Peuegot 5008 buyer’s guide
FROM £4,850 Soon-to-be-replaced MPV offers excellent value for money
With new SUV on the way, outgoing MPV is fantastic value
AN all-new Peugeot 5008 will be with us soon, and it’s set to be quite a different animal from the outgoing model.
The original 5008 was launched seven years ago as a seven-seater MPV, and was a big step up in quality and driving dynamics over the cars that had gone before. Peugeot had introduced its first people carrier, the 806, in 1995, and the more stylish 807 in 2003. But each new arrival was trying to get a slice of an even smaller pie, as buyers migrated away from MPVS towards SUVS.
As a result, the new 5008 – on sale later this year – has a more Suv-like profile. But the Mpv-style outgoing car can still make a fine used choice if you know what to look for.
History
THE 5008 was launched in February 2010 with a choice of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and 1.6 or 2.0-litre HDI diesels. The petrol engine came in 120bhp normally aspirated VTI or 156bhp turbo (THP) forms, while the 1.6 HDI was offered in 110bhp guise with manual or auto gearboxes. The rangetopping 2.0 HDI was also available in 150bhp manual or 163bhp auto forms.
All cars featured air-con, a panoramic glass roof, seven seats and ESP as standard. At launch the trim levels were Active, Sport and Exclusive; these became Access, Active and Allure in spring 2013.
A facelift followed a year later, with the 5008 getting a refreshed nose, upgraded interior and the option of a rear parking camera, as well as reduced CO2 emissions.
Which one?
IF you do lots of short journeys, it’s worth buying a 1.6 THP to avoid diesel particulate filter issues (the VTI is best avoided as it lacks zest), but petrol 5008s are rare.
The 1.6 HDI engine is strong enough, but the 2.0 HDI unit adds Dynamic Ride Control, which helps the ride and handling balance. Lots of 5008s are autos; the 2.0 HDI 163 gets a conventional auto, but the 1.6 HDI features Peugeot’s EGC (Electronic Gearbox Control) robotised manual, which isn’t especially slick. Entry-level models (Active, Access) get air-con and ESP, while mid-range models (Sport, Active) add 17-inch alloys, sportier trim, cruise control and improved cabin storage. Topspec editions (Exclusive, Allure) come with a glass roof, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and climate control.
Alternatives
OUR favourite used MPV at the moment is the multi-talented SEAT Alhambra, which features car-like handling, a cavernous interior and very good build quality.
However, the highest-rated MPV in our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey was the Renault Scenic/grand Scenic Mk3, thanks to its versatility, space, economy and value. Plus it’s proving to be well built and reliable, too. We’re also fans of the previous Citroen Grand C4 Picasso because of its versatile seven-seat layout; 96th in Driver Power suggests owners love it less, though.
Other MPVS worth a look include the Vauxhall Zafira, Ford S-MAX, VW Touran, Mazda 5 and Toyota Verso, all of which offer versatility and space with ease of driving.
Verdict
WHEN we first drove the Peugeot in 2009, we reported: “The 5008 is a surprise. Mature styling, a compliant ride and sweet handling are matched by a punchy yet frugal range of petrol and diesel powerplants... But it’s the interior that matters on a car like this, and Peugeot has done a superb job.”
We still like the car’s handling, ride comfort and cabin, but reliability and build quality can be an issue. Scrutinise any potential purchase carefully before buying.
“We still like the car’s handling, ride comfort and cabin, but reliability and build can be an issue”
OUR VIEW
THE 5008 came 137th in our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey. It managed a top 100 place in just three categories: 72nd for practicality, 87th for running costs and 91st for performance. Lowest score was 148th for seat comfort; build quality came in at 147th, while it was 145th for handling.
YOUR VIEW
GEORGINA Cotter, from Stevenage, Herts, loves her 5008. She told us: “I run a nursery so the car is constantly full of small children. The interior hasn’t worn well, but it’s a workhorse that’s lovely to drive, economical and very comfortable. My 5008 has been generally reliable; it’s never let me down and it doesn’t cost much to run.”