New Peugeot 5008

Frumpy MPV turns into sexy SUV

PEUGEOT is turning its back on the traditional MPV, and here are the official pictures to prove it. This is the all-new 5008, which Peugeot has transformed into a large, seven-seat SUV.

The firm describes it as “the first SUV to offer modularity on a par with that of the best people carriers”. On the outside it’s a radical departure from the old MPV, but it shares a resemblance to the smaller 3008.

The butch front end is a beefier version of that seen on its smaller brother, while a bold shoulder line and rugged lower body cladding give it that all-important SUV styling. A chunky rear overhang and squared-off rear end hint at the huge amount of space on offer inside. The dash, also adapted from the 3008, uses the second iteration of Peugeot’s i-cockpit design. It features a compact steering wheel, eight-inch central touchscreen and an Audistyle 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Seven chrome buttons on the centre console allow easy access to the car’s various functions, while Peugeot has added new sensory features such as ambient lighting, massage seats and in-car fragrances. Top-spec models come with LED headlamps, wireless smartphone charging and a panoramic glass roof.

The 5008’s main focus is practicality. It sits on an enlarged version of the 3008’s new EMP2 platform – so it’s longer and wider than the current 5008 (tested on Page 46), yet 95kg lighter. Second-row passengers have 60mm more kneeroom than before, while individual seating offers more flexibility. All versions come with a third row of seats as standard that fold flat or can be removed. With five seats in place, maximum boot capacity is 1,060 litres. The front passenger seat also folds flat to allow items up to 3.2m long to be stowed.

From launch, the 5008 is available with two petrol engines – a 128bhp 1.2-litre unit with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and a more powerful 163bhp 1.6-litre, which is auto only.

A 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel is offered with a six-speed manual or auto gearbox, while 148bhp and 178bhp versions of a 2.0-litre diesel are also available. These are manual and auto only respectively. CO2 emissions for the cleanest model are claimed to be as low as 108g/km. Four-wheel-drive models won’t be offered initially, however.