The recently released Peugeot 5008 has changed the face of the large seven-seater SUV market. The driving experience is unparalleled, thanks to the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit. The 2.0-litre diesel engine with 148bhp that was tested has decent torque, but is somewhat coarse in nature. The 1.6-litre diesel engine with 118bhp should be the most balanced between power and economy.
The 5008 has kept its level of versatility and usefulness, while having many of the same attractive features as the 3008. Its dynamic capability, although not of the same standard as the Skoda Kodiaq, still provides a comfortable drive. Those regularly needing to transport seven people should consider the options of larger engines.
The Peugeot 5008 has a traded the classic multi-purpose vehicle model to a modern SUV. Does this new car deliver on the needs of classic buyers, or does it stay true to the desire for crossover fashion?
Prior to responding to that, it is worth considering the 5008 from a design perspective. It is distinguished from its tedious predecessor and other seven-seater SUVs available on the market. Features such as the chiseled front, contrasting roof, boutique-like internal area, and diamond-cut alloy wheels lend it a powerful appearance amidst counterparts such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail.
From the front, it duplicates the appearance of the smaller 3008, but from the A-columns to the back, it is noticeably variations. As opposed to the 3008's tapering roofline which met with a neatly finished tail, the 5008's shape is more upright to accommodate two additional seats, which may seem a bit odd to some. Stepping inside, one might feel as if they were in the smaller model, with its interior that is similar to a concept car. The dashboard is molded from delicate touch synthetics, and soft fabric adorns the doors. Piano-like brief keys for the infotainment system and i-Cockpit digital dials, which bare resemblance to Audi's virtual display, are incorporated in all models, and the optional massage seats culminate in a unique offering. This practical car, which will likely mostly be utilized for ferrying children to school and carting items, possesses personality along with its practicality.
At the rear portion, the standard split-folding seat of the 3008 has been replaced by three distinct chairs. These chairs are fitted with Isofix provisions for protecting the safety of young children, and can be adjusted to various levels of inclination and sliding, allowing for maximum comfort. The seating surface is quite stiff, nevertheless, due to the added 165 mm in wheelbase distance as well as the overall flatness of the floor, there is an abundant amount of legroom.
Additionally, headroom is more than adequate, except for passengers in the middle seat where their space is slightly confined by the equipped panoramic roof--an attribute exclusive to the GT Line model. Younger riders can make the most of the blinds and the big storage space situated on the floor; conversely, the picnic tables may be somewhat lacking in quality.
Getting to the final row of seating is easier than in the seven-seat Skoda as the middle row can move further forward. The rear chairs are ideally meant to be used by children, yet they can accommodate adults provided that the second row is altered to a forward-sliding position. When not in use, these chairs can be added or retracted into the underlying floor and are secured by panels that are raised up. These chairs can also be removed for extra space for the base area.
