More than a just a pretty face

Peugeot came up with this 5008 - so who says looks and loadability can't go together?

Certainly, when it comes to style and design, few do it better than the lovers of cog au vin, whether it be an avant garde evening dress, a fighter jet, a spaced-out building or an elegant yacht.

The French thought pattern may seem a little strange to the rest of us but the world has come to learn that if something carries a Made in France sticker it is usually guaranteed to be something unusual and exciting enough to get tongues wagging.

Living proof of this is the new Peugeot 5008 which has just arrived on our shores and has already made a huge impact. For in the people carrier sector of the market ruled by the likes of Mazda 5, Chevrolet Captiva, Toyota Verso, VW Touran and Peugeot's French counterparts from Citroen and Renault, the new 5008 stands out like Potage Germiny next to a bowl of lukewarm instant soup.

OK granted, big barges such as MPV's seldom are strikingly handsome beasts because they are designed essentially to carry up to seven occupants comfortably and safely and not necessarily to make your heart beat faster with eye candy design, luxury features, zippy performance and good handling characteristics.

That is, until along came Peugeot with this 5008 and voila! - A big wagon that has ALL of the above and more....

Looks and loadability

There are three models in the new 5008 range, each offering two equipment grades. The entry-level is a 1.6 THP Active powered by Peugeot's respected turbo high pressure (hence the THP) engine that churns out a spunky 115kW and 240Nm and which is linked to a six-speed manual box.

The second 1.6 litre is pushed along by the same engine but the big difference is that it is linked to automatic transmission.

Look at that, bags of space - and note the indoor cinema for the brat pack.

The third model is the star of the show diesel 2.0 litre HDi Active that produces 110kW and 340Nm, has the same specifications as the 1.6 THP Active but really impresses with its lively performance, fuel economy and low emissions rating.

On the scenic return launch drive from Cape Town to Hermanus and back I spent time behind the wheel of both the 1.6 litre automatic and the 2.0 litre diesel and although the smaller-engined car is no slouch the diesel just felt so much livelier.

Having said that bear in mind that I travelled in both vehicles with only myself and one passenger aboard and that the launch happened at the coast. At higher altitude and with a full load aboard both models could well sacrifice performance in the energy-sapping thinner air up in Gauteng.

Try both - it will be worth it

But, irrespective of whether you live close to the Vaal River or the Berg River you should drive both versions before making up your mind. Taking performance and a price difference of about R12 000 between the flagship petrol and the diesel model into consideration, my choice would be the oil-burner, even though it might lack some of the fancier kit with which the smaller vehicle is equipped.

I just love the way the diesel strides along quietly, effortlessly and confidently, even when the whip is out. Its gearbox is soapy smooth, the brakes are excellent, and through the curves it shows very little of the early top-heavy tendencies of vehicles in this high-riding class.

The steering has a good solid feel to it and the suspension is good enough for a comfortable, cotton wool ride without feeling like you are floating in a tranquil pool on a blow-up mattress.

However, there are also many other features of the 5008 which are just as impressive as the oily bits tucked away under the bonnet and out of sight underneath the vehicle.

The new 5008 stands out like Potage Germiny next to a bowl of lukewarm instant soup.

For starters there are striking 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/50 R17 rubber which immediately give the 5008 a smart upmarket appearance which is further enhanced by colour-coded door handles and exterior mirrors (complete with the same touches of zooty chrome which also adds glamour to the front grille). Then you can add to that the front fog lights, a cheeky sloping bonnet, elegantly chiselled side panels, bulging wheel arches, and a cheeky bee-string aerial perched on the roof.

Other clever enhancements include folding side mirrors, sensor-driven automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, follow-me-home headlights and rear parking sensors.

'Allure' 'Allure'

Good news is that the living quarters are even more impressive than the 5008's outside make-up thanks to luxuries such as automatic climate control (with vents and airflow controls for the rear passengers) which goes well with the light and bright ambience created by the Peugeot's large panoramic roof.

The 5008 can accommodate seven passengers although the two fold-flats at the very rear are really only suitable for shorter distances. We liked the concept of the split-folding and adjustable second-row seats though, as well as the refrigerated central storage console between the driver and passenger seats.

You have bags options when it comes to folding down the seats.

For high-quality audio pleasure a front-loading, MP3-compatible CD set-up with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB box for a range of other personal audio devices comes standard and it is linked to satellite controls on the steering column.

The Allure specification features full leather trim in place of the cloth seat fabric on the less expensive models but what will no doubt appeal to families with children of all ages, is this model's rather special "in-house movies" package... Just imagine the peace and quiet on long journeys between Cape Town and the Kruger National Park with the brat pack fully entertained and happy at the back!

This system which Peugeot calls its Video Pack comprises two seven-inch LCD screens mounted in headrests of the driver and front passenger seats, linked to a dedicated multimedia console which provides connections to a variety of mobile audio and video components, including iPods, portable DVD players, and gaming consoles.

What's more, two multimedia sources can be connected simultaneously by means of the RCA connectors, making each screen independent in terms of the content displayed. This means the rear passengers can choose to watch the same material on both screens, or enjoy two different programmes - and it won't sound like a disco either because the system includes two Bluetooth wireless headsets (a third can be bought as an optional extra).

Just like an F16

The living quarters are even more impressive than the 5008’s outside make-up.

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With the "How much further to go" passengers sorted out, it leaves the driver freedom and time to enjoy his own toys including a heads-up display system that provides essential driving information such as speed, cruise control, speed limiter and distance alert on a translucent panel that fold open on top of the instrument panel. Other nice-to-haves include an electrically operated hand brake, Hill Assist, an auto-dipping rear view mirror, a multi-function on-board computer and a fully adjustable leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Safety is a top priority and Peugeot didn't stint when they equipped the 5008 with anti-lock ABS brakes, linked to EBD and Brake Assist, an electronic stability programme (ESP) and front, side and curtain airbags which offers protection for occupants in all three rows.

The instruments are clear and unambiguous, and if you want to unleash your inner jet jockey, the heads-up display will be your thing.

click to enlarge

ISOFIX child seat mounting points are also standard, as are remote central locking with drive-away auto locking, child door locks and a front and rear passenger seatbelt warning system. Armed with such an extended range of safety features it comes as no surprise that the 5008 scored a full five stars in the latest, more stringent Euro NCAP safety ratings.

But in addition to all its fancy equipment and pleasant performance (with a top speed of just under 200km/h for all three versions) the 5008 is also very eco-friendly and brags with emissions levels of between 146g/km and 167g/km and fuel consumption of between 5.6 litres/km and 7.1 litres/100km.

So what the 5008 brings to the party is a good looking; comfortable, safe, well-decked MPV with the on-road feel and performance of a sedan, the green qualities of a small hatchback and impressive features in a price range that makes Peugeot's expectations of selling 200 units by the end of this year seem easily attainable.

The models and prices are:

5008 1.6 THP Active Manual - R282 000
5008 2.0 HDi Active Manual - R302 000
5008 1.6 THP Allure Automatic - R314 300

The prices include a five-year/90 000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty.

Specifications

Fifth Gear: Web TV - Peugeot 5008 Road Test

2011 Peugeot 5008 Start-Up and Full Vehicle Tour

present it! The Peugeot 5008 | drive it!