Once upon a time, the 5008 was for sale as an MPV, but it's now an SUV. Essentially it's the 7-seat version of the 3008 - another car that used to have some people carrier DNA in its design. Look at the spec sheets, and you'll find that the 5008 has the same engines and trim lines as the 3008, with the 7-seater layout being the main thing that separates the two.
Exterior:
At its core, the 5008 is a big, practical seven-seat MPV although it’s been dressed up like an SUV to stop it looking boring. Some updates have been made recently, so at the front it has new headlights with fang-like daytime running lights that are cropping up on all new Peugeots flanking a restyled and interesting grille.
Down the side, the sheer length of the Peugeot 5008 has been disguised pretty well with chrome roof rails and trim bits, with new headlights at the back freshening things up. It looks good overall, though horrible fake exhaust exits at the back let the side down a bit.
Interior:
You could say that this is the Peugeot 5008’s party piece because its cabin has a level of glamour and style that no direct rival can match. You’d have to venture up in the realms of much more expensive Audis and Mercs to find an SUV interior with this level of wow-factor. The reason? Well, every surface you see and touch is immaculately finished.
The infotainment screen is a 10" HD central touchscreen and the new 12.3" head-up digital instrument panel in high-quality display. Its fully configurable and customizable display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available plus there is a Mirror Screen function which is pretty nice.
Build quality feels really strong throughout and you’ll have to dig hard to find scratchy plastic surfaces. Before buying though you should make sure you sit in the driver’s seat — the tiny steering wheel has a tendency to block the digital display if you have longer legs and can’t mount it low enough. You’ve got plenty of space throughout the Peugeot 5008. The middle row has plenty of head- and legroom, aided by the flat floor which means no awkward foot Tetris for whoever sits in the middle seat.
There’s a couple of USB ports in the middle row as well so the kids can keep their tablets and phones charged, as well as some trays for holding them or food on the move. They’re a bit flimsy though, and can be knocked down rather easily, meaning family picnics could get messy.
Engine and Performance:
Nimble and easy to handle, the New Peugeot 5008 is powered by a 1.6L Twin Scroll Turbo which produces 165 HP and 240 NM of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic with sport-shift.
Power delivery is smooth but isn’t as sharp to drive as a Mazda CX-8, but this family SUV does deliver lots of comfort. Its softer suspension set-up and long wheelbase mean the car smothers worn tarmac, and the good news is that this doesn’t come at the expense of body control, because it keeps movements in check with a refined, fairly plush feel. However, there is a downside to this suppleness, because the Peugeot does suffer some roll in corners. To make matters worse, the small steering wheel makes it easy to turn too quickly and upset the car’s balance. Still, there’s a good level of grip given the concessions to comfort.
Space and Practicality:
There's seating for seven, the middle row seats can all be individually adjusted and all feature Isofix points, while the rearmost seats can be folded into the boot floor or removed completely.
The 5008's boot is still one of the class best, too, at 167 litres with seven seats in place, 780 litres with five up or a massive 2150 litres with just the front two erected.
You get a fair few bits of storage space throughout. There’s a deep pocket below the centre armrest, large door bins and a tray for your phone that can be had with a wireless charger. Just don’t put a large drink in the cupholder, you’ll probably send it flying because of how close it is to the armrest.
Safety:
The Peugeot 5008 offers a range of driving aids as standard, including Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Lane Keep Assistance, and Advanced Driver Attention Warning, Advanced Grip Control, Hill Assist Grip Control (HADC), Front & rear park sensors and a 360-degree camera. Although it has a handful of tech, there is no Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), why? Frankly, I have no idea.
Verdict:
The Peugeot 5008 is undoubtedly one of the best cars of its type. Importantly, it has the practicality and versatility to match any rival, while it’s also comfortable, entertaining and refined to drive, and comes well-stocked with luxury and safety kit. Even better, it’s more stylish than most rivals and has a jaw-droppingly attractive interior.
The focus has clearly been on creating a comfortable set-up, and thanks to its well-tuned chassis, this big SUV rides smoothly on all but the lumpiest roads. The handling is respectable for a large seven-seater, too, but the rival Mazda CX-8 feels a little sharper through corners. Peugeot's small steering wheel design isn't really ideal for a car of this size either, making tighter turns difficult to negotiate.
So, the Peugeot 5008 is an impressive all-rounder as well as one of the more desirable cars in the class. The Peugeot 5008 is well worthy of anyone’s consideration, and one of our favourite SUVs.
Price:
5008 1.6L: ₱2.26 Million
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