What's the news?
The new Peugeot 5008 has officially gone on sale in Ireland, starting from €29,345. Following a similar style to the Peugeot 3008, the larger 5008 moves away from its previous MPV design and into the more popular SUV shape. The silhouette features a more boxy design to accommodate the third row of seats that comes in all models. Peugeot will offer a total of five different specification grades along with a choice of both diesel and petrol engines with automatic or manual transmissions, designed to suit the Irish market.
Exterior
Park the Peugeot 5008 side by side with the smaller 3008 and it's easy to see the size difference between the two cars. The 5008 uses PSA's EMP2 platform that underpins a number of models including the 3008, but extends the wheelbase by 165 millimetres to create that additional space in the rear for passengers. This stretch is noticeable in the rear doors and the more generous aperture given to ease access to the rearmost seats.
Interior
For the front of the 5008's cabin, Peugeot has kept a familiar style to that already seen in the 3008 and it works well. Its minimalist design sees most of the buttons and controls handled by the 8.0-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. All models will also feature the 12.3-inch i-Cockpit display that includes a configurable instrument display.
Further back, all five rear passengers get individual seats, while those in the middle row can slide and recline. Each of the middle row seats also contain ISOFOX points.
The two third-row seats easily provide enough comfort and space for younger passengers but adults won't be too cramped as the middle row seats can slide forward to increase legroom. When not required the third-row seats quickly and easily fold down into the floor and have a cover that folds over them to create a boot space of 702 litres. If you require more space, the third-row seats can be removed through a quick-release system.
Each set weighs just 11 kilograms, so it's a simple task to get them in and out. Doing this boosts luggage capacity to 780 litres, and that's before you drop the second-row seats. With all five rear seats down the 5008 has a cavernous 1,862 litres of volume.
Mechanicals
Despite the increasing shift back towards petrol, Peugeot still expects diesel engines to account for a large proportion of 5008 sales. The French brand is confident in its diesel technology that meets all current and next stage emissions regulations and is capable of returning economical consumption figures. Choices vary from a 1.6-litre BlueHDi with either 100- or 120hp. The former has a five-speed manual, with the more powerful 1.6-litre diesel gains a six-speed manual transmission. If you'd prefer more power there's a 150hp 2.0-litre BlueHDi unit available with a manual transmission. The range-topping GT model exclusively features a 180hp 2.0-litre BlueHDi with Grip Control and an automatic transmission. All diesel engines come with a start-stop system.
On the petrol front the 5008 starts with a 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged engine and this comes with either automatic or manual transmissions. The 1.2 PureTech petrol engine also benefits from low CO2 emissions that see all models classified in tax band A4 (€200 per annum), just one group higher, and €10 more per annum than the diesel. That 1.2-litre does have sufficient power but buyers can choose from a 165hp 1.6-litre THP petrol engine that comes only with a six-speed automatic transmission, though it does fall into tax band B2 (€280).
Anything else?
Pricing for the Peugeot 5008 will start at €29,345 based on the Access model with a manual 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine. The Active specification begins at €31,645 and gains the Safety Pack with automatic emergency braking, smartphone mirrorscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 180-degree reversing camera among its equipment.
Mid-level Allure specification starts at €33,205 and includes a foldable front passenger seat for even more space, rear privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, ambient lighting inside and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. For a more premium look there's the GT Line model, which features specific GT Line badging, a contrast black roof, full LED headlights, panoramic glass sunroof and wireless charging plate amongst its generous spec. Prices at this level begin at €36,575.
Finally there's the range-topping GT model, costing €47,745. Just the one model is available in this grade and equipment includes electrically adjustable and heated front seats, Advanced Grip Control, Hill Descent Control, 3D satellite navigation, Nappa Mistral leather upholstery, 'GT' emblems and 18-inch alloy wheels. All 5008 models come with a five-year extended warranty.
Click here to read our full first drive review of the Peugeot 5008.