The problem with MPVs is that they tend to be either too compact, such that you imagine a standard car would offer the same amount of space and practicality, or they are like a van in terms of being uninspiring to drive. There are, of course, a few honorable exceptions most notably Ford’s excellent SMAX. Peugeot are hoping to provide some competition in this area now with the launch of their new 5008. Their bold claim is that it is as attractive to drivers as it is to families.
A seven seater the 5008 is good for five adults and two children in the rearmost seating principally due to a lower roof height, although adults would be fine for shorter trips. This is not uncommon amongst such vehicles so is not a real downside against the 5008 compared to the competition. The big advantage of the Peugeot is that when all the seats are folded it really does offer a huge flat loadspace yet doesn’t drive at all like the proverbial well upholstered van. It isn’t up to SMAX driveability in my view but shows that Ford need to look to their laurels as the Peugeot is a darned good attempt.
In diesel form, as you might expect, the Peugeot excels in both refinement and performance with traditional diesel style economy and torque, Add these factors to the remarkably good driving characteristics and the 5008 will surely be a success. The line up offers two petrol and four diesel engines with a choice of both manual and automatic transmission. Leading the power trains is the 110 bhp HDi diesel with manual and electronic manual transmission. There is also a 150 bhp HDi with 6-speed manual gears along with a 163 bhp 6-speed automatic transmission version. The two petrol engines are the 120 bhp 1.6 with 5-speed manual transmission and the 6-speed gearbox 156 bhp 1.5 litre.
Three trim levels are Active, Sport and Exclusive with standard fare across the board including air conditioning, electric handbrake, CD sound system with MP3 connectivity, seven seats and all of the rear seats fold completely flat. Interestingly Peugeot say that advanced orders have seen the flagship exclusive taking a large proportion of sales to date. This model has such things as a head-up display and distance alert, bi-zone climate control, 17” alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof and usb and bluetooth amongst other items. prices start at £17,345 rising to £24,145, although an Exclusive model dependent on engine choice can be had from £20,445.
My outings were driving the 110 bhp HDi Sport and 150 bhp HDi Exclusive models priced at £20,045 and £22,945 respectively. Considering Peugeot bill the model as a compact MPV the first thing you notice is just how much space there appears to be inside the 5008. Undoubtedly this is aided on Exclusive models by the standard Panoramic glass roof but even in the Sport model it seems a big vehicle. On the road though it proves remarkably easy, and enjoyable, to drive. The 150 bhp engine has noticeably more ‘pull’ but the 110 bhp acquits itself well and would certainly not hinder your progress.
Overall Peugeot have built a fine vehicle in the 5008 being both practical and enjoyable to drive thanks to a sprightly performance and very decent handling characteristics for an MPV. The build quality continues to improve in leaps and bounds and allied to an impressive design that gives the 5008 real presence this is a model that should help Peugeot conquer sales.
