The difficulty is that you tend to get used to the positives, and set them as your minimum benchmark. What a car does well is taken for granted, and anything that aims at the same mindset but falls below that standard is a disappointment.
Now, as I move on to the Peugeot 5008, you might rush to remind me that it is definitely, absolutely not an MPV. Peugeot has gone to massive lengths to stress its metamorphosis from people carrier to sports utility vehicle. So, even though the term multiple-purpose vehicle (MPV) might well apply to either genre, Peugeot is absolutely certain that the 5008 is an on-trend SUV.
And so the pressure ramps up, because I’d argue that, in that philosophical shift, there’s an added imperative to make the car better to drive. The S of SUV stands for sports, after all, and while I’m (just about) clever enough to realise Lotus won’t be rushing to recalibrate the Evora after a spin in the 5008, that S-Max benchmark still looms large in my mind. To meet its brief, the 5008 has to be dynamically engaging.
Now, almost 4000 miles in, I’d say the 5008 delivers something that is satisfactory without ever bringing any of the sizzle that the very best drivers do, despite the best efforts of the smaller than average steering wheel delivering some directness to the experience. And – sound the klaxon – it is particularly key that you don’t upgrade your wheels to the 19in options if you want it to retain composure at all times.
On a smooth road surface it is absolutely at its best, delivering close body control and pliancy while satisfactorily insulating you and your friends from the worst effects of tyre roar and wind noise. For long motorway journeys that’s just perfect, but throw in some bigger bumps, an irregular road surface or a combination of corners and that composure is challenged.
That makes hustling the 5008 an unlikely pastime, even if it does grip surprisingly well for such a tall car. Nor does the Sport toggle add anything to the mix, offering no more than increased engine noise and perkier throttle response.
But does any of this leave me not wanting to recommend the 5008? Even in Autocar, home to the car enthusiast, no. There are better SUVs (and, hush, MPVs) to drive, but only marginally so. The shortcomings are there, but never strongly enough to unravel the compelling case built up by myriad positives for this car.
Love it:
ROBUST FURNISHINGS The elegant, characterful interior is withstanding the worst that the kids are throwing at it, from crumbs to spillages.
Loathe it:
NAVIGATING NAVIGATION The sat-nav is very good, but functions including postcode input could be more easily found.
Mileage: 3823
Back to the top
Don’t judge a book by its cover – or an engine by its headline figures - 3rd October 2018
Whenever I talk about the 5008, the proverbial elephant comes marching straight into the room. Eyes tighten. Eyebrows raise. Disbelief spills out.
So let’s get it out there in the open here and now, so the elephant can get back to where it belongs. Yes, the 5008 is a seven-seat SUV and, yes, it is powered by a three-cylinder 1199cc petrol engine.
Join the debate
rtwingo
Actually...
"These are the chief criticisms that held it back from scoring more than a (still strong) 3.5 stars in its Autocar road test, but my suspicion is that when the destination is 200 miles away and the wife, kids and luggage are on board, it may not be my first priority. Again, we’ll see, because no Autocar reader is going to thank me for recommending a car for its ambience and practicality alone."
I would, especially on SUVs & MPVs. And I wish more manufacturers (and auto journos) would consider these before Nurburgring-beating-abilities.
Peter Cavellini
Back in the Day......
Twenty years ago I had a Ford Orion , three Kids and the wife, a full size Buggy for the youngest (2 yrs old) luggage for a Week, all of it fitted in the Boot, it went in just, and there was a Child Seat in the Car back Seat, today kids have far to much stuff, blame most of it on marketing the must have accessories, a theory is if you have more room you’ll back stuff just because you can just in case, I’m flabbergasted at the price of stuff for kids today, the Merida, that had a major recall last year I think(?) going on fire I think, that wouldn’t entice People to buy one new or used. We all swear by certain makes usually because we’ve had no majors with them,but other pillary them just because they don’t like, well, my stock comment for that is their money their choice....
Peter Cavellini.
Peter Cavellini
Peter Cavellini wrote:
Peter Cavellini.
jason_recliner
The interior is AWESOME
Lower it by 100 mm, fit a six (or at least a 2.0+ L turbo four) and I'd buy one. Second hand, at least.
alexanderkemp
Had one of these in Scotland
Had one of these in Scotland for 10 days and was very impressed. Interior is not only good to look at but very functional. The car has plenty of room and the back row of seats can be used by an adult for short journeys. The handling and wind noise of the car was good for it's size. Compared with a full-on SUV the sound insulation was great with the only slight negative being the ride on some B-roads. Overall though was a great car.
jerry99
Engine for MPV
I have a Mazda 5 and being disappointed with the standard 2.0 petrol engine I swapped it for a 2.5 petrol engine and gearbox (from a Mazda 6 Sport). That's because I wanted to take 6 people and a roof box to Croatia and back. Six years later I still have the car and am convinced for that sort of usage (9,000 miles a year with foreign holidays) ) it needs an engine that big, even if I only get around 32 mpg without the roof box fitted.
Whilst I am sure that a 5008 1.2 works on shorter trips I would be interested to see it taken to Marbella or a similar location with a full load. Peugeot should probably offer a bigger engine as an option for that sort of usage but i suppose they are concerned that too many would buy it without the need.
Jeremy
jerry99 wrote:
They are introducing a 1.6l Pure Tech (petrol) 181HP with 8-speed EAT auto from October 2018 build, alongside the 2.0l diesel engines already offered.
Warkman
5008 interior
Had a look at the 5008 three things put me off
Whilst the boot is long, its not so high and you have to duck to use it, not very good if you have large dogs
The drivers seat is very uncomfortable as the cockpit seems to enclose you with the high centre consol, feeling of being trapped
No 4X4 option, just a braking system pretending to be a sort of 4wd
oh, and its French, so electrical gremlins, a steadily noisier engine will come
Remember, without UK manufacturing you will all eventually be out of work
Peter Cavellini
Instruments.....?
Can’t the speedo and rev counter be seen by the short and the tall?, looks as if the steering wheel gets in the way...?
Peter Cavellini.
Fiesta XR2
My boss had one of these...
... and I was very impressed with the amount of pull he was getting out of a 1.2l engine. It cruised effortlessly down the motorways at speed without feeling like it was trying and there were plenty of great gadgets on board. In particular I liked all the parking aids, for a car it’s size the top-down parking cameras and rear camera made squeezing it into tight car park spaces look effortless.
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