Peugeot 5008: Just needs a push

by Alistair Kennedy

What is it?

The 5008 is the largest of French carmaker Peugeot’s three SUV models, ahead of the compact 2008 and the mid-sized 3008. With its relatively long low profile and seven seats the 5008 is effectively crosses over between SUV and people mover. Indeed, from its debut in 2009 through until 2016 it was tagged as an MPV before switching to the more marketable SUV tag. The current (second generation) model was released in 2017, with a facelifted version arriving in early 2021. The 5008 is aimed at top end Japanese and Korean models, although Peugeot is also keen to tackle similarly-sized premium European SUVs such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. To this end only the highly featured GT and GT Sport variants are offered.

What’s it cost?

There's two grades, one petrol and the other diesel. The 5008 GT Sport 1.6-litre turbo-petrol is priced from $65,657, while 5008 GT 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is $66,770 plus on roads. Our test car was the 5008 GT Sport priced at $65,670 plus on-road costs. The 5008 shares much of its styling with its smaller stablemate, the 3008. The standout feature in both is the eye-catching chequered grille which stretches seamlessly past the air intake to blend with the bodywork. Topping off the great looks are long thin vertical daytime running lights which flash when the doors are unlocked. At the rear there are LED tail lights, ‘3D lion claw’ brake lights and scrolling indicators. The GT Sport also gets puddle lights in the shape of the Peugeot Lion. A panoramic sunroof is standard with the GT Sport and optional in the GT. Wheel sizes are 18-inch with the GT and 19-inch on the GT Sport. The 10.0-inch colour touchscreen sits in the centre of the dashboard and, very sensibly, is angled slightly towards the driver. Less sensible, in our opinion, is the need to adjust temperature and fan speed with multiple taps on the screen rather than with much easier and safer knobs. The various controls are of the piano key variety with a small audio volume knob on the far left. Both 5008 models come with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio; wireless smartphone charging and satellite navigation. Both the 5008 GT and GT Sport come with a comprehensive list of safety features. This includes six airbags, auto high beam, forward collision warning; and autonomous emergency braking with low light cyclist and pedestrian detection. There's also adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, advanced driver attention alert, lane keeping assistance, lane positioning assist and lane departure warning, with road edge detection and speed limit recognition and recommendation. Isofix child seat anchors are provided on the outer rear seats. One glaring omission is rear cross traffic alert, an important feature that is becoming standard in most vehicles. Parking is helped by front and rear parking sensors, semi-autonomous parking assist and 360-degree reversing and front cameras.

What’s it go like?

GT Sport has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol with maximum power of 133kW at 5500 rpm and torque of 260Nm at a very low 1650 rpm. The 5008 GT is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel with common-rail direct injection and develops 131kW at 3750 rpm and 400Nm at 2000 rpm. Both petrol and diesel engines are mated to an eight-speed torque-converter style automatic and both are front-wheel drive. Access to the front seats is easy and they are large, comfortable and supportive with the added bonus of slide-out thigh support. The sunroof does however infringe on headroom. The 5008 comes with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit system which combines a 10.0-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen; configurable multi-mode 12.3-inch instrument panel and a compact sports steering wheel which allows an unobstructed view of the controls for most drivers. There are also neat aircraft-style fold-down tables on the back of the front seats. GT Sport has Nappa leather appointed upholstery (Alcantara in the GT), while both models get heated front seats and eight-way electronic adjustment and massage function for the driver, with a panoramic opening glass sunroof as standard. As is the norm, the rear most seats are best suited to children. With all seven seats in place storage capacity is 237 litres. This expands to a maximum of 1670 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2150 litres with second-row seats down and the third row removed. The three centre-row bucket seats can be adjusted in various ways and there’s a real luxury feel when travelling there. With the front passenger seatback folded the 5008 can to cater for long narrow items of up to 3.28 metres. The turbo-petrol engine in the GT Sport is smooth and refined. If you’re looking for a bit more torque the slightly more expensive turbo-diesel GT model might be more suitable. A highlight is the sports steering wheel which really adds to the drive experience. Road holding is very good, though it’s obviously aimed more at the family wagon buyer rather than the sporty SUV segment. You can choose between several driving modes. On good roads the 5008 was extremely smooth and quiet. It's perfect for long distance cruising with the added bonus of relatively low fuel consumption. On some rougher surfaces there was more noise than we anticipated, but it still felt stable and secure. The cruise control stalk is awkwardly positioned below and behind the gear shift toggles on the steering column. Fuel consumption in the turbo-petrol GT Sport that we tested is listed at a very optimistic 5.6L/100km. We averaged 7.6L which is still impressive for a relatively large vehicle.

What we like?

Eye-catching chequered grille
Real premium feeling
Panoramic sunroof standard
Relatively low fuel consumption

What we don’t like?

Needs temperature and fan knobs
Misses out on rear cross traffic alert
Sunroof infringes on headroom
Sports steering wheel adds to drive experience
Cruise control stalk awkwardly positioned

The bottom line?

The multi-purpose French Peugeot 5008 is a stylish, well-equipped and versatile seven-seat SUV at a price that should be food for thought for the makers of premium rivals. Peugeot has a long and distinguished history in Australia so it was disappointing to see that sales have dropped significantly in recent years. Fortunately, both it and sibling Citroen have now joined the Subaru brand at Inchcape Australia. Now, with improved marketing dealers will be keen to attract new sales -- so make sure you do some serious haggling.