Peugeot has fought back from the brink a few years ago with outside funding, some factory closures, a big move into the Chinese market, model rationalisation and a raft of new cars all with shared “platforms.”

In Australia they jumped ship from the previous distributor to the same outfit that distributes the highly successful Japanese Subaru brand in this country.

The 5008 medium size SUV is a showcase of Peugeot’s current direction .

A completely new version arrived earlier this year that moves upscale in terms of pricing, features, safety and perceived competitors.

It’s a bloshy move from the French giant and could pay dividends if the desirable 5008 is any indication.

It has a distinctive flavour and style and is priced to sit between the mainstream cheaper medium size SUVs like Ford Escape and Honda CR-V and higher end cars from Audi, Jaguar and BMW.

There was a hole and Peugeot has filled it. Does the 5008 carry it off?

Well, the GT model tested sure presents a strong argument for a French love affair… against any competition.

Exterior

It is on the same platform as the 308 and 3008 small vehicles, stretched to fit seven seat accommodation.

There’s a touch of Korea about the front and a touch of Range Rover Evoque about its silhouette with an emphasis on straight lines and edges.

Then there’s the striking rear which has so-called “cats claw” tail lights and tight roofline that seems to make the 5008 look smaller than it actually is.

The overall effect is arresting and very different to anything else on the market right now except for the smaller Peugeot 3008.

The top of the line GT model driven has a sporty look to its flanks and large 19-inch alloys along with a bumper sporting integrated exhaust outlets.

I’d have to say I am a fan of the styling, it’s better than plenty of other offerings out there and looks powerful, different and attractive especially with all those straight edge body panels

Interior

All class here too with multiple fascia material including felt inserts to the door cards and in other places. There’s a configurable driver’s cockpit with high mounted “virtual” instruments and a choice of cabin lighting options.

It’s a funky place to sit in and provides a high level of comfort from the bubble texture leather upholstered seats and large center touch screen.

What is really good is the seating that allows second and third row seat adjustment fore and aft along with tilt, folding flat and even complete removal if you’re feeling strong.

Features

As the top of the range model, the GT features plenty including;

• Dual zone climate control.
• Heated front seats
• Electric park brake
• Configurable cockpit
• Sport button
• Front and rear park assist
• Keyless entry and start
• Premium audio, Extensive connectivity including Carplay and Android Auto.,

Drive and Engine

The Peugeot 5008 GT runs a 2.0-litre, four cylinder,  turbo diesel good for an impressive 133kW and 400Nm output.

Not only that, combined fuel consumption is a claimed 4.8-litres/100km – astounding in a car this size that weighs in at 1575kg.

It is a front wheel drive with a six speed conventional auto transmission along with paddle shift. The Sport button sharpens 5008 GT’s reflexes and pulls a lower gear in readiness for more get-go.

The GT is different to the other two 5008 variants in dynamic calibration too with sharper steering, suspension, gear changes and throttle response.

But it still has a somewhat unruly front end when you plant the right foot in a low gear.

Noise levels are minimal and overall performance is strong – especially roll on acceleration. It even gets out of the blocks quickly unlike some of its laggy competitors.

Ride comfort isn’t compromised by the sporty calibration which is via a Ma strut front suspension and rudimentary torsion beam rear axle. Makes you wonder how they do it so well.

The 5008 feels good to drive.

Safety

Five stars all the way with a full array of primary safety kit along with plenty of advanced driver assist technology like autonomous emergency braking, active lane departure warning, high beam assist, driver attention monitor and blind spot monitor to name a few.

The chassis itself is claimed to be super strong and feels that way when you cross a steep driveway.

Three ISOfix child seat attachments are positioned for centre row use.

Good Bits

• Looks great
• Stylish interior
• Strong engine performance
• Excellent fuel economy
• Seven decent seats and adjustable rows ⅔
• Attractively finished interior
• Plenty of luxury kit
• Generous advanced driver assist technology
• Upmarket looks flow through to drive feel
• Configurable driver’s cockpit
• Safe

Not So Good Bits

• Front drive torque steer sometimes
• Slow to activate button ignition
• Plug into USB to recharge phone and Carplay comes on
• Almost too small steering wheel

Summary

I can see what Peugeot Australia is doing here. They are moving up market and away from the discount wars in the medium SUV class. Good on ‘em. This is an excellent car that feels thousands of dollars more car than the price suggests.

Definitely worth a look from a point of difference perspective at least.

Facts And Figures: 2018 Peugeot 5008 GT

• Engine:  2.0-litre turbo diesel producing 133kW/400Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed auto
• Safety: Five-Star
• Warranty: 5 Yrs
• Origin: France
• Price: $52,990