Peugeot has been busy in recent years giving all their cars upgrades and the latest that I have driven is the massive 5008. And just in case you were not sure of the segment of vehicle into which the 5008 fits, the company has added the letters ‘SUV’ to its name.
The Peugeot 5008 and 3008 led the company’s design revolution. The 5008 could be described as a larger version of the 3008 as it’s similar in looks and size, but it has seven seats.
The third row of seats is ideal for small children, who loved to be tucked away at the back, away from their parents for a while at least.
The new 5008 SUV keeps the same exterior dimensions but gets a few styling tweaks to freshen it up. The car gets the same family face as the 208 supermini and 508 saloon, with a larger grille, fresh LED daytime running lights and new headlights. 18-inch Los Angeles tow-tone diamond cut alloys add a touch of class.
Inside on the dash there is a new infotainment set-up, with a 10-inch display for the main system, and a freshly updated 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster that sits above the steering wheel in the driver’s line of sight, in true i-Cockpit style.
Then you have seven piano-type toggle switches under the main display system and they are used adjusting the air con and radio controls and it’s all rounded off with a very neat flat-bottom steering wheel.
I drove a 1.5-litre diesel version with 130 brake horse-power, which was very, very frugal. Also available in 1.2-litre petrol with 130 bhp and 2.0-litre diesel with 180 bhp. The test car was Nimbus Grey and there was a touch of grey inside, but the interior was mainly black.
However, I’m told that the interiors of all cars in the 5008 range are not all as dark inside as the version I drove, as much depends on the spec of the car.
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.
A few weeks back I drove the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is also a seven-seater, but probably slightly larger than the 5008.
The 5008 is cheaper than the Sant Fe, while the Skoda Kodiaq, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sorento are Peugeot’s other main rivals for their 5008.
As usual with Peugeot three trims available, Active, Allure and GT which was the version I drove with all the goodies included. You also get full length doors which help keep clothes and legs clean when getting in and out. Two roof rails add to the SUV look.
Prices start at €36,400 while the automatic 8-speed diesel version I drove with a plethora of goodies and extras, will cost you €47,070. Road tax is €270. And the good news is that as usual with Peugeot your get a proper spare wheel, which is located underneath the car.
It’s a long motor, but maybe not the most glamorous car that you will see on Irish roads. But if it’s comfort and space for seven passengers that you want the Peugeot 5008 SUV is reasonably priced and won’t let you down.
