Peugeot 5008 MPV (2009 - ) 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. A facelift in early 2014 gave the car a grille that’s more in keeping with the Peugeot family look from the 208 and 2008, while the chrome trim around the foglamps is a neat touch. Alloy wheels and body-coloured mirrors are standard across the range, with roof rails on all but the most basic Access models, and top-spec Allure models having chrome bumpers.

The 5008’s interior shows off fine quality, fit and finish. High-gloss black trim, chrome-ringed vents and attractive steering wheels all add to the atmosphere. The range-topping Allure models feature a head-up display that projects your speed onto a flip-up piece of glass in your line of sight, as well as a panoramic glass roof which floods the cabin with light. The driving position is high-set and quite upright, but there’s plenty of adjustment, meaning most drivers can get comfortable, and only the steeply angled windscreen pillars restrict the view out.

The 5008 is suitably well equipped to take on rival MPVs, with its seating for seven; and, although it can’t match the real giants like the Seat Alhambra, it’s a fine rival for the Ford S-Max and Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. All of the rear seats fold and stow quickly and easily, and can generally be operated with one hand. As with most of the 5008’s competitors, the rearmost two seats are suitable only for small occupants or for short trips, but they fold down and sit flush with the floor when they’re not in use. The middle row – made up of three individual seats, all of which move independently – 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, while an electric handbrake (standard across the range) frees up space behind the centre console for a huge storage bin between the front seats..

It might not look it, but the 5008 is actually quite a driver’s 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. If there is a criticism, it’s that the ride is a little firmer at low speed than you might expect of such a family car, but things settle down nicely at higher speeds. The hushed cabin make for a pleasant motorway cruise, and the 5008 feels sure-footed 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. That’s because they have higher levels of pulling power (as well as better fuel economy), which is what you want in a car that could well be heavily laden much of the time. Even the least powerful diesel (the HDi 115) has enough power and performance for everyday use, but with ample overtaking urge, and a smooth and quiet delivery, the HDi 150 is the most enjoyable all-rounder.

Both petrol 5008s officially average just over 40mpg and emit around 160g/km of CO2, which compares well to a similarly powerful Ford S-Max. Of the diesels, the e-HDI is the most economical, averaging more than 65mpg and emitting as little as 113g/km, figures which make it one of the most economical MPVs, and not far behind the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. The 5008’s insurance groups look on a par with what you’ll find on its competition, too.

Peugeot doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability, but that seems a little unfair. Warranty Direct’s Reliability Index, which tracks the cost and frequency of repairs under private warranty, rates them as average, while the majority of owners on our site report excellent reliability from their 5008. There’s certainly no faulting the quality and build inside the cabin, but Peugeot’s three-year warranty looks a little mean next to what some other makers are providing.

Thanks to a comprehensive suite of safety measures, including curtain airbags that stretch the length of the interior, the 5008 was awarded five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. The full list of safety equipment is standard across the range, but with one exception: tyre pressure sensors come only on the top-spec Allure models. However, you can’t specify the emergency city braking systems that are increasingly becoming available on newer models.

Entry-level Access models come with alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, CD player, electric front windows, air-conditioning and seven seats. Step up to an Active model and you also get parking aids, an upgraded stereo, extra stowage, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. The range-topping Exclusive models have sat-nav, a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and a head-up display.

With a practical seating system, premium interior and surprisingly good handling, there’s plenty to like about the 5008.