This Peugeot Traveller might be fundamentally based on the marque’s medium-sized Expert van but it’s undeniably sophisticated as well as being light, airy, and seriously spacious, with room for up to 9 people. If anything, its commercial vehicle roots serve as a strength, the voluminous interior, tough build and uncomplicated design proving ideal for family buyers who’ll happily shoulder the slight ride and refinement issues.

This Traveller certainly looks much more of a car-like thing than its Expert Tepee predecessor with its sharply angled windscreen and smart frontal treatment. Under the skin, this MPV utilises the acclaimed ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2) as the basis to combine its relatively compact exterior dimensions with maximum roominess. Inside, his model can offer up to 9 spacious seats with 1,500 litres of boot space - or up to 4,900-litres of luggage space if you take out the removable seats.

Available in three defined lengths, ranging from 4.60m to 5.30m, the Traveller’s height of 1.90m is low enough to guarantee entry into covered car parks - a relatively rare attribute in this segment. The ‘M’ and ‘XL’ length versions of 4.95m and 5.30m will be the variants chosen by most buyers, but even the shortest 4.60m-long ‘XS’ version can comfortably accommodate up to 9 people in all seats.

The Traveller’s Euro6 engines have been chosen with operating costs rather than performance in mind and this will suit businesses as well as families with a firm grip on their finances. Combined fuel economy is pegged at 51.3mpg on the combined cycle, along with 144g/km of CO2 for the 95bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel model, figures you can improve to 53.3mpg and 135g/km if you go for the same variant fitted with an ETG6 auto gearbox.

Bridging the gap between Peugeot’s passenger car range and the marque’s light commercial vehicle line-up, the Traveller has a big job on to convince the public of its large MPV credentials.

With rugged build, competent driving dynamics, strong economy and attractive prices, it seems well-suited to its target markets and as a result, could well be worth a look for larger families.