What's the news?
Well, it's official - the SUV is killing off the MPV. Peugeot's 5008 was, in its previous version, a sensible, slightly dull, seven-seat people carrier. Its successor, revealed just weeks ahead of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show, is a big, bold SUV that takes the styling cues of the new 3008 and embiggens them by about 20 per cent. It will be a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq as much as it will take on the new Renault Scenic.
It's 19cm longer than the 3008 crossover, with which it shares its EMP2 platform, and is actually 11cm longer than the old 5008. Into its 4.64-metre length, Peugeot has squeezed a 2.84-metre wheelbase, so interior space should be good, although it remains to be seen if it can be as roomy in the third row as its predecessor was.
There are three individual seats in the middle row, as well as the two folding seats in the boot. Keep that third row flat and Peugeot claims you'll have the most luggage space in the class, at 1,060 litres. Fold the front passenger seat flat and you can squeeze in a 3.2-metre long load. IKEA, ahoy.
In spite of its size, Peugeot says that the new 5008 has distinctly family-budget-friendly CO2 emissions - as low as 117g/km for the petrol model (expected to the be highly regarded 130hp three-cylinder 1.2 turbo PureTech unit) and 108g/km for the diesel (the 120hp 1.6 BlueHDi diesel).
On board, the 5008 features Peugeot's new all-digital i-Cockpit layout, which includes a TFT screen for the main dials and toggle-style switches to help you navigate the central touchscreen infotainment system.
There's the option of a FOCAL hi-fi system, a panoramic glass roof and a fully connected satnav system. Cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems make driving even safer with an arsenal of safety features: Advanced Grip Control - including new Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Distance Alert, Active Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), Driver attention warning, Smart Beam Assistance, Speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, Adaptive cruise control with stop feature (automatic gearbox), Active blind spot monitoring, Park Assist and Visio Park (360-degree vision).
You can even have, wait for it, a compact folding bike or scooter in the boot. The eFO1 electric bike is also being launched at the Paris show and is part of Peugeot's plans for 'last kilometre' mobility, or in other words helping you to tackle the last leg of your journeys more efficiently. The bike (which has pedals as well) is powered by a rechargeable battery that gives a claimed range of 30km with a top speed of 20km/h. You can fold it up and charge it in the boot of the 5008, then pop it out to pedal or glide the last few metres to your destination.
"The eF01 benefits from optimised ergonomics. When folded, the bikes two wheels are perfectly aligned allowing the user to effortlessly walk with the bike using the handle built into the frame. The eF01 possesses a patented memory system for the saddle which means the perfect saddle height can be quickly achieved every time" explains Neil Simpson, Lead designer Peugeot Design Lab.
The 5008 will come in Active, Allure, GT-Line and GT trims and sales will start in Spring 2017.
Peugeot’s current 5008 is the best-selling compact seven-seater in Ireland so far this year, so it will be interesting to see how those buyers take to their car being turned into an SUV.