France is home to Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and several other renowned designer names. Could it be one of the reasons why their people are so stylish? Probably. But that certainly is why they are the second most fashionable country in the world (Italy is number 1).
Naturally, that fashion sense trickles down to other industries, including automotive, and Peugeot is the best example. To stress my point, look at how its designers transform an MPV into a handsome SUV. Case in point: the 5008.
Right away, it is the size (or lack of it) that I noticed. The 5008 has to be the most petite mid-size SUV you will ever see. It is a few millimeters shorter and slimmer but seven inches lower (height) than its rivals in the segment. That size difference impacts everything, from the design, roominess, handling, and performance.
The 5008’s body still bears the squarish proportions of its MPV past, but Peugeot used the limited real estate wisely. As you can see in this all-black example, the chrome around the greenhouse really pops out and complements the color of the roof rails and the accents above the rocker panel. It delivers a certain upmarket feel, but I do not know if that will still work with a different body color.
Its sportiness level goes up a notch at the rear with the slim claw-type LED taillights, the robust cladding at the bottom, the dual chrome exhaust tips, and the low-key spoiler with an integrated stop lamp. This package minimizes the size of the tail and makes up for its somewhat dull profile.
If you are wondering why I have not detailed the front fascia, I saved the best for last. This frameless grille is right up there with Lexus’s spindle grille — a very close second, in my opinion. It is mesmerizing and should become the standard in vehicle grille design. The fangs below the LED headlamps keep with the lion inspiration, and this is one of the very few models I am ok with a model badge at the edge of the hood.
Keep the smart key on your person, and the vehicle unlocks upon touching the strips on the two front door handles.
Inside is where the exterior’s compact dimensions, coupled with the elaborate design of the two-tier dashboard, affect cabin space. There is not a lot of head- and elbow room, with all the equipment around the driver, but it did not matter much because this edgy design is very appealing.
I like how Peugeot mixed fabric with the rubberized surface of the cockpit and used just a few silver accents to highlight essential items like the toggle switches and the air vents.
My two favorite things are the unique compact leather multi-function steering wheel and the 12.3-inch configurable digital display with iMovie-like transitions. I wish the aircon functions were not integrated into the operating system of the 10-inch infotainment screen because that made adjusting fan speed and temperature tedious.
Multiple connectivity options start with Bluetooth audio streaming, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also has a wireless charging pad.
The power-adjustable driver’s leather seat could do with less red stitching, but cushioning is very good, as are the bolstering and the wide headrest. The sliding second-row seats are (almost) as comfortable as the first row, so kudos to Peugeot for keeping the passenger’s comfort in mind — it also comes with a drop-down armrest, air vents, and a USB port. But the third row has bench-type seats that will only accommodate two people.
With only a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine, I expected the 5008 to feel heavy, and it did. It is not good at quick takeoffs, but with momentum, it was hard to keep under the speed limit. It has a Sport mode, but the grunt did not justify the performance (and the fuel consumption), so I stuck with Normal mode 90% of the time.
The six-speed automatic transmission, managed by its very ergonomic shifter, is smooth and efficiently uses its 165-PS and 240-Nm of torque. Because of its weight and heft, it did not do well in stop-and-go traffic, averaging about 9-km/l. Let it loose on the highway, and it easily picks up over 15-km/l.
Comfort is one of its best suits due to its car-based platform. Unlike the Fortuner and the Montero Sport, which uses a truck-based body, the 5008 is gentler around humps and bumps without being overly bouncy.
Handling is one of the best in the segment, and this is where its proportions help a lot. The turning radius is much better and has lighter steering without numbing the feedback.
At P2.435 million, the 2022 Peugeot 5008 1.6L THP does not undercut its rivals in pricing, but with a great design, an inimitable cockpit, sedan-like comfort, and advanced safety features like Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Lane Keep Assistance, and Advanced Grip Control tech, it offers value for money.