Peugeot recently re-introduced itself to the South African market in an attempt to increase its dwindling presence in this country.
In addition to streamlining its dealer network and parts availability, Peugeot also introduced a new five-year/100 000km comprehensive service plan and warranty, which is standard across its entire range.
The other big news is the all-new 5008. It’s Europe’s favourite SUV, outselling every other competitor in its segment in 2018.
Over here it will have a harder time persuading prospective customers out of Japanese products, but it comes prepared with an arsenal of niceties that you won’t necessarily find on competitor vehicles.
The standard seven-seat configuration is the best example. The second row consists of three individual seats that can be adjusted separately, while the third row consists of two small seats that can be removed with one hand. Weighing in at just 11kg each, removing these seats is remarkably easy. It’s comfortably the best seven-seat configuration we’ve come across so far, so big marks for Peugeot on that front. In five-seat configuration, the boot size measures in at 1060 litres. A practical hands-free smart electric tailgate opens and closes quickly and effortlessly when activated – simply by placing your foot under the rear bumper.
The 5008 also has a high-quality interior, equipped with loads of nice features across all models. These include climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows and a touch-screen interface with all of the latest connectivity features present and accounted for.
The top-spec GT Line adds a number of luxury items that you don’t usually find in this segment, including a massaging driver seat, large panoramic sunroof, mood lighting, wireless charging plate and a host of advanced safety features. The safety pack on this car includes active lane keep assistance, driver attention warning, smart beam assist, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring and park assist.
The navigation system is also quite nifty. A step closer to reality, the 3D navigation system displays buildings and landmarks while taking driver preference into account.
Two engines are available, both friendly to the environment. Peugeot claims CO2 emissions are as low as 156 g/km for petrol and only 136 g/km for diesel.
In terms of power, the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol delivers 121kW/240Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel offers 110kW and 370Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Our time behind the wheel was extremely short (just 17km), but the 5008 made a good first impression. Sound insulation is impressive and the ride is utterly sublime. We also like the look of the interior and the logical interface with the piano-like shortcut buttons below the touch-screen interface. We look forward to spending more time behind the wheel to get a proper sense of what this car is all about.
Pricing:
Peugeot 5008 Allure 1.6 THP: R534 900
Peugeot 5008 GT-Line 1.6 THP: R579 900
Peugeot 5008 Allure 2.0 HDi: R554 900
Peugeot 5008 GT-Line 2.0 HDi: R599 900