Peugeot 5008 2018 Review – Long-term test #1

French-built SUVs have never naturally parked themselves in Australian driveways.

Rather, when most Australian families think broad, child seat-laden high-riders, Mazda (CX-9, CX-8), Toyota (Kluger), Hyundai (Santa Fe) and Kia (Sorento) usually assume the top billings.

Soon, a Peugeot could too.

The new Peugeot 5008 treads a genuinely smart path to seven-seat functionality. At least, that’s the first impression of our ‘Emerald Green’ example as it sits, gleaming with its European charm, as the carsales.com.au long-term test fleet member.

Seen here in entry-level Allure guise, the Peugeot 5008 is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that sends drive via the front wheels.

It is priced at $42,990 (plus on-road costs), and in essence infuses the cutting-edge cabin design and nippy characteristics of the smaller 3008 with better outward vision and friendlier passenger dimensions.

It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with satellite-navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Peugeot iCockpit 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, plus wireless phone charging, digital radio, keyless entry/start, park assist, three individual second-row sliding seats and rear window sun blinds.

On the safety front, the range includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop/go function, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed adaption.

The Peugeot 5008 baulks the dimensions of regular seven-seaters, instead shrinking itself into a much friendlier exterior size, particularly for folks who live in built-up urban areas. Or regular areas, for that matter.

At 4.64 metres long and 1844mm wide, it measures 10 per cent smaller than the Nissan Pathfinder with which it competes.

The approach is not that dissimilar to Volkswagen’s new Tiguan Allspace, another candidate for the 5+2 seating strategy.

All told, the 5008’s dimensions make U-turns (11.1-metre turning circle) and parking a relative cinch in tight areas, the Pug feels well restrained through corners, and there is an ease of use and accessible character inherent.

Similarly, its small-capacity engine makes a compelling case against larger, thirstier competition, thanks excellent fuel use, nippy around-town credentials and a refined character.

Our upcoming updates will detail the finer elements of the driving experience, across urban, family-ferrying and cross-country duties. But our initial impressions of the 5008 are strong.

Despite its size, interior packaging remains strong. The focal point is the car’s stylish fabric inlays and digital screens, which quickly contrast the quirkiness of the 5008’s people-moving predecessor.

The cabin basks in its decidedly contemporary feel, one bolstered by soft, comfortable chairs, excellent first and second row proportions and ample USB access.

The layout is a thoughtful one, considering the deep, bottle-friendly door pockets and open cubbies/storage compartments on offer.

Further back, the rearmost seats can be completely removed and the second row stowed flat to the floor, liberating up to 1940 litres worth of luggage space.

An electric tailgate fitted to our test car makes access easy with a handful of shopping, however, the rear door itself requires quite a bit of force in order to recoil; a potential hazard for little ones.

The 5008 employs the latest generation of the Peugeot’s iCockpit software, and frankly, it requires some adjustment.

Peculiarly, the steering wheel is small and needs to be positioned in your lap in order for the driver to see the brightly-light clear and concise instrument cluster beneath.

There are a couple of steps involved in operating the climate control, such is the minimalist and button-less layout of the centre fascia, but after time, the 5008’s strengths overshadow its drawbacks.

Smaller oddities comprise a reversing camera that lacks the clarity of some rivals, along with a push-start button that requires an extra firm press to start or stop the engine.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we put the 5008’s safety, technology, comfort and long-distance merits to the test as part of our long-term loan.

How much does the 2018 Peugeot 5008 Allure cost?
Price: $42,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 121kW/240Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 156g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Long-Term Tests
We aim to make your choice of vehicle easier. Our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local launch reviews, as well as our seven-day tests.

From time to time we also take the opportunity to spend even longer with a vehicle. These longer-term tests can be as short as a couple of weeks, but more recently we’ve settled on a three-month period as indicative of ‘normal’ ownership.

Long-term tests give our staff writers and contributors a chance to get to know a car as an owner would. While the car is with us, we pay for fuel, the servicing, and generally use and live with the car as a new owner would.

We believe long-term tests give car buyers a deeper insight into the vehicle on test, but also the qualities behind the brand and nameplate. The extended period also allows us to touch base with the dealer networks in question.

It comes as no surprise that manufacturers tend to have a love-hate relationship with long-term tests. Three months is plenty long enough to fall out of love with the latest and greatest, and start to nit-pick — just like real owners do.