What We Like
Looks very good
Futuristic and comfortable cabin
Fun to drive
Perky 1.6-litre engine
Highly functional and practical
What We Dislike
Oddly small steering wheel
Air-con can only be adjusted on the touchscreen
The new Peugeot 5008 is a rather different proposition from the one that came before - that difference is stark enough when you consider the car's 'type'. Where it used to be a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the new 5008 has actually transformed into a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
What?
Yes, the 5008 is an SUV now. It's built on the same platform as the 3008, a crossover we rather liked. In fact, there is a startling visual similarity between the cars, and you could be forgiven for mistaking one for another if you're not looking very closely. That's basically a convoluted way to say that the 5008 looks pretty good - sharp and modern-looking, with distinct details like the futuristic taillights that help it stand out among the SUV crowd.
With its sleek and stylish exterior design, the 5008 certainly stands out from the SUV crowd
So it's an upsized 3008?
Yes, that's more or less accurate actually. The futuristic interior is just about identical to the 3008, from the tiny steering wheel to the airplane-like buttons on the centre console. It feels premium and well-built, and we particularly like the way the ambient lighting reflects off the panels on either door. It's comfortable, too. The front two rows are pretty spacious, while the third row is best left for the kids.
As far as practicality goes, the 5008 has 780 litres of boot space when configured as a five-seater, and expands to a whopping 2,150 litres with all five rear seats folded.
With the third row folded, the 5008 offers a generous 780 litres of boot spaceThe 5008 is generous with equipment as well. Panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, reverse camera with birds-eye mode, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, the list goes on.
The 3008 is quite a hoot to drive, right?
Yes, and the 5008 feels quite similar. On the roads, it feels smaller and more compact than the seven interior seats would suggest. The car also demonstrates surprisingly nimble handling, with body roll kept well in check.
What?
Yes, the 5008 is an SUV now. It's built on the same platform as the 3008, a crossover we rather liked. In fact, there is a startling visual similarity between the cars, and you could be forgiven for mistaking one for another if you're not looking very closely. That's basically a convoluted way to say that the 5008 looks pretty good - sharp and modern-looking, with distinct details like the futuristic taillights that help it stand out among the SUV crowd.
So it's an upsized 3008?
Yes, that's more or less accurate actually. The futuristic interior is just about identical to the 3008, from the tiny steering wheel to the airplane-like buttons on the centre console. It feels premium and well-built, and we particularly like the way the ambient lighting reflects off the panels on either door. It's comfortable, too. The front two rows are pretty spacious, while the third row is best left for the kids.
As far as practicality goes, the 5008 has 780 litres of boot space when configured as a five-seater, and expands to a whopping 2,150 litres with all five rear seats folded.
The 3008 is quite a hoot to drive, right?
Yes, and the 5008 feels quite similar. On the roads, it feels smaller and more compact than the seven interior seats would suggest. The car also demonstrates surprisingly nimble handling, with body roll kept well in check.
The 5008 is also powered by a punchy turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that produces 163bhp and 240Nm of torque. Pickup from a standstill is slightly tardy, but once you get going it's effortless enough. Driven sensibly, the 5008 is extremely comfortable and accommodating, soaking up bumps easily and offering great pliancy in its suspension.
However, we're not fans of the tiny and slightly oddly-shaped steering wheel. Yes, it definitely adds to the futuristic, cockpit-like feel of the cabin, but it just feels kind of weird in your hands.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel can be configured with one of three different views
This or the 3008?
You must have realised that we keep coming back to the 3008, and there's a very good and simple reason for that - it's built on the same platform as the 3008, and shares much of the same equipment. The 5008 is an upsized 3008, and that's a very good thing - it delivers additional space and practicality without overly compromising the drive quality.
The most impressive aspect of the 5008 is that it is a seven-seater that feels sophisticated while still being entirely accommodating. It's a very practical and likeable car, one you can use every day. But at the same time, it doesn't just feel like yet another generic seven-seater. It feels cool and different.
The perky 1.6-litre engine delivers 163bhp and 240Nm of torque
What is this car actually? Just an SUV? Actually an MPV? Honestly, it's probably somewhere in between. It offers a lot of the utility and adaptability of an MPV, whilst having the style and attitude of an SUV.
We like it. We like it quite a lot indeed.
However, we're not fans of the tiny and slightly oddly-shaped steering wheel. Yes, it definitely adds to the futuristic, cockpit-like feel of the cabin, but it just feels kind of weird in your hands.
This or the 3008?
You must have realised that we keep coming back to the 3008, and there's a very good and simple reason for that - it's built on the same platform as the 3008, and shares much of the same equipment. The 5008 is an upsized 3008, and that's a very good thing - it delivers additional space and practicality without overly compromising the drive quality.
The most impressive aspect of the 5008 is that it is a seven-seater that feels sophisticated while still being entirely accommodating. It's a very practical and likeable car, one you can use every day. But at the same time, it doesn't just feel like yet another generic seven-seater. It feels cool and different.
What is this car actually? Just an SUV? Actually an MPV? Honestly, it's probably somewhere in between. It offers a lot of the utility and adaptability of an MPV, whilst having the style and attitude of an SUV.
We like it. We like it quite a lot indeed.
