Overview

PEUGEOT offers three mid-size 5008 SUV variants: two 1.2-litre mild hybrids (MHEVs) and a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol model. All are front-wheel drive.

On test was the 5008h Premium GT that sells from $67,990 excluding on0road costs and is powered by a tiny 100kW/230Nm 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a small integrated 48-volt electric motor that combine for 107kW and 230Nm all told driving the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A lower spec’ Allure version of the 5008h MHEV is also available at $12 grand less while the 5008 GT Sport ICE model that lists at $2400 less than the test vehicle uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with more power and torque and an eight-speed auto transmission.

The seven-seat hybrid 5008h Premium GT is well equipped with luxury and tech’ features and follows the in vogue SUV look featured on numerous (mostly Chinese) competitors right down to the complex front signature lights.

The chunky exterior is characterised by an aggressive grille, bright triple dagger LED lights followed by chiselled lines extending across the bonnet and front guards and down the sides to the abrupt, squared-off rear end again highlighted by the vehicle’s LEDs and aero elements.

Moving inside thankfully we find it doesn’t have a movie-theatre-size screen in the centre of the dash instead favouring a more subtle approach with a wide, low-level curved dual screen nestling just above the top of the tiny multi-function squared off wheel spanning from the driver’s side to the middle… much like some BMW and Hyundai models.

It’s more sensible and takes key functions out of distracting screen-based menus putting them on haptic or manual buttons or switches on the dash and wheel which is way safer and more intuitive.

Peugeot makes a statement with the dash material on this model that is upholstered in a loose weave light grey and black flecked cloth-like covering that may appeal to some. We’re in two minds as it extends to the door cards and may be prone to dirt and damage…

The digital driver’s console houses multiple screens and information options, but no tachometer.

Though better than a ridiculously massive screen, the 5008h’s info screen is possibly a touch the other way as it is indented into the pod’s housing and shrunk accordingly rendering place names on maps difficult to see.

Supple Nappa leather clads the seven seats and some other touch surfaces that is kind to your skin, accentuated by decent size seats which offer plenty of support and a high level of comfort. The front pews gain massage, heating, ventilating and 10-way power adjustment with memory functionality.

The generous 5008h equipment offering as standard comprises wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and device charging options, 19-inch alloy wheels, and tri-zone climate control.

Seven ‘full size’ seats are provided with the 60:40 split second row featuring slide and tilt movement for access to the third row of seats. Minimum cargo capacity is listed at 348 litres with 2232 litres available all told.

In standard format, the 5008h also features an extensive list of standard safety inclusions and ADAS.

Additionally, and among a raft of other goodies the GT Premium gains the aforementioned Nappa leather upholstery, premium audio, heated outboard second-row seating, a panoramic sunroof, integrated rear side window sunblinds, a contrasting Diamond Black roof, multi-mode spoiler/sunroof, hands free tailgate function, six-mode Pixel LED headlights, aluminium dashboard garnishing, and stainless-steel sill covers.

Driving Impressions

A vehicle weighing around 1700kg needs more than 107kW and 230Nm to get going with any purpose and such is the case here. Peugeot says it will tow 750kg, but we doubt it.

In the theoretically stronger Sport mode (of three), the 5008h delivers average performance that would be exacerbated with seven peeps on board.

It gets off the line casually, has passable mid-range pick-up and tapers off in the higher speed ranges… and that is all.

The test car averaged 7.1 litres per100km, well above the claimed 5.1L/100km combined. It drives in EV mode occasionally but in normal conditions, the petrol engine is working away diligently most of the time which burns, well, petrol.

It sounds like a warbling Daihatsu Charade when you push the accelerator as the little three pot labours away to move the bulky SUV with a tiny bit of assistance from the integrated 48-volt 15kW electric motor.

Once the desired velocity is attained and the accelerator is backed off, the 5008h settles into a smooth and quiet forward progression that it is able to maintain most of the time without undue stress to the powertrain.

The six-speed dual-clutch transmission is mostly imperceptible masked at times by the electric assistance kicking in and you can use the paddle shifter to take more control, but with little effect.

The 5008h rolls on a relatively simple strut front and rudimentary rear twist beam suspension, a set-up well-honed by Peugeot over decades, something that shows in the supple ride and tidy dynamics displayed by the test vehicle that covered off both sporty and general driving with aplomb.

It soaks up bad roads without flinching and with minimal noise, isolates the passenger compartment with distinction and backs up with sharpish reflexes when pushed in tighter going at a faster clip ultimately understeering with front wheel push and tyre scrub.

Torque steer was not evident, but neither should it be with this amount of power and torque on tap.

Other dynamic aspects of the 5008h were impressive including well weighted and quick geared steering that also delivers a smallish turning circle.

It is backed up by strong braking performance and grippy tyres to offer what has come to be expected from the French manufacturer in the dynamic department even from an everyday family vehicle.

Though the interior has a funkoirge appearance and a killer audio system, there are some concerns starting with the slim space at the side of the front seats to access the electric adjustment switches. Basically, most people will have to open the door to access the controls.

The brake and accelerator pedals are too close, and on the same plane making unintended pressing of both or the wrong one a very real possibility.

Our brief time with the Peugeot 5008h Premium GT could be characterised by the adage “woulda, shoulda, coulda”. It looks the goods in the styling department, and on paper, but is too underpowered and underperforming for our liking and they call it a GT?

Simply, it needs more grunt.

If you must have one, the Sport version with about 135kW and 250Nm is a better proposition in our opinion.