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Peugeot 5008 Allure 2018 review


There are a few surprises in store when you come across the Peugeot 5008. It's a seven-seat SUV and competes with other five-seat SUVs moonlighting as seven-seaters (you only use the back two seats when the need arises), like the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen's Tiguan Allspace. So how much space is there and what's it like to drive?

I had my daughter's fifth birthday party this week and as any parent knows, the week before a party is a whirlwind of shopping trips - picking up the exact toy they're after (with very specific instructions), the cake ingredients, the party bag supplies and more.

I had the Peugeot 5008 Allure for the job, which is the entry-point of the range in petrol. Here's how it did over my seven days of driving.

  • I had the Peugeot 5008 Allure for the job, which is the entry-point of the range in petrol. I had the Peugeot 5008 Allure for the job, which is the entry-point of the range in petrol.
  • The exterior is a cross between an SUV and a station wagon. The exterior is a cross between an SUV and a station wagon.
  • It's not overly large and doesn't feel big while you're driving it, which is key. It's not overly large and doesn't feel big while you're driving it, which is key.
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How spacious is it?

The boot is huge, which you can tell from the outside of the car because of its elongated proportions. At 702L VDA it's one of the biggest in its class and on par with the Volkswagon Tiguan Allspace.

You'll be able to fit in everything from double prams to kids bikes. And then there are those two seats in the boot which easily pull up and lock into place. With the two seats up, the boot space shrinks dramatically, but you'll still be able to fit school bags or groceries.

However, space in the third row is tight, there are no two ways about it. I'm 161cm and could just get my legs in. However, the middle row moves forward so you'll be able to give back row passengers more room.

  • The two seats in the boot easily pull up and lock into place. The two seats in the boot easily pull up and lock into place.
  • With the two seats up, the boot space shrinks dramatically, but you'll still be able to fit school bags or groceries. With the two seats up, the boot space shrinks dramatically, but you'll still be able to fit school bags or groceries.
  • The boot is huge, which you can tell from the outside of the car because of its elongated proportions. The boot is huge, which you can tell from the outside of the car because of its elongated proportions.

Kids will be fine in here but adults will be hankering to climb out. This is why it probably won't be used as a seven-seater full-time, unless all of your kids are little. It works really well as a five seat SUV, popping up the spare two seats when you really need them.

The middle row has plenty of space, my two children aged five and seven were very happy over the whole week of shopping for My Little Pony paraphernalia, even with the second row moved forward to give the back row more leg space.

And the front was very airy and breezy for both my 185cm husband and myself. We had lots of leg and head space, there wasn't a complaint to be had.

The middle row has plenty of space. The middle row has plenty of space.

How does it drive?

The Peugeot 5008 drives really smoothly, there are no stop/start issues and it feels lovely to cruise along any size street - it doesn't feel too big while you're driving it.

It's got a 1.6-litre turbo engine, which is smaller than other cars this size, but the turbo gives it the extra boost to get up hills really easily and take off quickly.

I also love the way the close to hexagonal steering wheel feels because it's small and is very responsive given the car has a small turning circle for a car this size.

It doesn't come with all-wheel drive out of the way, because no version of the Peugeot 5008 has AWD. It doesn't come with all-wheel drive out of the way, because no version of the Peugeot 5008 has AWD.

The small wheel makes me feel a bit like a rally car driver (given Peugeot's rally history), and makes three-point turns not only easy, but fun. Parking is good, too with a reverse parking camera, front parking camera and 360 degree view camera.

Let's get the fact that it doesn't come with all-wheel drive out of the way, because no version of the Peugeot 5008 has AWD. But realistically, if you're using the car in the city and suburbs, which is the way most of us use our cars, then you will be fine.

You do need to press the brake quite hard to turn the car off, which I found a bit annoying but it's no deal-breaker, it will become second nature.

What does it look like?

The exterior is a cross between an SUV and a station wagon, given its long proportions, and is somewhat similar to a Suburu Outback. But it's not overly large and doesn't feel big while you're driving it, which is key. This green is the standout colour and it will set you back an extra $690.

