Hot on the heels of the 3008, which we dubbed Peugeot’s best car for years, is the platform-sharing 5008 SUV.
With competitors entering the SUV segment thick and fast, repeating the success of the 3008 may not be such an easy feat for Peugeot’s second SUV.
We attended the UK launch of the SUV in the Cotswolds to see how it measures up against the multitude of SUV competitors, including the Renault Koleos and Nissan X-Trail.
It’s easy to forget you’re driving such a big car and the performance is close to what you get with the smaller 3008, despite it weighing 300kg more. In fact, the 1.6-litre, 118bhp diesel engine here has enough oomph, completing the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 12.8 seconds.
Mated with the six-speed automatic gearbox the diesel performs well at cruising speed. Ride quality is also good, with all-round visibility (apart from a slightly small rear window), and the car has light steering and well-controlled body roll.
Relative proportions
The 5008 concentrates on practicality and excels in terms of extra space compared with the 3008. It is, after all, 19cm longer, and 11cm longer than the original 5008, while maintaining relative proportions.
The middle row seats are separate, fold, and the length and inclination can be adjusted. Two separate, removable folding seats sit in the third row. With those taken out the car has the biggest capacity in its class, boasting 1,060 litres. However, problems arise when you have all seats in play, as space behind the rear seats is 165 litres – pretty tiny, even by city car standards. The Skoda Kodiaq has a far more usable boot at 270 litres with the third row of seats down.
In terms of storage, the 5008 offers plenty of clever options, including a centre compartment with 11 litres of space. However, as is often the case with French manufacturers, the glove compartment is halved in size by the fuse box, which could be placed elsewhere.
Simple and uncluttered
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit is standard across the range, and is modern, uncluttered and simple to use. 5008 comes complete with a compact steering wheel (a little too compact for such a big car), an 8.0in touchscreen in the centre console and a 12.3in digital dashboard that has excellent resolution and easy customisation.
Build quality is much improved compared with the previous 5008 thanks to the use of soft-touch plastics and quality materials. Extras include seat massaging, mood lighting, and even in-car aromas.
In terms of sales, the manufacturer is expecting a split of 60% diesel and 40% petrol, and 56% retail compared with 44% fleet. While this engine will be the most popular, it isn’t the most efficient. That honour, thanks to a CO2 figure of 106g/km and 68.9mpg, goes to the 100hp version of the same 1.6 engine.
As a new contender, the 5008 has much to live up to. Due to launch in the UK in January 2018, we will have to wait and see how it compares against its smaller sibling – and if it can take the top spot against its SUV rivals.
Peugeot 5008 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Allure Auto
P11D Price: £29,470
On sale: January 2018
Fuel consumption: 61.4mpg
CO2 (BIK Band): 112g/km (24%)
BIK 20/40% per month: £118/£236
Boot space: 1,060 litres
Engine size/power: 1560cc/120hp
