
The Peugeot 5008 has been branded as the company’s people carrier. The use of five in its name notes practicality for the model’s image. The 5008 is a onebox utility car, but a smaller variation of such a tradition. Five or seven seats are available depending on your preferred model. The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that come with the 5008 offer adequate performance, depending on the road and driving conditions. Read on to know what the latest from Peugoet has to offer.
Pros
The 5008 is the first of its kind to employ the brand’s new design language. This new look does away without the brand’s mouth-shaped, gaping grille. Instead the model sports a subtle collection of orifices and front-end vents. The resulting look is much better than the look that results from the brand’s trademark grille. Other design elements include MacPherson strut pairs on the front end plus a rear that’s suspended by the torsion beam.
The 5008 comes with two kinds of petrol units. There’s the 110bhp 1.6-litre e-HDi that is partnered with Peugeot’s robotized EGC (Electronic Gearbox Controlled Manual) six-speed gearbox. You can also opt for the 1.6-litre VTi at 118bhp that was developed with BMW; this one packs in power at 154bhp.
The interior of the Peugeot 5008 stands out in several aspects. The cabin is wide, allowing the driver to enjoy a high-set seating position and a complete view through the low window line. A panoramic glass roof is also included among the range-top models. The cabin also includes cubbyholes as small storage spaces at the rear and front areas. More seats can be had by sliding and reclining seats as a second row to accommodate about two adults or three children. Even with the second row unfolded, access to the third row is made easy by releasing the second-row window seat.
Cons
Unfortunately the 5008 does not stand out in terms of engine performance. The 1.6-litre HDi 122 diesel unit is the least powerful version available and only reaches a moderate performance when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox. The engine accelerates from 50 to 70mph rather slowly at 12.1 seconds. But this time is cut short by two seconds when shifting into fifth gear. And although the Peugeot advertises better acceleration with the eHDi, test results show that the robotized manual instead provides clunky changes and poor responsiveness. You’re better off with a manual that’s well-driven and offers a smooth and economical drive in the long run.
Thankfully both diesel engines are quiet and refined on the road, but the 1.6-litre THP is still the better bet among the two. The cabin does not receive any noise even while idle, offering a peaceful ride for both drivers and passengers. The 5008 also keeps itself in check, maintaining a controlled and comfortable pace on the road without bordering on a sporty performance. This quality is maintained by the vehicle’s electrohydraulic power steering system. A driver simply after a practical drive will appreciate the simple performance of the 5008.
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