Peugeot 5008 MPV (2010 – ) expert review

The word ‘classy’ springs to mind when you look at the Peugeot 5008. It’s not as rakish as the sporty Ford Grand C-MAX and Ford S-MAX, but it has more design flair than the Renault Grand Scenic. Its styling represents a new design direction for Peugeot, with a much smaller grille, widely-spaced headlights and boomerang-shaped rear lights.

The 5008’s interior shows a significant improvement in the quality, fit and finish compared with recent cars from the company. High-gloss black trim, white dials, leather, chrome-ringed vents and attractive steering wheels all add to the atmosphere. An electric handbrake frees up space behind the centre console for a huge storage bin between the front seats. Exclusive models feature a head-up display, plus a panoramic glass roof which floods the cabin with light. The unusual head-up display projects your speed onto a flip-up piece of glass in your line of sight, so you can keep your eyes on the road.

The 5008 is suitably well equipped to take on rival MPVs, with its seating for seven. All of the rear seats fold and stow quickly and easily, and can generally be operated with one hand. As with most of its competitors, the rear-most two seats are suitable only for small occupants, or for short trips. The middle row slides forwards and backwards, altering the boot space between 758 litres and 823 litres. Maximum luggage space with all rear seats stowed is an impressive 2,506 litres.

It might not look it, but the 5008 is actually quite a drivers’ car. There’s a satisfaction to be found in the quality of the steering, slick gearchange and deft handling which is missing from run-of-the-mill MPVs. The excellent ride and hushed cabin ambience make for a pleasant motorway cruise, and the 5008 feels unflappable at high speeds.

There are two 1.6-litre petrol engines and three diesels to choose from, and it’s the latter which seem best suited to the 5008. The petrol engines have 120 and 156bhp respectively, accelerating from 0-62mph in 12.3 and 9.7 seconds. The 1.6-litre HDI diesel has 110bhp and hits 62mph in 12.9 seconds, while there’s a 2-litre HDI diesel with either 150bhp or 163bhp. The less-powerful 2-litre is first to 62mph in 10 seconds, as it’s a six speed manual – the 163bhp 5008 has an automatic gearbox and takes half a second longer. With ample overtaking urge, and a smooth and quiet delivery, the 150bhp diesel is the most enjoyable all-rounder.

Both petrol 5008s officially average just under 40mpg and emit just under 170g/km of CO2. The 1.6-litre HDI EGC is particularly green for an MPV, with emissions of just 135g/km and combined economy of 55.4mpg. However, even this is bettered by the most economical Ford Grand C-Max (129g/km and 57.7mpg) and Volkswagen Touran (121g/km and 61.4mpg).

Peugeot doesn’t have the best reliability record of manufacturers, although the Reliability Index, which tracks the cost and frequency of repairs under private warranty, rates them fairly highly. However, the 2009 J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey ranked Peugeot 24th out of 29 manufacturers. A new wave of models, including the 5008, looks set to boost the car maker’s credentials in this area – if Peugeot’s improving reliability claims ring true.

Thanks to a comprehensive suite of safety measures, including curtain airbags stretching the length of the interior, the 5008 was awarded five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests. Stability control is also fitted as standard.

Entry-level Active models come with 16-inch wheels, leather steering wheel, CD player, electric front windows, air conditioning and seven seats. Sport models get alloy wheels, aluminium exterior trim highlights, cruise control, lighting pack with boot torch, under-seat storage and front fog lights. The Exclusive range-topper has a glass roof, auto headlights and wipers, folding mirrors, head-up display, parking sensors, tyre pressure sensors, window blinds, USB and Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

With a practical seating system, premium interior and surprising handling, there’s plenty to like about the 5008. Along with the smaller 3008 it marks a return to form for Peugeot.