5008 turning on the style
MPVS are dead, long live the SUV. With the development of this all-new Peugeot 5008, this could be the French firm’s new mantra. The reinvention of the 5008 has seen it go from seven-seat MPV to seven-seat SUV-lookalike that is essentially a longer version of the popular 3008.
What’s more, it sees the French brand leave the people-carrier market entirely to its sister-brand Citroen. With the change in focus, the 5008 is also expected to attract a wider group of buyers.
Previously the car was limited to dedicated people-carrier users who prioritised space ahead of style. Its move to a higher ground-clearance and the look of a 4x4 (even if the 5008 is only available as a front-wheel drive car) means the stigma of an MPV is no more.
So while the 5008 improves on the previous generation’s practicality levels thanks to clever design work, it is also appealing to families looking for stylish transport for a family of four or five, with occasional seating for a total of seven.
Last year the 5008 sold just 2,000 units, but Peugeot expects to sell 3,000 in the rest of this year and an impressive 6,000 in 2018.
As well as an increase in overall numbers, the manufacturer also hopes it will see a rise in sales of the higher specification cars – as it has with the new 3008. To this end, it expects the well-equipped Allure trim level to be the best seller, with the GT Line version a close second. Styling may be a subjective thing but the 5008 certainly stands out on the road, offering particularly distinctive front and side profiles.
And to our eyes the additional six-and-a-half inches over the 3008 lends a better balance to the looks.
Plus, Peugeot’s designers have neatly hidden additional boot space with clever styling accents at the rear of the car.
Six engines are on offer in the 5008 with the four turbo-diesels sure to account for most sales.
The range kicks off with a pair of 1.6-litre units with either 100bhp or 120bhp, the latter likely to be the most popular with a 0 to 60mph time of 11.4 seconds and 113mph top speed, as well as 67.3mpg average fuel economy.
Those requiring more powerful diesels can also choose from 150bhp or 184bhp versions of a 2.0-litre unit. While the more powerful unit is only available with an automatic gearbox, it boasts a 0 to 60mph time of 9.1 seconds and top speed of 130mph while still producing an impressive 58.9mpg average at the pumps.
Those after a petrol have the choice of two turbocharged engines – either a 130bhp 1.2 or 165bhp 1.6-litre – that actually aren’t far off the diesels in terms of performance and economy. The smaller 1.2 manages a 10.4 second