PERFECTLY timed during an era of rising fuel costs and conscious carbon emissions, Peugeot’s 308 Touring is once again pitched as an upmarket alternative to thirsty SUVs and boxy MPVs. It is big – and clever – from the inside, yet small and maneuverable from the outside, while ticking all the right boxes for many families. So we threw in five noisy adults, two large and impatient dogs and some luggage into the range-topping XSE HDi to see how it copes with modern life. Powered by an unassuming 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine teamed with a slick six-speed automatic, this fully laden outing proved an effortless task for the Pug. We were impressed.