Most softroaders blend into the crowd in the supermarket carpark but this offering delivers some much-needed character – for a price.
French carmakers have struggled to gain a foothold in the Australian market, but Peugeot’s 5008 fits the bill for the buyer who likes to be different.
Here’s what you need to know about this stylish seven-seater.
VALUE
Peugeot’s updated 5008 seven-seater is available in a single “GT” trim with a choice of petrol or diesel power. Priced from $51,990 plus on-road costs (about $57,000 drive-away), the 5008 is dearer than the outgoing model, but benefits from new looks, a 10-inch wide-screen display and 12.3-inch digital dash.
Our test example presented beautifully thanks to extras such as a panoramic sunroof ($1990), leather trim with open-pore wood ($3590) and two-tone pearl white paint ($1050) pushing its price beyond $60,000 drive-away.
Servicing is dear at $2803 for five years, including two scheduled maintenance bookings that cost about $800 each – double what some rivals charge.
COMFORT
We took the 5008 on a road trip and came away impressed by refinement that rivals luxury machines. It’s quiet, comfortable and well-assembled. Quilted leather seats come with a driver’s massage function that takes the edge off long stints at the wheel.
Rear occupants get tilting backrests, power outlets and clever flip-down tables, though there’s not as much head and leg room as bigger alternatives.
The third row is best left to kids – it really is quite cosy in the back. While we wouldn’t recommend it as a people mover, the Peugeot’s “cinq plus deux” arrangement is handy for transporting extras from school or sport.
SAFETY
The downside is that there is no side airbag protection for the third row. It has driver aids such as auto emergency braking and active cruise control – but there’s no rear cross-traffic alert or rear auto braking, which can be found in cheaper alternatives.
Luxury inclusions such as auto lane positioning or stop-and-go traffic jam assistance are also reserved for an $8000 more expensive diesel version that also gets 19-inch wheels (as opposed to 18-inch hoops), a premium stereo and a better transmission.
We’ll also call out Peugeot’s ergonomics. Some drivers will struggle to see the high-mounted dashboard clearly, we don’t love cruise controls hidden behind the steering wheel and it’s over-reliant on the main touchscreen.
DRIVING
The Peugeot rides sweetly on chunky tyres and cushy suspension that works well in town and on the highway. Its tiny steering wheel is linked to quick gearing that contributes to a sense that the 5008 is light on its feet. Sweet to drive, the Peugeot is let down by the lack of an all-wheel-drive option and an undernourished 1.6-litre engine that makes do with 121kW and 240Nm. Adequate around town, the little motor feels stressed when overtaking in the country.
Peugeot’s claimed 7L/100km premium petrol use is a little optimistic – we saw near-double figure fuel use during a week with the car.
ALTERNATIVES
Mazda CX-8, from about $44,000 drive-away
Smaller than the huge CX-9, Mazda’s CX-8 offers a broad range of choices, but feels dated next to the Peugeot.
Skoda Kodiaq, from $52,990 drive-away
A former Car of the Year winner, the Skoda Kodiaq is great to drive and loaded with practical features.
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, on sale 2022
VW’s updated seven-seat Tiguan should be a cracker, but it won’t be cheap.
VERDICT
Four stars
Beautifully finished and polished to drive, the Peugeot represents a discerning – if expensive – choice for families on the move.
VITALS
Peugeot 5008 GT
PRICE About $57,000 drive-away
ENGINE 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 121kW and 240Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE 5-year/unlimited km, $2803 for 5 years
SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring
THIRST 7L/100km
SPARE Space saver
CARGO 591 litres
Originally published as Peugeot 5008 offers an alternative to mainstream SUVs
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