Test drive Peugeot 5008

Striking appearance, creative interior, seven seats, a gasoline engine or diesel engine, off-road modes - after a generation change, the 5008 suddenly became a crossover

The first generation of Peugeot 5008 nine years ago was not officially sold in Russia, so let us remind you: it was a one-volume model based on the 3008. Here is the new 5008 - in fact, an extended version of the current 3008 on the EMP2 platform. The front end is almost identical, but the base is increased by 165 mm and the body length is increased by 194 mm. The "king-size" looks original, but its attractiveness depends on the angle. And also on the price: the cladding and plumage of the initial version of the Active is simpler.

Is it a crossover, as the French insist? And why, by the way, do they insist? One of the reasons for the appearance of the 5008 with us was the Russian popularity of the extended Citroen Grand C4 Picasso minivan. After evaluating its circulation, PSA marketers suggested that a commensurate family-owned Peugeot could also be successful here. And the trendy cross-accent is announced to heighten the interest in the new product. Although in fact it is closer to station wagons.

The drive of the 5008, like the donor 3008, is exclusively front-wheel drive. Later they will start producing 4x4 hybrids with an electric motor on the rear axle, but their Russian future is uncertain. The stated ground clearance is 236 mm, but Peugeot cheated by measuring it under the threshold. We dive with a tape measure under the body: from the standard metal protection of the motor to the asphalt for an empty car with 18-inch wheels, a modest 170 mm. Even in a shallow track and with an incomplete load, the 5008 sometimes struck the bottom. And the size of the base also influenced the angle of the ramp.

Partly outside the asphalt, Grip Control helps - an option for the Active version and a standard on the more expensive Allure and GT-Line. Use a round knob to select the "Norm", "Snow", "Mud" and "Sand" modes, changing the settings of the auxiliary electronics. ESP can be deactivated at speeds up to 50 km / h, and the hill descent assist works in the same range. The Grip Control versions are also equipped with all-season tires. But all these half measures improve the cross-country ability only in uncomplicated conditions.

Exaggerated compared to the 3008, the cabin is more welcoming. The initial version is 5-seater, while others rely on a third row: optional for the Allure and standard for the GT-Line. To take seven of them away will have to find a compromise. Adults in the gallery sit tolerantly only with the second-row seats pushed forward. Not a problem: the lengthening of the base made it possible to add 60 mm between the second and first rows, which is quite enough for "playing Tetris" without mutual grudges.

Luggage behind the gallery is a deliberately modest space of 165 liters. When its sections are folded, the volume is already 952 liters, and if they are removed from the body at all, a stock of another 108 liters will be released. The chairs weigh 11 kg each, dismantling is conceived as easy as shelling pears, but requires unhurried accuracy, otherwise the mechanisms can jam.

The maximum cargo capacity is as much as 2150 liters under the roof in the 5-seater version. The folding back of the front right seat allows you to carry long items up to 3,18 m. And for small items there are thirteen compartments, for a total of 39 liters. It is strange that with such practicality there was no place for storing the luggage rack. So the stowaway of the gasoline version was expelled under the body. Due to the shape of the exhaust system, the diesel 5008 has no spare wheel at all - a repair kit is attached here.

The collection of design essays around the driver copies the 3008 to the smallest detail. The interior was clearly inspired by aviation. "Pilot" is arranged in a kind of cockpit on a very comfortable seat at the mini-helm. The non-locking lever is similar to the joystick of a starfighter. Moreover, they will also have to aim: getting into the R position without a miss is a whole art.

And here's a pleasant surprise: a large family 5008 is naturally piloted, handling is a pleasure. The car is responsive and understandable in reactions, the buildup is insignificant, turns can be taken quickly, without expecting a catch. There is a Sport mode: the steering wheel becomes heavy in it, and the power units are zealous as after doping.

Engines with a capacity of 150 hp also familiar from 3008. The 1,6 THP petrol turbo version with good performance seemed more comfortable, more elastic and more cheerful. With the 2,0 BlueHDi turbo diesel, the car looks like it's older. Yes, it's just 110 kg heavier. Most likely, it was the mass that influenced the fact that the suspension is not as loyal as that of a gasoline car: the diesel perceives minor irregularities much worse. And with energetic accelerations, you feel - the motor is doing the work, pulling the load.

However, the diesel is quiet and develops more torque. The diesel fuel consumption by the onboard computer on the test was only 5,5 l / 100 km. The petrol modification reported for 8,5 liters. The uncontested 6-speed automatic transmission Aisin competently assists both. By the way, the share of diesel 3008 in the volume of Russian sales amounted to a notable 40%.

A good central "keyboard" tool for calling up sections of the menu. Various combinations can be displayed on the dashboard. It is proposed to set a relaxed or vigorous mood in the salon by choosing from the list of options massage, the smell of aroma, the style of music playback and the brightness of the contour lighting. But climate adjustments are only on the touchscreen, and the menu is slow. The Sport button does not immediately respond, and the devices decorate rather than inform. The steering column levers and the body of the console are cramped on the left under the steering wheel.

The Peugeot 5008 can be ordered with an auto high beam switch and cornering lights, adaptive cruise control with full stop, distance warning, lane tracking with steering, speed sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, driver fatigue control, roundabout cameras visibility and contactless unlocking of the tailgate.

The base Peugeot 5008 with a 1,6 liter engine starts at $ 24 (diesel is $ 500 more) and is adequately equipped. Here 1-inch alloy wheels, heating at the bottom and left edges of the windshield, three-stage heated seats, electric "handbrake", separate climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, multimedia with support for Apple Carplay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, Bluetooth function and an 700-inch display, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors and 17 airbags.

The French are betting on the next level with prices starting at $ 26. It features 300-inch wheels, LED headlights, front parking sensors, curtain airbags, Grip Control and downhill assist. For the top version with keyless entry, electric seats, a third row of seats and a rear camera, they ask from $ 18. And then - options, options.

Peugeot believes the 5008 will compete on equal terms with the 7-seater Hyundai Grand Santa Fe, Kia Sorento Prime and Skoda Kodiaq. But a different scenario is more likely: a new station wagon can arouse interest as a unique one and thus attract buyers. Like those 997 people who have already bought the no less bright 3008.

A type	Crossover	Crossover
dimensions (length / width / height), mm	4641/1844/1640	4641/1844/1640
Wheelbase, mm	2840	2840
Curb weight, kg	1505	1615
engine's type	Petrol, R4, turbo	Diesel, R4, turbo
Working volume, cubic meters cm	1598	1997
Power, hp from. at rpm	150 at 6000	150 at 4000
Max. cool. moment, Nm at rpm	240 at 1400	370 at 2000
Transmission, drive	6-st. Automatic transmission, front	6-st. Automatic transmission, front
Maksim. speed, km / h	206	200
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from	9,2	9,8
Fuel consumption (horizontal / highway / mixed), l	7,5/5,0/5,8	5,5/4,4/4,8
Price from, USD	24 500	26 200