Peugeot 5008 Plus - First impression

While some automakers do develop all-new and from-the-ground-up SUVs of the much-beloved Crossover kind, others find it easier and less time-intensive to just modify a current model instead. One such company is Peugeot and the car in question is the 5008. Launched for the first time back in 2009, the Peugeot 5008 was initially developed to be a compact minivan and was sold in many parts of the world - including Malaysia. By the time of its release, much of the automotive landscape had already been shifting towards the hunky-dory world of crossovers -- thereby ditching the minivan.

The French automaker seems to have realised this and that’s why when it came to creating the second generation of the 5008, they reincarnated the 5008 into a midsize crossover SUV. And now, in late August 2019, Malaysia received the latest Peugeot 5008 Plus model. Launched in two trim levels, the all-new 5008 Plus starts from RM 166,888 for the Active trim, while top Allure trim is priced at RM 179,888.

Exterior

Unlike its softer minivan predecessor, the exterior of the new Peugeot 5008 Plus sports a predominantly muscular physique. As is clearly apparent, the new Peugeot 5008 Plus isn’t one of those compact city runabout vehicles - measuring in at 4670 mm in length, 1855 mm in width and 1655 mm at the top of its gloss black roof.

Meanwhile, the SUV’s wheelbase covers 2840 mm between the axles, and its cargo volume totals to 952 litres with the third row folded down. As for its appearance, the upright front of the 5008 looks sculpted and aggressive, boasting a chrome-laden triple-slatted grille that’s flanked by stylish headlamps (with integrated LED DRLs). Underneath all that is the 5008’s beefed-up bumper which houses big side intakes with large chrome garnishing, a central air dam and another smaller intake with a faux skid plate.

Along the sides, the Peugeot 5008 Plus sports two distinct character lines, a rising shoulder line, flared fenders, aggressive-looking 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, thick chrome strip along with the doors, black underbody cladding, and a stylish chrome strip that runs between the A-pillar all the way to the D-pillar. The stocky rear end gets a roof spoiler, 'claw effect' 3-D design LED tail lamps followed by a really wide tailgate.

The Peugeot 5008 Plus design (aided by its fancy dual-tone exterior) certainly looks modern and appealing, especially when compared to some of its rather traditional-looking competitors. The new 5008 Plus can be had in a variety of colours which includes shades such as Aster Grey, Amazonite Grey, Emerald Crystal, Metallic Copper, Nera Black, and Pearl White.

Interior

The cockpit of the new Peugeot 5008 Plus hosts a compact, low-set squircle-shaped steering wheel (found on many Peugeot cars), funky-looking gear selector, cool toggle switches along with the driver-oriented centre stack, a 12.3-inch HD ‘head-up’ instrument panel and an 8.0-inch touch-infotainment head unit placed on top of the dashboard.

This is easily one of the most modern and stylized interiors of any car in this segment, with loads of curves, contours and interesting (and shiny) trim bits that really liven up this cabin. Being a three-row family SUV, the Peugeot 5008’s cabin is noticeably large and capacious - with soft, well-contoured seats that are comfortable and supportive. The seats on the 5008 are very flexible and can be folded/tilted/removed.

The quality of materials on the inside of the 5008 is easily acceptable -- soft-touch plastics cover much of the upper part of the cabin, while there are piano black and satin silver accents too. Peugeot’s build quality and fit-and-finish has definitely come a long way, and 5008 is one of the best examples to portray that.

The new 5008 comes equipped with full-LED automatic headlamps, sequential turn indicators, automatic windshield wipers, electrically-operable & auto-folding door mirrors, panoramic sunroof, all-round parking sensors with a wide-angle reversing camera, hands-free tailgate and keyless entry with push-button start.

These are accompanied by an acoustic front windshield, automatic dual-zone climate control with rear air-con vents, paddle shifters, leather upholstery, LED mood lighting, power-adjustable front seats, drive mode select along with ‘Advanced Grip Control’, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice recognition and navigation, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a premium sound system by Arkamys among others.

Powertrain and performance

The new Peugeot 5008 Plus specs say that it is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s good for 165hp at 6,000 rpm and 240Nm of maximum torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. This twin-scroll turbo motor comes mated to a regular torque converter 6-speed automatic gearbox,

enabling the 1.4-tonne Peugeot 5008 to go from nought to 100 kmph in under 9 seconds and a top speed of 205 kmph. As for its fuel efficiency, the 5008’s 1.6-litre mill comes with direct petrol injection, dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, all of which helps it deliver up to 14 kmpl (on a combined cycle). The 5008 is fairly decent to drive, though it has been clearly a set-up for comfort -- apt for a three-row family SUV -- though it can handle the occasional corners without much fuss.

Safety equipment

The all-new Peugeot 5008 has been awarded a full five stars by the highly-acclaimed EURO NCAP safety body. The 5008 Plus is bristling with some of the most modern (and basic) safety features that can be fitted to a new car - including six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Peugeot Hill Start Assist (PHSA).

To add to these, the 5008 also gets Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-skid Regulation (ASR), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Blind Spot Monitoring Assist (BSMA) with Active Lane Keeping Assist (ALKA), Driver Attention Alert, Speed Limit Information, Advanced Grip Control (with Snow, Mud and Sand modes), Anti-whiplash front seat headrests, Front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, tyre pressure sensor and ISOFIX anchor points for the middle row.

Also Read:- All-new Peugeot 3008 SUV Plus and 5008 SUV Plus launched in Malaysia