What is it?
If you ever had the feeling that MPVs are a bit dull to look at, it's something that you apparently share with Peugeot, which has switched its new 5008 from MPV to large SUV largely because of customer preference for the latter class's muscular style.
The 5008 is classed as a large C-segment car, but you could be forgiven for thinking it’s more of a fit for the D-segment, seeing as it's 190mm longer than the five-seat, C-segment Peugeot 3008 and 110mm wider than the old 5008 MPV.
The 5008 is available in five trim levels: Active, Allure, GT Line
and GT. Engine choices are 128bhp and 163bhp petrol engines or 99, 118,
148 and 178bhp diesels. There’s a choice of six-speed manual or six and
eight-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes across the range.
The 5008's seven-seat interior is versatile, with a third row of
individual seats that fold flat into the floor and can also be removed
entirely to increase luggage space from 720 litres to 1060 litres.
On all models, a high-tech, 12.3in i-Cockpit digital instrument
display is visible above the steering wheel, along with an 8.0in
infotainment touchscreen atop the centre of the dashboard.
What's it like?
When is an MPV not an MPV? Because of the versatility of its interior, the 5008 offers more than the ability
to carry your extended family around. The second-row seats stand out
from those of competitors in that they're individual and adjustable for
leg room and recline. The two third-row seats are also individual and
can be pulled up from the floor in a one-touch action.
Each seat weighs 11kg and they can be removed just as easily, lifting
from the floor as a folded unit. We found the seats could unfold once
out if not handled the correct way, but once you've got the hang of it,
they’re easy to extract. There are two storage bins in the second-row
floor, each neatly concealed under a trapdoor. The front seatbacks have
fold-down tables and the front passenger seatback folds forward to form a
picnic table.
Inside, there are satin chrome trim finishes and matt-textured
surfaces throughout. GT Line trim gets you full simulated-quilted
leather seats, Allure gets you part0simulated leather and the GT has
full leather seats. Dashboard surfaces have a contemporary
fabric-covered finish.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine is surprisingly strong and it’s easy enough to take advantage of overtaking opportunities on A and B-roads, despite the 5008’s size, and on the motorway it cruises without fuss, while low wind noise makes conversation easy.
The i-Cockpit set-up is slick and appealing to use with plenty of
configurations available from a roller switch on the steering wheel.
To have a clear view of the screen, the steering wheel's diameter is
small and its top and bottom flattened. This looks and feels a bit odd.
The tablet-style 8.0in touchscreen is also mounted high, but physical
switches for mode-switching make it easy to use.
The 5008's six-speed manual gearbox doesn’t have the most satisfying
shift; selecting first at low speed can snag slightly and the linkage
could be tighter. The six-speed torque converter automatic, meanwhile,
is smooth and reasonably quick-shifting, and that reflects on the
smoothness of the engine and progress in general. Gear selection is by
the neat electronic impulse control system, which is precise and nice to
use.
The steering is on the light side – a little more weighting would be
welcome. However, the 5008 has good body control, so it can handle twisting rural roads well. The cars we tried were fitted with 18in wheels, and the secondary ride was a little harsh on poor surfaces.
Should I buy one?
The Allure 1.2L Puretech 130 S&S is expected to be the biggest
seller at £26,295. The entry-level is the Active 1.2L Puretech 130
S&S at £24,495 and the top-of-the-range is the GT BlueHDi EAT8 180
S&S at £35,895.
Peugeot has cleverly recognised the fact that appearance means a lot to buyers, and it’s become clear how popular the SUV style is generally. In truth, the 5008 is still a ‘Multi Purpose Vehicle’, and a versatile, well optioned one at that. It just doesn’t look like one – and that’s what makes it clever.
Peugeot 5008 GT Line 1.2 PureTech 130 S&S
Location Gloucestershire; On sale Now; Price £28,195; Engine 3cyls, 1199cc, petrol; Power 128bhp at 5,500rpm; Torque 170lb ft at 1750-4300rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual; Kerb weight 1310kg with driver; 0-62mph 10.9sec; Top speed mph; CO2/tax band 117g/km, 22%; Rivals Skoda Kodiaq, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento
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