Despite the economic downturn which has had a dramatic effect on the motor industry Automobiles Peugeot is forging ahead with the launch of new models that cater for a broader audience like never before. Late last year the 308SW joined the 308 family, then the Partner Tepee headed-up a new focus on multi-purpose vehicle motoring from the French manufacturer which was followed up with the 3008 Crossover and now the 5008 compact MPV.
To say the French have perfected the art of MPV design would be an understatement as for years Renault and Peugeot’s fellow PSA brand Citroen have perfected a range of models to cater for family’s motoring needs. With the 5008, Peugeot has produced a full-blown 7-seater that’s attractive and good value for money. And it’s CO2 friendly too!
For a base price of just inside €27,000 you get the flexibility of a loading area akin to a van while the second row of seats slide to provide more room for the rearmost passengers and additional luggage. For concerned parents with the need for 3 child seats, the 5008 come to the rescue with 3 Isofix fittings on the 3 individual similar sized seats on the second row. Other safety features include ESP – Electronic Stability Programme, ABS, ASR – anti-skid regulator and no less than 6 airbags that extend to the third row of seats. For those long journeys, the 5008 offers second row passengers an individual multi-media system integrated into the back of the front head-rests.
From launch in early Spring, the 5008 will be powered by a 1.6 litre HDi, 110 bhp diesel (with a 6 speed gearbox) that emits 140g/Km CO2 and slots-in the €156 annual road tax bracket.
Peugeot’s acclaimed Ecomatic gearbox as per the 308 is available as an option for €1000 extra and comes in with an impressive rating of 135g/Kms CO2.
Driving the new 5008 on the French-Swiss border emphasized that holiday motoring with the family can be pleasurable. Bearing in mind what children need in a car of this nature, the 5008 was not found wanting in any way. It’s spacious, well built, economical to run and is multi-functional in so many ways. While the two models driven around the hilly and scenic region of Annecy up towards Geneva will not be available in Ireland, notably the 2.0 HDi and the 1.6 THP petrol, although the latter may be introduced at a later date, we will have to wait until the New Year to access the 1.6 HDi diesel in more familiar terrain at home.
That said, the 5008 experience was most enjoyable and I can safely say that the whole family will like it too!