2017 Peugeot 5008 ditches MPV image for fashionable SUV shape

The new Peugeot 5008 has ditched the MPV image of its predecessor to take on the more fashionable look of an SUV.

Here’s looking at the drastically different new model’s technical details below.

Design

The 2017 model is claimed to mix the practicality of an MPV with some off-road ability. It comes exclusively as a seven-seater and has been produced to rival the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and Renault Koleos.

Compared with the old car, the new 5008 has grown in length by 19cm and its wheelbase is 16.5cm longer, but it stands at an identical 1.64 metres tall with roof bars.

Peugeot’s designers have given the car a more muscular-looking exterior by using an upright front grille and harder-edged rear and strong door lines to create very different styling from the outgoing model’s van-like silhouette.

Technology and interior

There’s a significantly updated cabin, complete with Peugeot’s wraparound i-Cockpit, which adds a 12.3-inch TFT instrument display and 8.0-inch centre console touchscreen.

As standard, every 5008 model comes with seven seats. All three rows of seats have length adjustability, five different angles of inclination and three-point Isofix anchor points.

Rear passengers are given power sockets, blinds, trays on the back of the first-row seats, hooks and cupholders. Boot space can be maximised by removing the third-row seats. They weigh less than 11kg to make extraction easier.

With the second and third rows of seats down, the 5008 offers up to 1124 litres of boot space. This grows to 1940 litres if you load all the way up to the roof. With the third-row seats down and second row up, there’s still 1060 litres of space to fill, which is class-leading.

Top-spec models get an electric tailgate that can be opened by placing a foot under the rear bumper. This feature is optional further down the range.

Engines and gearbox

Like its predecessor, the 5008 is available at launch (in Europe) with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, but it gains a more potent range-topping 2.0-litre diesel option.

The smallest petrol, a 128bhp 1.2-litre, comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. It’s joined by a 1.6-litre that produces 163bhp and is mated exclusively with the auto.

The diesel range consists of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines making between 99bhp and 178bhp. The most potent powers the 5008 GT and comes with an auto gearbox only.

Despite its rugged image, there is no four-wheel drive option, so all engines power the front wheels only.