RD Drives: The Peugeot 5008 is a Charming SUV and There Should Be More of It on the Road

We suspect that no one minded the change, not when the new generation 5008 looks as striking as it is now. Peugeot cuts a sharp suit for the 5008, looking more urban-athletic than rough-roader. The 5008 also does not sport a tapering roofline, preferring a straight drop to the tailpipes, promising more space at the back. The rear lights sports three LED strips arranged to resemble a lion’s claw.

The front carries more design details you can appreciate. The frameless radiator grille is certainly unique, blending in the LED headlights with the chromed horizontal lines that draw attention to the company’s logo in the centre. Sitting just above the Lion, the vehicle’s nameplate is emblazoned on the hood. Bookending the front are ‘illuminated fangs’ that define the look of all modern Peugeots.

Equally defining is the small, two-spoke steering wheel that greets you when you enter the cockpit. Perhaps, it isn’t accurate to call this a ‘wheel’ because it has the top and the bottom flattened out. Where you might peek at the instrument cluster through the rim of the steering, the 5008 makes you peek over it. This takes a while to get used to but soon you’ll appreciate the unobstructed view of the 12.3-inch cluster display.

A 10-inch HD touchscreen sits in the centre of the driver-skewed dashboard. Thankfully, the touchscreen-only host's controls for the media with other essential controls like volume and climate control have physical buttons. Below the screen are chrome-tipped switches for climate control, air-conditioning and other essential functions for quick access. As with all French-makes, the volume controls are placed on the steering column, below the indicators.

In truth, the 5008’s cabin is a very pleasant place to be in. High-quality materials are all within eyesight and it feels luxurious to the touch. That’s not to say hard plastics are non-existent, they are just tucked closer to the floor and quite out of sight. The tiered dashboard breaks the monotony of a single large plane, while the wide transmission tunnel splits the front of the car to put each occupant in a sportscar-like cocoon.

It is all wide-open spaces from the second row onwards. There’s ample space in the second row for three adults and the last row isn’t too bad either. The high ceiling affords plenty of headroom right to the back, making the last row’s jumpseats not a bad place to be in.

Powering the 5008 is a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 165hp and 240Nm. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the front wheels. Performance is brisk from the get-go and gets up to speed without delay. Power continues to deliver even in the mid-ranges, letting you pass slower vehicles easily. The ride on the 5008 is beautifully sorted with suspension set at just the right firmness.

On roads that are less than serviceable, the 5008 doesn’t crash into the cracks and rebounds steadily after that. Peugeot also put the restraints n the 5008’s body roll, and when coupled with a quick steering wheel, delivers precision around the corners. Yet, you don’t need to push hard for the ESP to remind you that it is working in the background.

Speaking of the safety system, the 5008 comes with Advanced Grip Control, Hill Assist Decent Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning. In terms of spec, we have seen more offered on SUVs that exist in the same price range. The autonomous driving capability that does take the load off driving long distances is sorely missed.

The Peugeot 5008 is very much made for the long road. A comfortable chassis, coupled with a well-appointed interior inspires a relaxed drive across the country, with passengers and luggage in tow. Nevertheless, the 5008 is a well-sorted vehicle that offers practical performance and practical space that makes it worth your money. And having the Peugeot 5008 look stylish is a bonus everyone can enjoy.