As a result people were wandering all over the evening television news like frost-bitten zombies complaining that no one had kept them informed as the languished on winter wonderland motorways.

Yes they had. The Met Office clearly informed us all that as this was the weekend and so few people really needed to travel, it was probably prudent to stay at home with a bottle of brown ale and the Sporting Life. I think once you are snowbound on the A1 the only information you need is that you are stuck and there's very little anyone south of the Almighty can do about it.

Schools closed, Heathrow at a standstill, man falls over, situation normal. It all fills a bulletin and Take in the news that in Russia it is so cold peoples nose have fallen off it can fill a whole 24 hours.

However it was with a glad heart on Saturday I looked out to see Happy Feet frolicking with this cuddly pal Shardik because parked up next to the small monument to Captain Scott was a Peugeot 3008 especially equipped to deal with snow and ice.

And that's the one part of the test that can't be guaranteed without marrying a herring and moving to Norway.

Obviously life in freezerville is not the car's reason for being. The 3008 is an award-winning crossover, a range of models none of which will break the bank and all with quality trimmings.

All models come with six airbags and stability control. The grip package, which includes mud and snow tyres, is available for extra funds on the six-speed 1.6 HDi FAP 112bhp models, adds an electronic centre console switch with five settings to boost traction in slippery conditions.

And you will use this when? Well obviously should you get caught out by bad weather but also if you do a bit of towing or light rough roading. It is not four-wheel drive, be clear about that.

And does it work? Well given that Nanook has just tapped me up for the price of a blubberburger and I am not upside down in someone's front garden bleeding from the ears the answer has to be yes

Had I found myself waiting for the fire brigade's cutting equipment there would have been plenty of time to take in the best interior in any mid-price crossover.

A centre console puts driver and passenger in separate cockpits and adds to the attractive fascia and enough switchgear to keep any sky pilot happy. Well finished, too. The stereo is fiddly and turning off the traffic advice was one mystery too many.

Among the features on this Allure level 3008 is a head up speed display. Very useful now that Ken Clarke has suggested a level of parking fines in line with the balance on Italy's national Visa card.

Basics cover what you would expect for £22,545 plus a huge panoramic glass roof with electric cover, fancy exterior trinkets in aluminium, 16 inch wheels, climate control and distance alert. There's also a clever boot which has three floor level choices and a split tailgate.

On the road then. Hmm, think soft cost of ownership. The HDi will return 60mpg, 50mpg is more realistic, but takes an ice age to reach 62mph. 13.6 seconds. Emissions are 135g/km of bear threatening carbons and £115 a year tax. You get a lot of car for those running costs.

So, a roomy well presented crossover with clever traction technology which comes in handy during Britain's annual two-day winter. Especially if you're someone who has trouble taking Met Office advice.