Inside is great and even though I'm in the base-level Allure, it doesn't feel bottom of the range. There are fabric seats but they're in a stylish tweed which lifts things, and they've got a leather-look trim around the edges and up the middle which really just works to bring the look together.

  • I had the Peugeot 5008 Allure for the job, which is the entry-point of the range in petrol. I had the Peugeot 5008 Allure for the job, which is the entry-point of the range in petrol.
  • The exterior is a cross between an SUV and a station wagon. The exterior is a cross between an SUV and a station wagon.
  • It's not overly large and doesn't feel big while you're driving it, which is key. It's not overly large and doesn't feel big while you're driving it, which is key.

Peugeot has overdone it slightly with the fabric though, by putting it along the dash and doors too. It's just that little bit too much.

The hexagonal steering wheel is a clear winner in this car for me. I love a small steering wheel and this one feels as though it's been personalised just for a pleasurable driving experience.

There is also a cool digital 'cockpit' dashboard which is a futuristic way to show not only your speed but a 3D map showing your location. It's like an aerial view, as though you're flying a plane instead of driving along the road.

The high-gloss centre console and a piano-key-style panel which controls everything from the air conditioning to the hazard lights, complete the look. The whole thing is functional and stylish.

How easy is it to use everyday?

The 5008 Allure comes with a power tailgate which opens with a button on the key. It makes things very easy when you're overloaded with stuff and can't free a hand to lift the boot. But lots of cars have that. The Peugeot 5008 is the only one to nail practicality with its seat configuration.

Firstly, you can pop all seats down flat in the car, including the passenger seat, which really opens up the boot space. Secondly, you can actually remove the two back seats and store them in your house for extra boot space, if you really don't think you'll use them. Thirdly, each of the seats in the second row fold down individually, so you'll be able to use the seats as you wish, instead of how the car dictates. Handy.

There is also a cool digital 'cockpit' dashboard. There is also a cool digital 'cockpit' dashboard.

There are two cupholders in the front seats but none in the middle row and one shallow cupholder in the very back, and you'll get a bottle holder in each door and a sizeable centre storage bin.

There is also separate climate control for the middle row but no separate air vents for the back row. On the back of the front seats are some fold-down trays, the purpose of which I'm unsure of, but the kids loved them nonetheless.

How safe is it?

What's the tech like?

You can plug in for Apple Carplay or Android Auto which instantly connects to the main apps on your phone and links them to the 8.0-inch multimedia screen. With it, you can dictate text messages or make phone calls without having to touch your phone.

Even if you don't want Carplay or Auto, the Peugeot has a built-in voice activated sat nav and a digital radio.

If you don't want Carplay or Auto, the Peugeot has a built-in voice activated sat nav and a digital radio. If you don't want Carplay or Auto, the Peugeot has a built-in voice activated sat nav and a digital radio.

What does it cost to own?

The Peugeot 5008 Allure comes in at $44,490 (plus $690 if you want a special paint finish). Fuel consumption is lower than average for this size car at a claimed 7.0L/100km. It's covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty, with matching roadside assist, and will require a trip to the service centre every 12 months or 20,000km.


The Wrap

The Peugeot 5008 Allure is a really easy family car to drive. There is loads of space plus two extra seats that you can pop in and out when you need them for the ultimate in practicality. Then add heaps of storage and boot space, plus all the safety features a growing family will be looking for. It's missing AWD but you'll use less fuel to make up for it and is not one of those cars that you have to bump up with extras to get the car you want to drive.

I gave it a family rating of 7.5 out of 10, because I love the way those two extra seats can come in or out. My kids gave it an eight, they want to sit in those two back seats full-time.

Likes

Boot space
Steering wheel
Fuel consumption

Dislikes

No AWD
Third row space

Scores

Nedahl:

3.8

The Kids:

4

$24,488 - $29,990

Based on 12 car listings in the last 6 months

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