Peugeot 5008 Allure 1.6 HDi 115

Peugeot's biggest cars are often its best. The 5008 has been successful enough to earn a series of mid-life updates to maintain its appeal and bring its trim grade structure into line with the rest of the brand's models. With seven seats and acres of interior space, the 5008's bias towards large family transport is clear.

Chief among the revisions given to this semi-new model is a new front end, which is much tighter and more appealing, lifting the nose for improved pedestrian safety and introducing the 'smiling' Peugeot face first seen on smaller cars from the firm's latest wave. If the overall shape seems similar, though, it's because the rest of the car is little changed.

This model has the same remit as its forebear, which is to provide plenty of space for passengers and luggage, while being as economical as possible. On the face of it things can seem more different than they are, thanks to a new naming structure for the trim grades, but potential buyers should rest assured that the 5008's best qualities remain intact.

Its practicality is claimed to be inspired by the likes of the old 504 and 505 estate cars, which were famously roomy and utilitarian. The 5008, with its more upmarket trim materials and luxury equipment, is less rugged a workhorse than the cars it hails back to, but it does promise more comfort and enjoyment in everyday use. The additional roof height is also a blessing for ease of access.

Its rivals are many and varied, with the large family car sector undergoing something of a shake-up as the new 5008 arrives in showrooms. Large SUVs are more popular than ever, and still more buyers are downsizing from large MPVs to compact SUVs and crossovers. Peugeot is still confident, however, that families seeking outright people-carrying practicality cannot do better than its purpose-built 5008.

Our verdict on the Peugeot 5008 Allure 1.6 HDi 115

Peugeot is proud that the 5008 poses fewer compromises than some people might think. It's better to drive than most similarly-sized cars, but the amount of interior space is incredible. Whether it's used by a large family or parents that often acts as a chauffeur to their kids' friends, the 5008 proves that, in the face of popular but expensive SUV options, there's life in the traditional MPV concept yet.

Costs

Considering how large and practical it is, the 5008 offers a lot of versatility for its asking price. A modest engine range helps reduce costs, with the 1.6-litre diesels likely to be the engines of choice for hard-pressed families. Servicing costs should fall within family budgets, but specification may need to be considered carefully to ensure decent residual returns.

Space and practicality

A spacious cabin is made to feel even more so by the Allure grade's impressive full length glass roof, yet even without the feature the 5008 offers expansive leg- and headroom for all occupants. Storage is impressive, in particular the under-floor storage in the passenger footwells and the huge bin located between the front seats. The adjustable boot floor adds volume to the boot and although the load lip is high, the boot is generously proportioned and adaptable.

Controls and display

A clever heads-up display system, inspired by technology used by fighter pilots, projects important driving information onto the inside of the windscreen, close to the driver's line of sight. Odd at first, the system soon becomes a priceless advisor. The tuneable driving position is excellent, with the precise gear lever located in a raised position within casual reach. Audio and cruise control switches on the steering column feel natural to use, unlike the automatic parking brake which can be a little clumsy. The fiddly audio controls are also less impressive, but the smartly styled row of metal-rimmed switches above is a neat touch.

Comfort

With almost every aspect of the car's build biased towards comfort, it's no surprise to discover that the 5008 rides very well. Supportive seat backs will please the majority of drivers and despite the frontal area the car presents to the world, wind noise is restrained. Tyre noise is more problematic on this large-wheeled Allure model, and less so on the entry-level Access.

Car security

The Allure model benefits from a Thatcham category one approved alarm and immobiliser system, but the alarm is only available as standard on this trim grade. Lots of storage space means plenty of opportunities to keep valuables out of sight and, naturally, remote central locking is standard.

Car safety

A new device offering information on the gap to the car in front is an interesting addition, and although it is not capable of limiting the distance it will flash warnings at a preset limit through the heads-up display. Traditional safety equipment includes six airbags, which has been bettered by many more recent models, and an energy-distributing body design. Directional headlamps that swivel to better illuminate corners contribute to making the 5008 a good choice for families.

Driver appeal

The 5008's appeal lies in its raised driving position, commanding view of the road, large mirrors and huge windscreen, rather than in its performance potential. The eco-friendly 1.6-litre diesel is incredibly quiet at a cruise, but when the car is loaded up it can really struggle to haul the weight. The model holds the road well, boasting a stable platform without excessive body roll. The steering and brakes are suitably responsive making the driving experience pleasantly undemanding.

Family car appeal

Its quantity of seats, voluminous interior and economical engine makes the 5008 a fantastic car for families with the flexibility, practicality and space to grow with them. It will easily serve as family transport for five with room for luggage, prams and family paraphernalia, although boot space is compromised by the third row of seats. Sensible engine choices will help it to operate within family budgets.

First car appeal

The sheer size of a seven-seat MPV counts against it here. As more of a family vehicle, the 5008 offers more space and versatility than a regular 308 hatchback or estate, but perhaps less manoeuvrability. First time car buyers and younger drivers would probably find a regular hatchback more suitable, and Peugeot has no shortage of options available.

Quality and image

Materials quality has taken another small step forward in this revised model, but electrical gremlins continue to plague the brand in reliability and owner satisfaction surveys. The brand has been making improvements in this area though, and the 5008 has a generally solid reputation. In terms of pure street cred, though, an MPV is not the most desirable of cars.

Accessibility

This is an area that hasn't really changed versus the last, pre-facelift 5008. Thanks to the tall body and large doors, it's a cinch to get into for all passengers. Getting into the usually-tricky third row of seats is made easy by a fold-and-tumble seat in the second row, leaving a large aperture to climb in through.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The 5008 Exclusive model boasts an impressive multimedia system with hard-drive storage, USB connection and, if the optional Connect Video Pack is chosen, screens in the back of the front headrests for rear passengers. The control interface is a standard Peugeot affair, meaning small buttons on the centre console that can be fiddly to use. A JBL stereo upgrade with more power can also be specified, but sound quality from the standard equipment is very good.

Colours and trim

A customer looking at the new 5008 colour palette would be forgiven for thinking their eyes had defaulted to a monochrome setting, such is the uniform blandness of the nine assorted greys, whites and blacks. Each trim grade has one standard cloth trim, with the mid- and high-range models featuring an option to upgrade to supple leather. The interior trim is neatly finished, particularly the metal-rimmed switchgear on the centre console.

Parking

A car of this size clearly needs to be parked with care, but this model features a number of helpful gadgets. Parking sensors both at the front and the rear of the car are joined by a parking space measurement system, which can tell the driver whether or not a roadside space is big enough for the car. Finally there is a reversing camera to overcome the natural restrictions in the large MPV's visibility, although it must be remembered that the 5008 is still physically large.

Spare wheel

Emergency tyre repair kit standard with 17- and 18-inch wheels. Space-saver spare wheel standard with 16-inch wheels.

Range information

Petrol engine options - 1.6-litre (120bhp); 1.6-litre (156bhp). Diesel engine options - 1.6-litre (115bhp); 1.6-litre e-HDi (115bhp, automatic only); 2.0-litre (150bhp); 2.0-litre (163bhp, automatic only). Transmission options: five-speed manual gearbox, six-speed manual gearbox, six-speed EGC automated manual gearbox (1.6-litre e-HDi only), six-speed automatic gearbox (2.0-litre HDi 163 only). Trim levels: Access, Active, Allure.

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