Revisions to Peugeot’s seven-seat 5008 remind us just how good an all-round family car it is.
Over the last 10 years the 5008’s exterior has morphed from an MPV to the 2017’s second generation’s SUV-like appearance. This model has been given a facelift and just in case you weren’t sure of the segment of vehicle its in Peugeot has added ‘SUV’ to the its name. The new 5008 SUV keeps the same exterior dimensions but gets a few styling tweaks to freshen it up. The front end is quite striking with a new frameless grille and LED lights that add more bling. The rear end is quite slab-sided and clearly adds to the car’s cargo carrying ability but somehow Peugeot manages to make the boxy rear of the car… stylish! Rear lighting features the latest lion’s claw styling and is now LED – including the reversing light. Higher grade models can get full LED headlamps with a bend lighting function (EVS) that optimises visibility at speeds of up to 90 km/h. One feature we didn’t get to try is the ‘Foggy Mode’ function that replaces the front fog lights. The “Foggy Mode” function is integrated into the full LED headlamps and switches on the low beam headlamps with reduced intensity when the rear fog lamps are activated.
Inside the cabin is a comfortable place to be with its famed ‘i-Cockpit’ dash remaining modern and contemporary. Peugeot informs us that since 2017 over 300,000 5008s have been sold in total. A new 10-inch high-definition touch screen display and overall impressive switches and controls feature. Great looking ‘Nappa’ leather covered seats are optional. All the family will enjoy the optional 515 watt ‘Focal’ hi-fi especially for all those relaxing tunes – all together “Baby Shark do do do…”!!!!!!! The 5008 is all about cabin space. The 5008 seat layout is 5+2 and is both flexible and adjustable. The third row’s two (individual) seats fold neatly into the floor to create a flat load area – but they can also be removed to give even more boot storage. The middle row features three same-size adjustable seats that can also fold flat. The front passenger can tip forward to deliver a load length of 3.2 metres. The boot’s huge 702 litres of space can expand to 1,940 litres giving van-like cargo capacity.
Active (entry point), Allure and GT are the trim grades available. As you’d expect the latest crop of electronic driving and safety aids are available. Some grade/pack depended highlights include: Night vision that is unique in the segment (€3,120), adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane position assist, extended traffic sign recognition and the latest generation auto braking. Peugeot’s excellent faux 4X4 ‘Advanced Grip Control’ continues as an option (€320) as do a host of other convenience systems.
The engine options for Ireland feature a four-cylinder 1.5-litre (man/auto) BlueHDi (diesel) with 130hp/221nm, a 2 litre BlueHDi 180hp auto and a three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol (man/auto) with 130hp/170nm. The new 5008 comes in manual and auto form with a six-speed the entry point in both fuel types. The EAT8 8-speed automatic is slick and very easy to use. A ‘drive mode’ sector allows you choose how the engine performs with ‘Normal’, ’Sport’ and ‘Eco’ the options having the expected result on how lively or frugal the car is. Pricing starts at €36,400 for the 1.2 Active petrol (tax band C1) with diesel pricing starting from €37,465 (tax band B2). The top of the range GT diesel auto with its 2 litre 180hp engine (tax band D) costs €53,820.
On the road our diesel 5008 GT auto makes progress with little fuss and its engine noise is well suppressed. Driving dynamics are fine and in Sport mode you can shift along with a bit of gusto. Full length doors help keep clothes and legs clean when getting in and out that would otherwise rub against dirty paintwork and mucky sills. The 5008’s driving position is commanding and manoeuvring is simple despite its size. The Peugeot 5008 SUV is a really good family car that is versatile and has a dash of style.
