Ruler of the galaxy?

Set to hit UK roads in October, the 807 will be priced as close to the Ford Galaxy as possible. That means drivers can expect to pay around £18,000 for an entry-level car, and up to £24,000 for a luxurious flagship model.

Although the 807 has essentially the same floorpan as its predecessor, this is no mere facelift - the car offers a range of either new or revised petrol and turbodiesel 16-valve engines. The rear suspension has been redesigned, and the car has electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assistance and, on some versions, an electronic stability programme as standard. But while this sounds very impressive, it's the new styling that will catch your eye.

The nose now has a distinctive Peugeot 'look', while the rear is longer and less boxy. Although the small tail-lights seem at odds with the bold front, there are a couple of neat touches, including side repeater lamps integrated into the bases of the wing mirrors and adjoining front and rear door handles.

An improved driving experience is promised, too, and we were impressed by our 2.2-litre HDi test car's road manners. The four-cylinder diesel proves big on refinement and torque, strengths which both driver and passengers will appreciate. As a result, the 807 provides adequate performance, and at motorway speeds is extremely quiet.

The gearbox is well suited to the engine's output, and the car accelerates quickly through its five ratios. However, the change isn't as impressive and feels imprecise. It's not good news when it comes to the suspension, either. Despite alterations to the springs and dampers, the ride is lumpy at low speed and unsettled when you go quicker; it's not awful, but means the 807 lags behind rivals such as the Renault Espace.

The dash will take your mind off this, though. It features an 'arch' spanning the base of the windscreen pillars, while underneath sit a trio of centrally mounted instruments distinguished by a pastel green translucent 'glass'. Very unusual.

It's well equipped, too. Of the four trim levels - LX, GLX, Executive and Pullman - only the base model misses out on electrically powered sliding side doors. These can be operated via switches inside the car or from remote buttons on the key, and have a safety sensor to prevent passengers or possessions being crushed as they close.

With up to 58 different storage cubbies, a fold-down wide-angle mirror and optional LCD screens in the rear for the DVD player, the 807 will certainly appeal to families. And thanks to the 'Quickfix' system, you can have a five, six, seven or eight-seat configuration, depending on trim level, while even the electrically adjustable front chairs can be swivelled around to face rearwards.

Ultimately, you have to applaud Peugeot's efforts. With bold looks and a better interior, the 807 has what it takes to strike back at the established elite.