Peugeot 5008 review

It’s the third-generation Peugeot 5008, the French firm’s biggest SUV with space for up to seven passengers and available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.

Looks pretty smart, wouldn’t you agree? It’s still very similar to its predecessor, of course, which was already a good looking thing itself. It shares much of its new look with the smaller 3008 too, because brand identity and all that.

But if you’ve a growing family, it’s the 5008 you want. Its closest rival is the uber-practical and also seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq, while additional competition comes from the dashing Hyundai Santa Fe and related Kia Sorento.

How comfortably will it seat seven, though?

It’s actually more commodious than you might expect. The rear two seats fold neatly into the floor and, providing the middle row is slid forward enough, pop up pretty easily. Anyone under six foot will fit comfortably back there, but if you're more vertically generous than that, longer journeys will be a stretch. Pardon the pun.

Still, there’s decent access getting in and out and Peugeot has thoughtfully added some cupholders. Of course, you do sacrifice boot space when you’re ferrying passengers around, with room for a few shopping bags and not much else. But revert to a five-seater and the space is truly cavernous.

What’s the difference between powertrains?

Well, first up is the hybrid. It pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox and integrated 21bhp electric motor plus 0.9kWh battery. Combined output is 143bhp, with the self-charging battery enabling electric driving for short distances at low speeds and contributing to fuel economy of up to 50.4mpg.

The plug-in hybrid is slightly different, because, well, you need to plug it in to make best use of it. It mates a bigger 1.6-litre petrol engine outputting 148bhp with a seven-speed dual clutch auto 'box, 123bhp electric motor and 21kWh lithium-ion battery. All in, you’re looking at a combined 192bhp and an all-electric range of up to 48 miles; comfortably enough for most on the school run.

Third and finally is the fully electric e-5008, which gets the choice of 73kWh or 93kWh batteries for up to 410 miles of range; highly impressive for its sector. We’re focusing on the hybrids here, click these blue words if it’s the electric one you want.

What’s it like to drive, then?

Like all Peugeots these days, it gets a small steering wheel and you view the dials over the top, which immediately makes you feel you’re driving something much smaller. The hybrid is a comfortable car to ride in too, adeptly dealing with the worst our broken British roads can throw at it and disguising its not inconsiderable heft well. The plug-in is noticeably less deft, piling on some 400kg over the hybrid. Ooft.

Still, both versions are competently set up, and while there's very little electric-only running to be had in the hybrid, real world economy in the mid-forties isn’t to be sniffed at. Expect slightly less if you’re regularly going to be seven up.

How much is it going to cost me?

Prices start from £40,635, which gets you into the hybrid, or £43.5k for the plug-in hybrid. Not cheap then, but it’s a lot of car for the money. Especially in the context of the nearly £50k e-5008, and that's without the biggest and most convenient battery. Yowzers.

The Peugeot 5008 has a lot to offer as a family people mover. This third generation is undeniably stylish, there's no faulting how practical it is, and its cabin more than matches the exterior looks. *Swoon*. Make sure you test drive one before you buy though: that driving position is as Marmite as it gets.

It’s also usefully available as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, though we reckon the former is the best bet here, particularly as the Skoda Kodiaq offers a third more electric range as a PHEV.

And whichever version you go for, the 5008 drives better than it strictly needs to – always a good sign in TG's eyes.