By Khulekani Dumisa

Peugeot has finally introduced the new 5008 SUV locally. Gone is the station-wagon like shape as that is now replaced by an assertive 7-seater SUV. The brand is hoping the car will not only find many homes but also make a significant strides in the turn-around of the brand that is being spearheaded by industry expert, Xavier Gobille, who has taken over as MD of Peugeot-Citroën South Africa. At the launch of the 5008, Xavier and team empathetically declare that the company is “back in the race” and promised to work hard to restore confidence in the brand. They have a huge tasks on their hands and the 5008 SUV should make things easier for them as we found it to be a compelling offering at launch.

Outside

Upfront the new Peugeot 5008 SUV features a long, horizontal bonnet; vertical face; and raised body line. The entry level model comes with halogen headlamps whilst fullbeam LED headlamps are standard on the GT Line. The GT Line also features a contrasting black diamond glossy black roof whilst a large panoramic opening glass sunroof is offered as optional on the same model. At the back, the Peugeot logo and brand name are position on the centre of the strip which connects the signature LED ‘claw effect’ rear lights.

The wheel sizes range from 18” on Allure up to 19” on the GT Line.

Overall the exterior design is quintessentially French. The 5008 SUV is stylish and will stand out for its looks.

Inside

The latest version of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with a compact steering wheel (the smallest on the market, across all segments), an 8” touchscreen, and a 12.3” high-resolution digital head-up instrument panel dominate the dashboard.

The combination of touchscreen and the seven central satin chrome dashboard switches offer quick access to the main passenger comforts and safety functions. An additional button that comes with i-Cockpit Amplify which offers with luxuries such as a fragrance diffuser. A smartphone charging plate on the centre console, which uses magnetic induction to automatically recharge devices, is offered as standard on GT Line.

The Mirror Screen function displays a copy of your smartphone screen to the vehicle’s touchscreen for easy app access. It is compatible with MirrorLink (Android), Android Auto, and Apple Carplay (iPhone 5 and later).

Space and practicality

In terms of size, the new 5008 SUV has a wheelbase measuring 2.84-m which makes its wheelbase 16.5 cm longer than the Peugeot 3008 SUV. The car is a whole 11cm wider than the original 5008, and offers second-row passengers 60mm more knee room.

The 5008 SUV offers three matching, separate, folding and tilting seats in the second row and two removable, separate, folding seats in the third row. The seats in the standard third row are suited for small children.

The boot provides 780l of luggage space in 5-seat configuration. The boot space expands when the second row of seats is folded down. Thanks to a front foldable front passenger seat, the all-new Peugeot 5008 SUV is able to carry especially long loads (potentially up to 3.20 m).

Safety

The Peugeot 5008 SUV is offered with an number of active and passive safety features which include: automatic emergency braking system (AEBS), distance alert systems (GT Line), active lane keeping assistance, driver attention warning, smart beam assistance, speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, adaptive cruise control with stop feature (automatic gearbox), active blind spot monitoring, park assist and visio park (180° vision on GT Line).

Engines and transmissions

There are two engines available for the all-new 5008 SUV, a petrol 1.6L THP engine with 121kW/240Nm and a diesel 2.0L HDI engine with 110kW/370Nm. Both engines employ a six-speed automatic transmission. We had the opportunity to drive the latter engine on a 37 km stretch at launch. The engine felt eager offering quick acceleration at low and high speeds. It approached inclines with the same enthusiasm it displayed on flats. The car also felt light and offered a comfortable drive on tar and gravel road. The car is fairly quite although a slight drone engine noise manages to makes its way inside the cabin when you accelerate. Peugeot claims a combine fuel consumption of 5,5l/100km.

Pricing

ALLURE 1.6 THP Auto – R534,900

ALLURE 2.0 HDi Auto – R579,900

GT LINE GT LINE – R554,900

2.0 HDi Auto1.6 THP Auto – R599,900

The pricing includes a 5 year / 100,000km service plan and a 5 year / 100,000km warranty.