By Breda Corrigan
The original Peugeot 5008 was launched in 2009 as a seven-seat MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) that spanned an incredible production life of almost eight years. The second-generation 5008 morphed into an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) in order to follow the trend in sales. With more than 300,000 vehicles produced since its launch in 2017, the Peugeot 5008 SUV has achieved outstanding commercial performance in both Europe and internationally, with the new 5008 SUV set to build on the success of its predecessor. Possessing a bold new style, it is establishing the design codes of tomorrow whilst offering more calibre and modernity, with a redesigned front end, new Full LED rear lights, new body colours and a new “Black Pack” option.
Modernised Peugeot i-Cockpit.
The modernised, innovative and ergonomic Peugeot i-Cockpit™ in the new 5008 SUV is equipped with the French brands now-familiar compact steering wheel for improved handling, while seven piano key toggle switches provide easy access to the main comfort functions. Additionally, the new 5008 is enhanced with a new 10-inch HD central touchscreen and a new 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument display, which are fully customisable and configurable, to follow the main elements of your driving without taking your eyes off the road. Designed to excel in the mid-size family SUV market, the new 5008 is now safer than ever, with the latest technology in advanced driving systems providing terrific peace-of-mind on the road. The new 5008 is capable of carrying up to seven people without compromising on driving pleasure and comfort.
Impressive Space For All.
Essentially, the Peugeot 5008 is the seven-seat version of the 3008 SUV, with the 5008 sharing the same engines and trim lines as its smaller sibling. From a visual point of view, the 5008 gets different styling and a longer roof line than the 3008, while the extended rear overhang provides the necessary space for the third row of seats. This also means that the 5008 has a bigger boot when the back seats are not in use, which makes it the ideal choice for families looking for more space. The front passenger seat in the 5008 can be folded forwards in order to help with the loading of long objects, while the second row is composed of three independent seats which are retractable and adjustable in length and inclination. The third row consists of two additional seats which can be folded flat into the boot floor to allow for an impressive 780-litres of cargo space. Even with all seven seats in use, there is still up to 166-litres of space available for school bags or items of similar size. However, with all five rear seats folded, there is a massive 2,150-litres of cargo space on offer, making the 5008 one of the most spacious cars in its class.
Trim, Engine and Transmission Options.
The new Peugeot 5008 SUV is available in a choice of three trim lines – ‘Active’ for the perfect balance of character and strength, ‘Allure’ for even greater style and specification, and ‘GT’ for the best of both worlds – sports styling with outstanding levels of efficiency and specification. Powering the new 5008 are petrol and diesel engines that promise durability, efficiency and refinement in equal measure. Entry-level Active trim comes with a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine with 130bhp or a 1.5-litre BlueHDi turbo-diesel unit also with 130bhp, both of which come in 6-speed manual guise only. The same engines are available in mid-spec Allure trim, but can be specified with Peugeot’s slick 8-speed automatic (EAT8) transmission as an option. The same engine and transmission options are available in top-spec GT trim, but they are joined by a 2.0-litre BlueHDi EAT8 with 180bhp.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new 5008 GT 1.5 BlueHDi 130bhp EAT8 which was finished in ever-popular Nimbus Grey metallic paintwork with a contrasting Black Diamond roof. Building on the generous standard equipment found in the Active and Allure trim lines, the GT trim brings with it a Drive Assist Plus Pack, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Positioning Assist, Advanced Emergency Braking System (with video camera and radar), Advanced Grip Control (with 4 grip modes and Hill Descent Assist Control), 2 x USB sockets in row 2, flocked door pocket material with blue ambient lighting, blue ambient lighting in foot wells, black roof lining material, Onyx digital instrument panel, electric tailgate, chrome side window trim, Sports front bumper design, twin exhausts with chrome-effect trim, 18-inch ‘Los Angeles’ two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels, Full LED headlights with static corner lighting and Daytime Running Light Extension, LED sequential scrolling front indicators, and door mirror-mounted LED ‘PEUGEOT Lion’ approach lights. Thanks to 130bhp and 300Nm of torque, the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 13.5-seconds (12.7-seconds in 6-speed manual transmission guise), with claimed WLTP fuel consumption as low as 5.4l/100km on a combined driving cycle (5.1l/100km in manual guise). Based on my combined motorway, urban and rural driving cycle during my time with the 5008 I managed to achieve fuel consumption as low as 5.6l/100km (50.4mpg), so it certainly looks like Peugeot’s claimed consumption figure is very much achievable in the real world. Out on a motorway, the 5008 is very composed and comfortable, with plenty of power available to make sure getting up to speed isn’t a chore. The car soaks up bumps well, and there is not much in the way of road noise either, while the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is refined, and is perfectly suited to the EAT8 transmission in my test car. Thanks to a tight turning circle, the 5008 is easy to park, and this is helped greatly by front & rear parking sensors and a high-quality reversing camera, while the small steering wheel makes the car feel agile at all times. While there is no four-wheel-drive model in the 5008 line-up, the standard Advanced Grip Control in the GT trim line does provide a certain level of confidence for times when road conditions become precarious. It is essentially an advanced traction control system that can work on the driven wheels individually to maximise grip on a wet, icy or muddy road.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
The new Peugeot 5008 is a sophisticated, practical and stylish SUV which combines terrific efficiency with strong safety credentials, seamless connectivity, and the very latest in infotainment technology. With its stylish good looks, terrific build quality, and plenty of space in all seven seats, the new Peugeot 5008 truly is a mid-size family SUV ‘par excellence’. Pricing starts at €39,925 or from just €347pm (t’s & c’s apply). When you purchase a new Peugeot passenger car, you get a 5-year peace-of-mind extended warranty as standard, along with Peugeot Assistance breakdown cover too.
