Peugeot 5008 road test

An image of the Peugeot 5008. There are no fewer than five different engine options with Peugeot’s 5008 MPV, and four separate transmissions to consider. If this sounds like a recipe for confusion and way too much choice, it is simplified by most engines being limited to one gearbox option. The two 1.6-litre petrol motors come in 120bhp and turbocharged 156bhp forms, with five- and six-speed gearboxes respectively. The more potent turbo engine is the one to go for if you intend to use the 5008’s seven seats on a regular basis thanks to notably more low- and mid-range pull, and it’s marginally more frugal than the 120bhp non-turbo engine. Diesels are taken care of by a 1.6-litre unit with 110bhp and a pair of 2.0-litre turbodiesels in 150- and 163bhp guises. For the 1.6 diesels, there’s a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed double-clutch ’box, which Peugeot calls EGC (electronic gear control). These dual-clutch gearboxes are all the rage now, offering quick, seamless changes with no need for a clutch pedal and less impact on economy and emissions than a standard auto ’box. In fact, the EGC-equipped 5008 is more economical than the manual version and quicker from 0-62mph, taking 12.6 seconds to the manual’s 12.9 seconds. As for the 2.0-litre diesels, the 150bhp model comes with a six-speed manual, while the 163bhp iteration uses a traditional automatic gearbox with six gears. Pick of the range is the 1.6-litre diesel with the manual gearbox.

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The Peugeot 5008 may share a fair proportion of its components with the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, but Peugeot has gone its own way with the suspension. This MPV avoids Citroen’s hydropneumatic system in favour of more traditional springs and dampers, and the best bit is the 5008 mixes ride comfort and nimble handling in a way many thought Peugeot had forgotten about. Never mind for an MPV, the 5008 corners with considerable agility and poise, helped by steering with plenty of feel and just the right weighting. This composure is matched by that over the bumps. The 5008 makes light work of most disturbances in the road, though some sharper ridges can catch it out. Adding to the sense of superb driving ability is the 5008’s refinement, which sends most sources of noise packing to make this MPV a sound long distance companion.

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