Peugeot's MPV To SUV

Peugeot is set to become a key player in the seven-seater sector after reinventing its 5008. It’s stylish, roomy and pleasing to drive, says motoring editor Andy Russell

- Andy Russell

FROM MPV to SUV, Peugeot has reinvented its 5008 and expects big things from the all-new seven-seater.

Launched in 2009, when compact people-carriers ruled the roost, the 5008 seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) chalked up 20,000 UK sales. Now Peugeot aims to find 5,500 customers for the new sport utility vehicle version in its first year.

Judging by the success of Peugeot’s compact 2008 and mid-range 3008 (the latter 2017 European Car of the Year and the first SUV winner with 15,000 UK sales since going on sale in January) that could be a conservative forecast.

LOOKS & IMAGE

One of the most stylish C-segment SUVs, its bold face is dominated by the Peugeot lion, tall grille and sleek headlights with three distinctive LED claw slash rear lights.

Peugeot has cleverly disguised the 5008’s size with an alloy trim strip running along the roofline and down into the rear lights which makes the profile look smaller and sleeker.

While seven-seat SUVs are replacing MPVs, the 5008 is biased towards carrying people than off-road work. There’s no four-wheel drive but optional advanced grip control costs £260-£770 depending on trim.

UNDER THE BONNET