Peugeot 5008

FIRST DRIVEWe hit road to see if SUV is as big a step forward as its little brother, the 3008.

- Sam Naylor

WHEN the revised Peugeot 3008 arrived at the end of 2016, we were impressed by the step up in quality and desirability, with the new car offering improvements in almost every area. Now it’s the turn of the larger 5008 – the second model the brand has transformed from an MPV to an SUV.

It’s easy to see the connection from the styling, because the 5008 wears a similar face to its smaller brother. The high bonnet, wide grille and sharp headlights are all familiar.

The main changes come at the back, where the longer roofline accommodates the third row of seats. This gives it a more upright look – and while you still get the distinctive triple LED tail-lights, the high shoulder lines look a bit awkward. Still, its jacked-up stance is infinitely more fashionable than before.

Get inside and you’ll find the interior has had a complete overhaul, too. The quality of the materials is excellent and the design of the dash and centre console is superb. It’s a broadly similar layout to that in the 3008, and as in that car, it makes the 5008 feel very upmarket. The i-Cockpit dials look great, and can show things like maps and trip info in between the speedo and rev counter.