Peugeot 5008 continues French brand’s SUV transformation

Peugeot makes the switch to SUV for seven-seater.

Car makers are continuing their exodus from the people-mover segment, with Peugeot unveiling a new-generation Peugeot 5008 that switches to the hugely popular SUV format.

The Peugeot 5008 follows the same move as the smaller Peugeot 3008 that earlier this year was also transformed from its less fashionable MPV predecessor.

Seven seats are still standard as a major point of differentiation, with Peugeot saying extra cabin space has been created by the 5008’s 11cm-longer body – still relatively compact at 4.64 metres long.

All those seats are highly flexible, too The three second-row seats each slide/fold/recline individually, while the two third-row seats can be folded or removed separately.

The front passenger seat will also fold down to accommodate items up to 3.2 metres long.

Peugeot is claiming class-leading boot space of 1060 litres for the 5008. It maxes at 1940 litres if cargo is loaded all the way up to the front seatbacks and the roof.

The 5008’s front cabin large mirrors the “i-Cockpit” design of the 3008. That includes the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, driver-oriented centre console, and Apple-inspired 8.0-inch infotainment display.

Convenience features either standard or optional depending on variant include multi-point massage function, panoramic glass sunroof, and hands-free tailgate that opens or closes with a kick under the rear bumper.

As with the 3008, a suite of active safety technologies will also be available. They comprise the likes of autonomous emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, and blind spot and lane-keeping warning systems.

Engine options for Europe but not yet confirmed for Australia are split evenly between petrol and diesel turbos, with former comprising 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre versions and the latter featuring capacities of 1.6 and 2.0 litres.

The 5008 is front-wheel drive for now, though features Advanced Grip Control that allows the driver to choose settings that vary the vehicle’s stability and traction control systems for different surfaces.

Peugeot Australia says it is currently negotiating with French HQ to bring the 5008 here for mid 2017.