It is not often you get the opportunity to experience a “first”. Something unique that has not been done before! Well it might surprise you to know I am about to do just that. I have just been handed the keys of the new Peugeot 5008, the French manufacturers “first” Compact MPV. Carefully crafted to bridge two worlds, compact is a generic term used by the motor industry to describe a small saloon. While MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) implies a car for the family - a work horse designed to cope with the demands of family life. Surely you can’t have your cake and eat it?
Leaving Perry’s in Bletchley the 5008 feels light and easy. Building the speed up to 30MPH through the town, the steering feels responsive, accurate and untroubled by the low speed traffic and larger steering inputs needed to negotiate the tighter junctions of the town environment. The turbo diesel power plant produces 150 BHP and, as you would expect from a diesel, a lot of its pulling power (torque) is at a nice and low 2000 RPM, so you don’t need to work the engine through town to cover ground efficiently. 6 speeds in the manual gearbox ensure performance and economy, and for those not looking to swap the cogs by hand, automatic and electronic gearbox control are on the options list.
Inside there are 7 seating options which includes a fold flat van like cavern for larger loads. When not being used, seats 6 and 7 fold flat under the luggage compartment floor, to optimise space in the luggage compartment. Clever use of body contours and large door pockets ensure adequate storage space while lots of chrome and shiny black polished surfaces add an air of quality. A motorised multifunction screen appears from the top of the dashboard when you turn on the ignition, relaying key information. The screen is ideally placed for safety - your eyes are never too far away from that all important view of the road ahead.
Large door mirrors help to compensate for the slightly restricted view from the rear view mirror - a consequence perhaps of the countered body styling. Peugeot must have realised the short comings of rearward observation and have fitted a two tier rear view mirror, one being convex to ensure the reduction of blind spots. Clever! The tinted panoramic fixed glass sunroof magnifies the interior space. Even on this grey and cloudy day light penetrates the tinted glass - it feels cheerful in here, bright and light. The raised “Command” driving position promotes a comfortable and relaxed driving position, the gear lever positioned at elbow height on the centre console is perfectly placed, minimal time spent with your hand off of the steering wheel and not too far to reach.
From the outside the 5008 looks styled and appealing to the eye. I am a fan of Peugeot’s current styling traits. Catch one in your mirror and they look sharp, aggressive and purposeful. By contrast, the rear view is an intelligent amalgamation of straight lines and curves.
My route takes me from town to A road, a short hop on the motorway and back to Bletchley via dual carriageway - plenty of variation in the route to filter out the ride and handling characteristics. Ride comfort ticks all of my boxes, a rounded and compliant feel to the suspension, with minimal body roll. Balanced through the twisty stuff and stable on the motorway, Peugeot have engineered a very capable compromise.
I am getting the message. The 5008 is enjoyable to drive, a stylish and versatile means of transport for the family and an MPV too. But it’s more than that. Dynamically involving, it felt great to be covering ground so efficiently in a vehicle that can seat 7. Yes it is a Compact. Cake and eat it springs to mind! Download Peugeot 5008 review as PDF version.
