Overview
Peugeots 5008 7 seat SUV, which was launched in early 2018, and benefiting from several important upgrades since, is an all new design, that is far removed from the model it replaces. While other designs can seem a little homogenised the 5008 brings a little character and French flair.
External
Peugeot has created the 5008 in an unusual style. On the original launch I coined the phrase “sleek boxy” and that still fits. The interesting thing about the design is that although it is quite boxy at the rear, it still manages to maintain a sleek profile. From the front it is unmistakably a Peugeot. The bold grill has the Peugeot Lion front and centre.
There are chrome and black headlamps incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights, longitudinal, profiled aluminium roof bars, chrome highlights for the glass house and black lower wheel guards which add to the vehicles’ SUV stance.
Internal
Internally the 5008 has a definite appeal. The GT Line with I cockpit design, looks sumptuous inside and cocoons the driver. You sit upright with a deep foot well in the quilted leather seats. The compact steering wheel and instrument panel are different to normal and 5008 has a 12.3” high resolution customisable dash that has awesome clarity.
Front seats are multiply electrically adjustable and extremely comfortable. The Premium package is a $4,000 option that adds a massage seat along with the leather and sunroof, but absolutely worth it.
The upright seating contributes to a feeling of spaciousness and clear overall visibility. The front is a fluid design that has individual pods.
One negative is the cruise control stalk is unnecessarily complicated and hidden. Balancing that is the improved air conditioning that seems to handle Australian conditions better.
The large centre console bin provides both a comfortable arm rest and good storage. In front there are a couple of decent sized cup holders, the transmission selector and a handy storage spot as well as a clever phone charging pad with easily accessible USB and 12V ports.
The middle row seats are very comfortable and individualised for three people. Flexibility was central to the 5008’s design ethos with a configurable seating package allowing for each one of the three second-row seating positions to be folded, tilted or moved individually.
The vehicle has two underfloor storage areas in second row floor as well as sun shades to rear doors. Other storage includes large glove box, large door pockets, and 780 L of boot space that is accessed by a hand free activated composite lightweight tailgate.
Features
Sitting on top of the centre stack is the 8” capacitive touchscreen display that puts all necessary information at the driver’s fingertips and seven centrally-located, satin-chrome dashboard switches give quick access to the main passenger comfort and safety functions including radio, air-conditioning, satellite navigation, vehicle settings, telephone, apps and hazard warning lights.
There was an update to the user interface, now if you (gently) prod the navigation screen with three fingers (at the same time), the main screen turns into six large buttons aiding usability.
There are a host of other features, including the sensory GT Line i-Cockpit® Amplify system and if you want to read them see our article on 2018 Peugeot 5008 Features and Technology
Drive and Engine
5008 GT Line is powered by a 1.6T that produces power of 121kW/240Nm. This combined with the 6 speed AT enables spirited and economical driving. It is reasonably economical at around 7.0L/100k ADR combined.
What was surprising was how the 1.6T Petrol engine displayed diesel characteristics with low torque, but with more spirited response. The steering is finely tuned with good response to driver input. The ride, for and SUV, is pretty good. It has achieved a good balance between firmness, compliance and feedback.
A Driver Sport Pack also boosts dynamic sensations with a sportier engine sound, giving a more responsive accelerator pedal and sportier power steering. It also adds sports-style gear changes. The wheel, as mentioned, itself is small, comfortable and enhances the sporty feel with direct feedback from the front wheels.
The Peugeot is a misnomer SUV. For the most part it lives as a 2WD SUV but buyers can opt for the Advanced Grip Control. While a clever system, it still operates only on the front wheels, and as such cannot be classified as an AWD SUV.
Safety
Peugeot has been awarded a 5 Star ANCAP Safety rating for the 5008.This starts with the standard fitment of leading edge Autonomous Emergency Brake Technology and a vast array of active and passive safety systems, with the key ones including:
- A full suite of airbags, including curtain airbags that extend to third row passengers
- Lane Departure Warning
- Active Lane Keeping Assistance with steering assistance
- Level 3 Driver Attention Alert that monitors lane sway, driver inputs etc. to give you a warning to rest, stop, take control etc.)
- Speed Sign Recognition and Speed Suggestion
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop feature
- Visio Park (360° vision)
- Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Distance Alert
- Active Blind Spot Monitoring system
- Pedestrian Distance Alert System
Good Bits:
- Interior layout flexibility
- Exemplary ride and handling
- Practical design flair with functionality
Not so Good Bits:
- No air conditioned seats
- Transmission lever functionality
- Not AWD
Summary
After spending a week in the 5008 GT Line I have become enamoured with it. It also attracted a bit of attention from curious by standers.
In a segment that offers competent and quality, yet somewhat similar competition, the Peugeot 5008 brings a different quality. The French design flair that finally has functionality at its core, offers a stylish alternative.
It has an awkward yet appealing style, has plenty of room inside, is packed with innovative design and features, reintroduces the famed Peugeot ride and handling on our harsh outback roads and is backed with a 5 year warranty.
Definitely worth a look!
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Facts and Figures: 2019 Peugeot 5008 GT Line
- Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder turbo petrol producing 121kW/240Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed AT
- Warranty: 5 years/ Unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: France
- Price: from $48,490*
*Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options.