What We Like
Handsome looks
One of the nicest cabins in its class
Tidy handling for a seven-seater
Comfortable and easy to drive
What We Dislike
Can feel slightly underpowered. especially when the car is full
Downsizing is the name of the game these days, with manufacturers whacking small engines into all of its cars - hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), what have you.
Peugeot, no surprise here, is no different. You'll find a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine in many of its cars (the 2008, 308, 3008 as well as this 5008), along with other Citroen and Opel models under the PSA Group.
The 1.2-litre engine produces 129bhp and 230Nm of torque, which is sufficient enough for sensible, unhurried drivingWe recently drove the Peugeot 3008 powered by this same 1.2-litre engine. In that car, the engine suits it just fine - perky enough for everyday use, while still offering good fuel efficiency. In this larger and heavier seven-seater SUV, is it enough?
Is a 1.2-litre engine really enough?
Well, yes, but just about. Driving alone, the 1.2-litre engine works just fine. With 129bhp and 230Nm of torque, there's enough shove from the engine, accelerating at a smooth but not necessarily very brisk pace.
Much like the 3008, the cabin of the 5008 is definitely one of the nicest ones in its classHowever, it can feel a tad underpowered once you start to load up the car with some luggage or more passengers, with the engine having to work much harder to deal with all the extra weight.
Throttle response also isn't great. There's a fair amount of travel in the accelerator pedal, which means you do have to put your foot into it before you feel the power coming.
That said, the car retains its nimble handling and assured drive. For a seven-seater, handling is surprisingly tidy, with body roll kept well in check. The small steering wheel is still weird and takes some adjusting to, but beyond that the 5008 remains a dynamically sound SUV.
Peugeot, no surprise here, is no different. You'll find a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine in many of its cars (the 2008, 308, 3008 as well as this 5008), along with other Citroen and Opel models under the PSA Group.
Is a 1.2-litre engine really enough?
Well, yes, but just about. Driving alone, the 1.2-litre engine works just fine. With 129bhp and 230Nm of torque, there's enough shove from the engine, accelerating at a smooth but not necessarily very brisk pace.
Throttle response also isn't great. There's a fair amount of travel in the accelerator pedal, which means you do have to put your foot into it before you feel the power coming.
That said, the car retains its nimble handling and assured drive. For a seven-seater, handling is surprisingly tidy, with body roll kept well in check. The small steering wheel is still weird and takes some adjusting to, but beyond that the 5008 remains a dynamically sound SUV.
And the rest of the car is the same?
Yes, and that's a very good thing. The 5008 scores high marks for its design, cabin quality and everyday practicality. Visually, it's a handsome SUV that stands out in a segment often derided for being visually bland and uninteresting.
In five-seater mode, the 5008 offers 780 litres of boot spaceInside, the 5008 is certainly one of the best cars in its class to sit in, sharing the same top-quality interior as the 3008. Besides looking quite sleek and futuristic, the build quality is good, and there's a high level of comfort in the cabin, thanks to excellent noise insulation as well.
The 5008 also offers generous amounts of boot space. With the third row folded, there's 780 litres of space, which expands to a massive 2,150 litres in two-seater mode.
The Peugeot 5008 1.2 is a stylish, comfortable and practical car for the unhurried family man
So cheaper is better?
Of the two, the 1.6-litre variant is definitely the more compelling car (because of its more gutsy engine), but there's no denying that the 1.2-litre model is the most practical and affordable choice. In fact, for the same Active trim model, the 1.2 is $15,000 cheaper than the equivalently specced 1.6 model.
This 1.2-litre variant functions well as a family SUV, even if it does feel a tad underpowered (especially if you plan on carrying seven people regularly). For most buyers, this will be the more attractive choice - cheaper to buy, cheaper to run. And hey, manufacturers recognise this reality - after all, there must be reason why downsizing is so prevalent, right?
Yes, and that's a very good thing. The 5008 scores high marks for its design, cabin quality and everyday practicality. Visually, it's a handsome SUV that stands out in a segment often derided for being visually bland and uninteresting.
The 5008 also offers generous amounts of boot space. With the third row folded, there's 780 litres of space, which expands to a massive 2,150 litres in two-seater mode.
So cheaper is better?
Of the two, the 1.6-litre variant is definitely the more compelling car (because of its more gutsy engine), but there's no denying that the 1.2-litre model is the most practical and affordable choice. In fact, for the same Active trim model, the 1.2 is $15,000 cheaper than the equivalently specced 1.6 model.
This 1.2-litre variant functions well as a family SUV, even if it does feel a tad underpowered (especially if you plan on carrying seven people regularly). For most buyers, this will be the more attractive choice - cheaper to buy, cheaper to run. And hey, manufacturers recognise this reality - after all, there must be reason why downsizing is so prevalent, right?
