PEUGEOT 5008

Premium-feeling SUV ushers in new platform for Peugeot and sister brands

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ON the surface, the 5008 might seem like simply the next in line of Peugeot’s SUV family, but there’s a little extra significance this time around.

That's because the 5008, which quickly followed its closely related smaller sibling, the 3008, is based upon the STLA Medium platform - architecture that will form the basis of not only a range of Peugeots, but also cars from the wider Stellantis group.

On the face of it, there are certain things that Peugeot has got very right here; the interior design and quality have built on the good work of the Mk2 5008 that was released in 2017, while there’s more space inside than in its predecessor, too. The new platform has allowed Peugeot to build on its EV push, and the entire powertrain lineup features electrification to some degree.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE 3.9/5★

BUYERS of the 5008 can choose from three distinct powertrain systems: a Hybrid, a Plugin Hybrid, or a choice of three fully electric layouts in the E-5008.

The Hybrid combines a 134bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor with 22bhp. The e-motor is designed to boost torque low down, adding 51Nm between 750rpm and 2,499rpm. It’s not quite giving its best at the top of the range, so the maximum system output comes to 143bhp.

The hybrid tech makes the car much smoother than non-hybrid Peugeots of recent years, both when pulling off from a standstill and coming to a halt. The e-motor is only there to aid with moving off and add a little lowdown punch when the engine is under load, so while it doesn’t offer the full EV experience, it’s a fairly competent setup. The vibration of the three-cylinder unit is noticeable as it comes to life, but noise is otherwise very well suppressed. While performance is adequate, the modest power output does start to struggle a little when the car is loaded up with either plenty of luggage or seven occupants.