Allure 1.6 HDi FAP 6-speed manual
What is it?
Another day, another Peugeot facelift. This time they’ve taken the scalpel to the 5008, the big MPV that competes head to head with the Grand C4 Picasso from sister firm Citroen.
Well respected when it arrived on these shores in 2009, the 5008 has since faded away a little as newer rivals came to market.
The much-needed facelift has freshened up the exterior nicely, embracing Peugeot’s new design direction first seen with the 208 and impressive 308.
This gives the car a bold and protruding grille that is flanked by swooping fog light housings and LED lined headlights.
From the A-pillar back there’s little in the way of change to see, bar a little tidying up with the lights at the rear. It remains unashamedly an MPV, but a rather sleek one that cuts through the air with a Cd figure of 0.29, the same as Porsche Boxster.
The performance levels are somewhat different though, with Peugeot’s 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing an acceptable 114bhp and 270Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-60mph time of 12.9 seconds.
Equipment levels, always a strong point with the 5008, are improved once again.
Our top-spec Allure review model was fitted with a reversing camera and parking sensors, sat nav, tyre pressure monitor, a colour heads-up display, climate control, panoramic roof and cruise control. Even the entry-level Access model comes fitted with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and an automatic electronic handbrake with hill assist and, importantly, seven seats.
On the road the elevated driving position makes it an easy car to manoeuvre, although the ride quality lacked the suppleness of the smaller 3008. This is most likely a result of some hefty 18-inch wheels fitted to the Allure model. Body roll is kept well checked though, which is some consolation.
