Meet the biggest SUV Peugeot builds, the 5008. This is our first taste of the French car manufacturer. The 5008 has some very stiff competition, not only from direct rivals but also from bakkie based 7 seater SUVs and crossovers.
Styling
The French know how to design beautiful cars, the 5008 is by no means a small car but the designers have managed to make it very stylish. Available in two variants, Allure and GT Line, our test unit was the former. Which means you get 18-inch wheel, auto headlights, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, electric and heated mirrors. The styling might be subjective to some, but we quite like it.
The steering wheel is small and sits low, seems a bit odd but actually helps see the whole digital instrument cluster.
Inside
Though its an entry level model, its got some good standard equipment. All-round electric windows, Bi-Zone automatic control, leather covered steering wheel & handbrake, cruise control, ambient LED light, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Accessing some functions in the car are an event rather than a task. It features cockpit style switches and buttons, its ultra modern and look futuristic.
The steering wheel is small and sits low, seems a bit odd but actually helps see the whole digital instrument cluster. The seats are comfortable with a mix of pleather and cloth like material (GT Line Models get full leather seats). The seats were quite comfortable on a trip up to Johannesburg and back to Durban. As much as its a 7 seater, the last two seats are for small children, though we would suggest seating adults for short trips and not long trips. There’s 780L of boot space with the third row folded flat, and 1940L with the second row folded flat. Its quite room.
On our trip to Johannesburg and back to Durban managed a 8.2 l/100km. Drive carefully though and you could achieve the claimed 7 l/100km fuel consumption figure.
The Drive
Powering the 5008 is a 1.6-litree turbo petrol engine that produces 121 kW and 240 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an 6-speed automatic. The car doesn’t feel underpowered, and will happily go about its day hauling the big SUV. If you’re needing more torque, there’s a diesel powered model in both Allure and GT Line models. There were odd times when the car would hold gears for too long especially between 1st and second. Bury the throttle and it will happily shift at redline which is 6000rpm. But there is no need for that as peak torque is available at 1400rpm. On our trip to Johannesburg and back to Durban managed a 8.2 l/100km. Drive carefully though and you could achieve the claimed 7 l/100km fuel consumption figure.
Verdict
It’s a very charming car and ticks most boxes, and should be considered if you’re looking for a 7-seater SUV, but in order to get to level the 5008 has to contend with stiff competition from the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace.
Pricing for the Peugeot 5008 Allure 1.6 THP Auto starts at R539 900
