUV is anyone's guess. Tread with some caution...