Tested: The new breed of SUVs

Peugeot’s 5008 is well designed and cleverly laid out but expensive compared with rivals. Is it worth considering?

VALUE

The 5008 comes in two variants: GT-line and GT. We are in the cheaper GT-Line that is priced at $55,990 drive-away.

That makes it roughly $10,000 more expensive than entry-level versions of the VW Tiguan Allspace and Mazda CX-8. But the GT-Line is far better equipped, with an extensive list of standard comfort and convenience features, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety aids.

For a limited time, Peugeot is throwing in Nappa leather trimmed seats and a panoramic sunroof, with a combined cost of about $4500, at no extra cost.

The 5008 is handsomely styled with a boxy silhouette, classy chrome highlights and big 19-inch alloy wheels.

A five-year/unlimited km warranty is par for the course, but servicing is expensive at more than $3000 over five years.

COMFORT

The cabin feels futuristic thanks to the French brand’s i-Cockpit, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument and head-up display with an eight-inch infotainment screen. It is topped off with a small, squared off steering wheel that feels like something out of a Star Wars fighter.

A small snub-nosed gear lever frees up space in the centre console.

The centre mounted infotainment and climate function controls are a bit fiddly and take some getting used to.

Connectivity is taken care of thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also Bluetooth, 3D satnav, digital radio and a wireless device charging pad.

Fabric seats are standard, but the Nappa leather trimmed versions on our car were supportive, with good adjustment providing shorter drivers with great vision.

A panoramic sunroof gives the cabin a spacious feel as does the massive swept back windscreen.

Second-row passengers are looked after with two aircon vents, each with adjustable fan speed. But there are no USB charging points, only a 12-volt connector.

SAFETY

Peugeot has kitted out the 5008 with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot detection, 360-degree camera and radar cruise control.

The 5008 has a five-star ANCAP rating.

DRIVING

The GT-Line is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 121kW/240Nm matched to a six-speed auto delivering power to the front wheels.

This combination feels a little underdone for a car this size. The gruntier 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the more expensive GT variant makes more sense.

The 5008 feels most at home in town; its steering is light and direct and its compact size and tight turning circle mean you don’t feel like you’re driving a barge.

The ride is a little on the firmish side and the 5008 feels slightly unsettled over smaller, consistent bumps, although it’s sharper than many rivals through the corners.

Fuel use is excellent at 7.0L/100km.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The 5008 GT-Line’s long list of standard equipment justifies its higher price, but it is let down a little by an undercooked engine for its size.

ALTERNATIVES

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Highline, from about $58,600 drive-away

More expensive but well equipped, with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive.

Mazda CX-8 Touring AWD, from $53,890 drive-away

Stylish and well equipped with a strong diesel engine. A lot longer and feels bigger around town.

Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI, from $49,490 drive-away

Value-packed all-rounder with standard all-wheel drive. You’ll need to tick a few option boxes to match the standard equipment of the Peugeot, though.

PEUGEOT 5008 GT-LINE VITALS

Price: $55,990 drive-away (special offer)

Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 121kW/240Nm

Warranty/servicing: five-year, unl’td km/$3026 over five years

Safety: 5 stars, six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot detection, 360-degree camera, radar cruise control

Fuel use: 7L/100km

Boot: 780L