French automaker Peugeot is in the middle of a comprehensive reorganization of its lineup. The strategy saw two important vehicles being overhauled, with both the 3008 and 5008 ditching their MPV roots to become full-fledged SUVs. The 5008 just made its public debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where it displayed its new, imposing appearance with sculpted body lines integrated into the company's latest design language.
On the outside, the new 5008 is quite the looker. No longer a spacious, yet ugly MPV, the 5008 has everything it needs to compete against crossovers like the Volkswagen Tiguan and the new Skoda Kodiaq. It's also the better looking proposition (to me, at least) and has the advantage of a seven-seat layout. The third-row seats are foldable and easy to remove, which will give the 5008 an impressive cargo capacity of 37.4 cubic-feet.
Besides the dramatic change of appearance and the versatile interior, the 5008 also comes with numerous luxury options. Highlights include a panoramic glass roof, massage-function seats, and a premium sound system. It also features a comprehensive package of safety and driver assist features such as hill ascent/descent control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and advanced grip control. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera are also offered in order to make driving long distances and parking easier.
As usual, the engine lineup includes the already familiar small-displacement, four-cylinder engines. Gasoline options include the 1.2- and 1.6-liter units, while the diesel lineup consists of 1.6- and 2.0-liter mills. These can be paired to five-speed manual, six-speed manual, and six-speed automatic transmissions. The only downside is that the 5008 can't be had with an all-wheel-drive system. Peugeot offers a clever traction control function, but the lack of a proper AWD system will leave some potential customers disappointed.
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Why it matters
Much like the 3008, the new 5008 is a radical departure from its MPV predecessor. Although it wasn't a bad vehicle, the MPV's declining sales and the market's shift toward crossovers and SUVs prompted Peugeot to revise its strategy. The 5008 was born from the company's desire to align itself to modern standards and it seems that this new crossover has what it takes to make a significant impact on the market. I still can't get past the fact that it lacks all-wheel-drive, but hopefully Peugeot will fix this once it realizes that buyers might opt for different brands because of that.
Read our full review on the 2017 Peugeot 5008 here.