Peugeot 5008 | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 4 January, 2018

Three Isofix anchors in the second row gives the Peugeot 5008 a real advantage in the seven-seat SUV market

Overview

Overview

Hot on the heels of the very successful 3008, Peugeot have given us another crossover to swoon over. This is the much-anticipated 5008 - a larger, seven-seat SUV that also started life as a not-so-trendy MPV.

It’s still very much people-carrier in the truest sense of the word though, or a family-carrier to be more precise. Three sets of Isofix anchors in the second row gives parents the advantage of sitting three childseat age children in the back, while still leaving plenty of space in the boot for all of the things they come with.

Interior Gallery

The second row of seats comprises of three individually adjustable chairs, which can slide forwards and backwards, recline, and most crucially of all, each have Isofix anchors for child seats. That is incredibly rare in this market, usually reserved to less attractive people carriers, and a major unique selling point for Peugeot over its deadly rival the Skoda Kodiaq, which only has two.

The legroom is generous, although the headroom a little less so, particularly when specced with the panoramic glass sunroof. It won't be an issue for children but some taller teenagers might struggle.

Room in the third row is about typical for these type of extra seats - fine for short journeys but a little bit flat and uncomfortable for a longer stretch.

They are also fully removable, making the 5008 quite a versatile load-lugger when you don't have a full car. There's not much bootspace with all seven seats in place, but fold them down and there is a very generous 780 litres to play with.

The interior is every bit as plush as the 3008. It’s modern, feels really upmarket, and does things a little differently to the norm. The cabin has a sporty wraparound feel and the retro toggle switches add a bit of character.

The main controls are accessed via an 8 inch touch screen display which comes as part of Peugeot’s iCockpit system. That also incorporates their now trademark tiny multifunction steering wheel and a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster.

That package comes as standard across the range, as do some impressive safety features like cruise control with a speed limiter, lane departure warning and speed limit information.

That list gets even more impressive when you move up to the level two Active model which gets upgraded styling, advanced emergency braking, parking sensors and a reversing camera, aeroplane-style trays in the back, built-in sun visors for the kids, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Level three Allure models get additional styling upgrades including 18 inch alloy wheels, leather-look upholstery and ambient lighting in the cabin. Safety gets stepped up another gear with blind spot detection and active lane keep assist.

There's also a sporty GT-line model and a real GT in the line-up which Peugeot expect to be strong sellers as they move toward a new and more premium image.

Engine line-up will mirror that of the 3008. There’s a choice of four diesels with power outputs between 100 and 180bhp, and for those who don’t do as much mileage – a decent petrol option in the award-winning 1.2l Puretech 130.

The 1.6 HDi 120 bhp unit in our test car will surely be one of the big sellers with its claimed fuel economy of 4.2l per 100km and annual motor tax bill of just €190.

It is bulkier than the 3008 and you do feel that on the road slightly. It’s a long vehicle and the back window can feel quite far away as a result. As soon as you adjust to that, it’s pretty much exactly the type of ride you want from the people-carrying SUV that it is. In other words it’s a comfortable, easy, predictable drive that’s reasonably engaging. The shrunken Peugeot steering wheel even gives it a bit of a sporty feel, and that's saying something for a car of this size.

There’s plenty of power available for confident overtaking, very little roll on corners, and thanks to good sound insulation, it’s really quiet in the cabin - so it’s a nice, relaxing drive.

Peugeot's reputation for reliability is on the up, although being a brand new model it's hard to comment on the 5008 just yet. German rivals may traditionally hold their value better on the used market but in the age of PCP, that is becoming less relevant.

It might have a few flaws, but for parents who have been waiting for a good-looking, family-friendly SUV that will allow them to keep three kids in one row (where they can see them) and still have a boot to hold all the bits they come with - the 5008 is going to take some beating.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives