Life started out very differently for the Peugeot 5008. Originally envisioned and then realised as an MPV, Peugeot pivoted and transformed the 5008 into an SUV. The Peugeot 5008 on review today is the result of that pivot and we’re glad that the French carmaker did so.
PEUGEOT 5008 REVIEW: THE EXTERIOR
The facelifted Peugeot 5008 you see here is the most striking one from the French carmaker, yet. The 5008 sports a frameless radiator grille that seamlessly blends in with the LED headlights. It lends an optical dance that starts from the Lion logo at the centre before flowing to the sides.
At each end, the ‘illuminated fangs’ give the SUV its signature look. Through creative visual elements, the chromed horizontal lines on the grille pull the gaze back to the Lion at the centre. The 5008 nameplate rests above the Lion, with the double-0 stylised to resemble the infinity symbol.
From the front, the 5008 draws a roofline not typical of the modern SUV. Instead of a tapering roofline, the 5008 prefers a levelled roof from the front windscreen to the rear windscreen, and waterfalls to the tailpipes. This opens more room in the cabin but more in this later. The rear LED lights are arranged in such a way that it resembles a lion’s claws.
PEUGEOT 5008 REVIEW: THE INTERIOR
The cockpit design is interesting, if not quirky in its design. Instead of a single large plane, Peugeot has split the dashboard into well-defined tiers. On the top is where you’ll find the screens for the media and instrument panel. One tier below that houses physical buttons for quick and intuitive access to the air conditioning.
The cabin of the 5008 is a very relaxing space. Constructed with materials that you can actually see and feel high-quality materials. That’s not to suggest there aren’t any hard plastics; they are just hidden and hardly visible by being placed closer to the floor. The car’s front is divided in half by a massive transmission tunnel, creating sportscar-like cocoons for each occupant.
The compact-ish, two-spoke steering wheel you see as you enter the cockpit is also distinctive. Given that the top and bottom of the object have been flattened, the term ‘wheel’ may not be appropriate. The 5008 forces you to look over the steering rim at the instrument panel rather than through it like other cars do, giving you a clear view of the cluster.
The driver-oriented dashboard’s centre is occupied by a 10-inch HD touchscreen. The climate control, air conditioning, and other necessary functions are easily accessible through chrome-tipped controls located below the screen. However, you still need to tap on the screen to change the parameters. As on many French-made vehicles, the volume controls are located on the steering column, just below the indicators.
PEUGEOT 5008 REVIEW: REAR SPACE
From the cockpit to the cargo hold, anyone getting into the 5008 will note its spaciousness. A 5+2-seater in essence, anyone sitting at the back can appreciate the rear headroom. The last row of seats are the standard fold-to-hide, and legroom can be adjusted according to the second row’s mercy. All seats are well-padded – yes, even the rear – which makes longer-distanced journeys more comfortable.
Putting both third-row seats down yields a healthy cargo space of 952 litres. Or, fold all rear seats down to carve out 2,042 litres of space, giving you near 4×4-like cargo capacity.
PEUGEOT 5008 REVIEW: POWER, RIDE & HANDLING
A 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that generates 165 horsepowers and 240 Newton-metres brings the 5008 to life. Power is sent to the front wheels by a fluid-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox. The drivetrain picks up pace quickly and continues to run strong up to its speed limit. The engine’s long legs let the 5008 pass cars even at speed, which is perfect for long-distance drives.
Peugeot have done marvellous work on the 5008’s chassis. Its spring and dampers are nicely sorted to give the ride the suppleness required of an upmarket vehicle. The quality of the ride is maintained even when driving on damaged roads, where only the deeper holes upset the SUV’s otherwise calm road composure.
The steering telegraphs feedback quickly and is just as swift in its response to changes. Coupled with a restrained body roll, the 5008 feels lively in the backroads.
PEUGEOT 5008 REVIEW: WHAT ELSE?
In terms of the safety system, the 5008 comes standard with Advanced Grip Control, Hill Assist Decent Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning. The list is disappointing considering we’ve encountered SUVs at the same price point that offers so much more.
PEUGEOT 5008 REVIEW: VERDICT
The Peugeot 5008 is definitely designed for long-distance travel. A relaxing cross-country travel with people and luggage in tow is made possible by a comfortable chassis and a well-appointed cabin. Furthermore, 5008 offers good performance and usable space packed in a distinctly French suit that sets it apart from the other SUVs running on the streets right now.
REVIEW: PEUGEOT 5008 ALLURE
Engine: 1.6-litre Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) | Power: 165hp@6,000rpm | Torque: 240Nm@1,400rpm | Drivetrain: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drive | Price: RM186,288.00
Pros: Handsome looks, spacious interior, well-sorted ride and handling
Cons: No adaptive cruise control, no 4WD, pricey
