The term Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) often evokes a preconceived impression of a family-oriented people carrier, apt for running errands involving the household. MPVs are supposed to be steady, solid and safe, with space being the key theme.
Yet people carriers are no longer the multi-seated badges of abundance they used to be. The latest contenders are slick and stylish - in essence, tall estates with extra carrying capacity.
Introduced in 2009, the Peugeot 5008 signalled Peugeot's move into sister company Citroen's territory with the introduction of its own seven-seater compact MPV.
The 5008 also joins the 3008 crossover as a second compact people mover from Peugeot. And together with its petrol variant which we tested awhile ago, the diesel version of the 5008 forms up in Peugeot's lineup for some French economical fare.
Exterior
The 5008 is a straightforward people carrier in the traditional mould. And by keeping the concept simple, the styling has benefited.
Yet people carriers are no longer the multi-seated badges of abundance they used to be. The latest contenders are slick and stylish - in essence, tall estates with extra carrying capacity.
Introduced in 2009, the Peugeot 5008 signalled Peugeot's move into sister company Citroen's territory with the introduction of its own seven-seater compact MPV.
The 5008 also joins the 3008 crossover as a second compact people mover from Peugeot. And together with its petrol variant which we tested awhile ago, the diesel version of the 5008 forms up in Peugeot's lineup for some French economical fare.
Exterior
The 5008 is a straightforward people carrier in the traditional mould. And by keeping the concept simple, the styling has benefited.
While the smaller 3008 crossover may look a little awkward, the 5008 hides its bulk with crisp lines and a simpler front end.
The test car we had was draped in Vapour Grey, a colour that further accentuated the smart and sophisticated body styling.
From the front, it's a taller hatchback in appearance, with the gaping grin and oversize snout of Peugeot's recent past replaced by a neatly styled grille and proud 'Lion' badge sitting on the bonnet.
The flanks benefit from a chrome detail line that flicks up towards the rear and blends with the wrap-around rear LED lights while the black window frames and hidden rear pillar give it a sleeker look.
Interior
The interior of the 5008 is practical and neat with the familiar dials, trip computer and central display which you see in most Pugs.
Family-friendly touches also dominate the cabin, such as the huge and deep lidded centre storage bin and a tiny, supplementary rear view mirror for the driver or passenger to keep an eye on the children in the rear quarters. There are also cubby holes galore with deep door bins by the sides.
As practical as it may be, there are some ergonomic issues the designers may have left out. The dashboard is positioned too far out that it takes a good stretch to reach the IU unit or any navigation assistant placed out there.
The interior of the 5008 is practical and neat with the familiar dials, trip computer and central display which you see in most Pugs.
Family-friendly touches also dominate the cabin, such as the huge and deep lidded centre storage bin and a tiny, supplementary rear view mirror for the driver or passenger to keep an eye on the children in the rear quarters. There are also cubby holes galore with deep door bins by the sides.
As practical as it may be, there are some ergonomic issues the designers may have left out. The dashboard is positioned too far out that it takes a good stretch to reach the IU unit or any navigation assistant placed out there.
If you intend to have some sun, the huge and wide panoramic sunroof will gladly do the job. Coupled with the wide windscreen, they give a sensation of driving a mobile greenhouse.
But bear in mind, with weather conditions like ours, the slightly weak air conditioning may have to be on full blast so it won't become a sauna instead.
Volume wise, the rear seats fold easily to reveal a spacious cargo area of 823 litres - ample room to cart around your load with convenience.
And if that is not enough, fold down the second row and the space will swallow up to 2,506 litres of cargo.
But bear in mind, with weather conditions like ours, the slightly weak air conditioning may have to be on full blast so it won't become a sauna instead.
Volume wise, the rear seats fold easily to reveal a spacious cargo area of 823 litres - ample room to cart around your load with convenience.
And if that is not enough, fold down the second row and the space will swallow up to 2,506 litres of cargo.
The Drive
The 5008 here is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine that is good for 112bhp and 270Nm of torque - sufficient for a family workhorse.
The engine is hardworking and punchy enough to haul the 5008 without too much effort, allowing the car to reach 100km/h in 13.3 seconds.
Down in the lower gear range, it may take some time to get used to the lumpish gear shifts from the Electronic Gearbox Control (EGC) transmission, but the sluggish feeling gets better once the car gets up to speed.
For a diesel-powered people mover, fuel economy would be one of the main concerns and the 5008 proved that it could quench its thirst pretty well - we clocked 16.3km/L though it fell a little short of the 20.8km/L as claimed.
The 5008 drives more like a conventional hatchback and its responses are unusually sharp for a tall people carrier.
The 5008 here is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine that is good for 112bhp and 270Nm of torque - sufficient for a family workhorse.
The engine is hardworking and punchy enough to haul the 5008 without too much effort, allowing the car to reach 100km/h in 13.3 seconds.
Down in the lower gear range, it may take some time to get used to the lumpish gear shifts from the Electronic Gearbox Control (EGC) transmission, but the sluggish feeling gets better once the car gets up to speed.
For a diesel-powered people mover, fuel economy would be one of the main concerns and the 5008 proved that it could quench its thirst pretty well - we clocked 16.3km/L though it fell a little short of the 20.8km/L as claimed.
The 5008 drives more like a conventional hatchback and its responses are unusually sharp for a tall people carrier.
Although the steering could benefit from a little more feedback, the 5008 turns in relatively accurately and has a surprisingly impressive body control.
Conclusion
The 1.6-litre e-HDi version of the 5008 combines decent economy and running costs with up to snuff performance in a reasonable package.
With ample space to boot, impressive fuel consumption and a comfortable interior, a family trip up North shouldn't be too much of a trouble with this 5008, though we reckoned the suspension setup was a little firm for our liking.
More realistically, if you have the time before work, the 5008 can be a credible alternative to school buses that will ferry your children to and from the school gates every morning.
Conclusion
The 1.6-litre e-HDi version of the 5008 combines decent economy and running costs with up to snuff performance in a reasonable package.
With ample space to boot, impressive fuel consumption and a comfortable interior, a family trip up North shouldn't be too much of a trouble with this 5008, though we reckoned the suspension setup was a little firm for our liking.
More realistically, if you have the time before work, the 5008 can be a credible alternative to school buses that will ferry your children to and from the school gates every morning.
