Peugeot moves on to 5008

Jan 25 2010 John Connor

Peugeot moves on to 5008

EVERY motor manufacturer needs a motto and as a 'brand on the move' Peugeot's world-wide message is 'motion and emotion' - two words that sum up the marque's new 5008.

Spearheading the reintroduction of Peugeot's legendary 5 series, this innovative MPV is described as a compact.

Able to seat seven in comfort, and capable of swallowing up to 1,754 litres of luggage, it is difficult to see where its compact nature comes in.

Consider the long list of standard fittings crammed into its 4.53mm long body shell and the picture becomes clearer for this is a people mover with it all.

The spacious and rather trendy cabin is complimented by a full length panoramic roof, comfortable seating offering 1,476mm of elbow room in the front, and 1,520mm in the second row. In addition there is generous head and legroom throughout, thick carpeting, bags of body insulation to keep the road noise to a minimum and curtain airbags along both sides.

But Peugeot's claim that this competitively priced, up market vehicle really does extend people's range of choice is highlighted by the inclusion of some avant garde features on this six model, three trim line-up.

To ensure peace reigns in the rear young second row passengers can enjoy a multimedia system of two seven inch colour screens set in the front seat head restraints. These operate independently and have connections to electronics that accommodate different types of equipment like video or DVD players.

Bluetooth connections and satellite navigation are also on optional list, but the most innovative feature in my book is the adjustable head-up display that warns the driver of traffic ahead and of the approach speed his own vehicle.

This safety feature, inspired by aircraft cockpit equipment, does not distract, indeed it becomes an invaluable aid to safety, as I discovered during a drive in murky weather.

It allowed me to negotiate a crowded motorway with ease by advising when I was getting close to the vehicle ahead.

This of course is not the only safety feature the 5008 has. It has a five star NCAP rating, electronic stability is fitted as standard and so is an electric parking brake and hill start assist. There's also a feature that measures available parking spaces to make sure the 5008 can fit.

Comfort, space and safety, are the hallmarks of this new range and these along with the powertrain choices make the range attractive to buyers.

There are petrol and diesel units on offer, as well as manual and automatics. I concentrated on the HDi 110 in Sport trim - the model Peugeot things will be the best seller.

With as price of £20,045 I can see why.

The diesel engine is a smooth operator. It cruises around town without any effort, is easy to park in the local shopping malls and feels made for long distance motorway travel.

Redlining at 112mph it can reach 62mph in 12.6 seconds. It has a CO2 emission rating of 140g/km, and it fuel returns are competitive. On the extra urban cycle it returns 62.7mpg, and on the combined cycle this reaches a creditable 53.2mpg.

Finally, Peugeot appears to be besotted by mottos at the moment. I discovered another in its marketing blurb. This one, 'enjoyed by families, loved by drivers' however sums up exactly what I thought about the 5008.