Road Tested by Hugh Maguire.
Peugeot’s new 5008 is a big seven seat SUV. Seven seat SUV’s offer a versatility that families will appreciate with that third row of seats ideal for the school run albeit less practical if you need to carry luggage also as really your then back to being a five seat SUV.
It is interesting how manufacturers are leaning towards hybrid and not solely EV’s in their latest models. No doubt due to the rapid slowdown in EV uptake for reasons I have discussed here many times. This weeks test car is the new Peugeot 5008 petrol hybrid. There are two trim levels, Allure and as tested here the GT model. Interestingly Peugeot have priced both the EV and the petrol hybrid at the same starting price of €50,995.
First Impressions.
The new 5008 hybrid is now a fine looking SUV with lots of standard kit and plenty of nice design features. The 2025 model year car is built on Peugeot’s STLA platform and boasts a lovely new style. My test car was finished in a metallic white with two tone alloys and a contrasting black roof with black roof rails. With the new Peugeot face and lovely detailing in the styling it gives it a very classy look indeed. I do like the overall style, it has real presence on the road.
What is it like inside?
Slip inside the new 5008 and you cannot fail to be immediately impressed with the overall feeling of quality combined with great design. A simple example is the functionality of everything. I really liked the new Panoramic i-Cockpit which works very well indeed. It features a 21 inch curved digital display that is clear concise and functional. Boasting wireless Apple Car play and Android auto as well as over the air updates its a super new driver information centre.
The cabin is bright and airy with mood lighting at night and very nice use of cloth look detailing in places.
Accomadation is excellent and that fold away 3rd row of seats is ideal for the school runs. Lots of storage space and USB ports ensure a quite relaxed trip for all on board.
There are plenty of goodies too numerous to list here but safe to say the new 5008 SUV hybrid is better equipped than many rivals.
What powers this new SUV?
Power comes from a new and very efficient 1.2 litre 3 cylinder petrol engine developing 136bhp which is mated to a 6-speed auto gearbox and and a 16kW electric motor with a 0.9kWh battery that is recharged via the engine and regenerative braking meaning no plugging in! This for me is the ideal solution and the new 5008 hybrid will run on electric power only at low speeds around town and also boosts the power of the petrol engine. A selection of drive modes are available to personalise the experience somewhat too. I found the hybrid system is seamless its barely noticeable when it changes from EV to petrol mode. Furthermore this winning combination reduces fuel consumption making the new 5008 hybrid thrifty on the fuel. Expect an average of 5.8 litres per 100km. Road tax €210.00 per annum.
How does it drive?
The ride and handling is just about perfect, and it cruises all day at higher motorway speeds with the refinement of a luxury saloon.
It performs well enough, with adequate levels of acceleration and reasonable overtaking capability. It’s not a really inspiring drive but few if any SUV’s are. So with that in mind its a very pleasant car to drive or travel in.
Verdict.
The new 5008 hybrid is a family SUV that is very well suited to our road conditions.
I like the new look, the level of standard kit is excellent, and it is a very comfortable car in which to travel and Peugeot have a great dealer network.
The GT model tested costs €54,995 and having tested the EV version I can firmly say I vote give my vote to the petrol hybrid. It does everything so well and really has no vices. The new 5008 hybrid gets top marks.