The Peugeot 5008 is the largest of the French company’s three SUV models ahead of the compact 2008 and the mid-sized 3008.
It’s a seven-seater that’s mainly aimed at the top end Japanese and Korean models although Peugeot is also keen to tackle the prestige Europeans; Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes. To this end only the higher-specced GT variant has been brought here.
STYLING
With its relatively long low profile the 5008 is best described as an SUV / People Mover crossover. Indeed, the first version was tagged as an MPV before switching to the more marketable SUV name-tag.
The current (second generation) model was released in 2017 and was given a facelift in early 2021. Changes include a new frameless grille at the front flanked by eye-catching tall vertical daytime running lights which flash when the doors are unlocked.
There are also gloss black side scoops and a revised bumper design.
At the rear there are new LED taillights include a ‘3D lion claw’ lighting signature and scrolling indicators which are activated when the car is unlocked.
Inside, the three centre-row bucket seats can be adjusted in various ways and offer plenty of legroom. A range of seatback angles further improve matters and there’s a real luxury feel when travelling there.
There’s also a neat aircraft-style fold-down table on the back of the front seats.
The rear two rows can each have their backrest folded flat as can the front passenger seat to cater for long narrow items of up to 3.28 metres.
As is the norm, the rearmost seats are best suited to children.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Two engines are offered. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol has power output of 121 kW at 6000 rpm and torque of 240 Nm at a very low 1400rpm.
The turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel has high-pressure, common-rail direct injection and develops 133 kW at 3750 rpm and 400 Nm at 2000 rpm.
The petrol engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the diesel to an eight-speed unit. Both drive the front wheels.
INFOTAINMENT
A 10-colour touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard and, very sensibly, is angled slightly towards the driver. The various controls are of the piano key variety with a small audio volume knob on the far left.
SAFETY
Standard features include front, side and curtain airbags, lane departure warning and positioning assist, road edge detection, driver attention warning, autonomous emergency braking, high beam assist, speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, advanced driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control with stop feature, park assist and Visio Park (360-degree vision).
DRIVING
Our test car was the 5008 GT petrol priced at $51,990 but optioned up to $58,620 with sunroof, premium paint ($1050) and Nappa leather seats.
The front seats are large, comfortable and supportive although the sunroof does infringe into headroom and we were forced to lower the seat below our preferred high driving position, normally one of the best features of SUVs.
One feature that we did love was the small sports-style steering wheel that, for most drivers, gives an unobstructed view of the multi-mode instrument panel.
The French love quirkiness and the first quirk in the Peugeot 5008 comes straight away when you press the brake pedal, push the start/spot button … and nothing happens. Instead, you have to hold the button down for a couple of seconds. We guess it means you don’t push the wrong button by mistake.
Road holding is very good, though it’s obviously aimed more at the family wagon buyer than the sporty SUV segment. You can choose between several driving modes.
On good roads the 5008 was extremely smooth and quiet. Perfect for long distance cruising with the added bonus of relatively low fuel consumption. We averaged 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres during our test in a variety of conditions. Sub-eights are easy to achieve on long motorway runs.
On some rougher surfaces there was more noise than we anticipated, but it still felt stable and secure.
The cruise control stalk is awkwardly positioned below and behind the gear shift toggles on the steering column.
SUMMING UP
Peugeot 5008 is an exceptionally well-equipped multi-purpose French vehicle at a price that should give food for thought to the makers of premium product rivals.
After a number of years in the automotive doldrums Peugeot, and its French sibling Citroen, recently switched importers to join the Subaru brand at Inchcape Australia. As such, dealers will be keen to attract new sales so make sure you do some serious haggling.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
5008 GT 1.6-litre turbo-petrol: $51,990
5008 GT 2.0-litre turbo-diesel: $59,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Peugeot 5008 GT 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.598 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 95 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.0 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 156 g/km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4641 mm
Wheelbase: 2840 mm
Width: 1844 mm
Height: 1646 mm
Turning circle: 11.2 m
Kerb Weight: 1473 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 56 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / 100,000 km
