Peugeot 5008 GT-Line review: Part-time seven-seat SUVs are the new must have car

Car makers are responding to buyers’ insatiable desire for SUVs with new and improved machines. And this type of SUV is the latest must-have.

Peugeot 5008 GT-Line.

Part-time seven-seat family cars are all the rage, offering the convenience of an occasional third row in a compact body.

Peugeot’s 5008 is well designed and cleverly laid out but expensive compared with rivals. Is it worth considering?

The 5008 is a compact seven-seat SUV.

VALUE

The 5008 comes in two variants: GT-line and GT. We are in the cheaper GT-Line that is priced at $55,990 drive-away.

That makes it roughly $10,000 more expensive than entry-level versions of the VW Tiguan Allspace and Mazda CX-8. But the GT-Line is far better equipped, with an extensive list of standard comfort and convenience features, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety aids.

For a limited time, Peugeot is throwing in Nappa leather trimmed seats and a panoramic sunroof, with a combined cost of about $4500, at no extra cost.

The 5008 is handsomely styled with a boxy silhouette, classy chrome highlights and big 19-inch alloy wheels.

A five-year/unlimited km warranty is par for the course, but servicing is expensive at more than $3000 over five years.

While more expensive than rivals, it is well equipped.

COMFORT

The cabin feels futuristic thanks to the French brand’s i-Cockpit, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument and head-up display with an eight-inch infotainment screen. It is topped off with a small, squared off steering wheel that feels like something out of a Star Wars fighter.

A small snub-nosed gear lever frees up space in the centre console.

The centre mounted infotainment and climate function controls are a bit fiddly and take some getting used to.

Connectivity is taken care of thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also Bluetooth, 3D satnav, digital radio and a wireless device charging pad.

Fabric seats are standard, but the Nappa leather trimmed versions on our car were supportive, with good adjustment providing shorter drivers with great vision.

A panoramic sunroof gives the cabin a spacious feel as does the massive swept back windscreen.

Peugeot’s i-Cockpit is a winner.

Second-row passengers are looked after with two aircon vents, each with adjustable fan speed. But there are no USB charging points, only a 12-volt connector.

SAFETY

Peugeot has kitted out the 5008 with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot detection, 360-degree camera and radar cruise control.

The 5008 has a five-star ANCAP rating.

There is plenty of plush material and the latest tech in the 5008’s cabin.

DRIVING

The GT-Line is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 121kW/240Nm matched to a six-speed auto delivering power to the front wheels.

This combination feels a little underdone for a car this size. The gruntier 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the more expensive GT variant makes more sense.

The 5008 feels most at home in town; its steering is light and direct and its compact size and tight turning circle mean you don’t feel like you’re driving a barge.

The ride is a little on the firmish side and the 5008 feels slightly unsettled over smaller, consistent bumps, although it’s sharper than many rivals through the corners.

Fuel use is excellent at 7.0L/100km.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The 5008 GT-Line’s long list of standard equipment justifies its higher price, but it is let down a little by an undercooked engine for its size.

ALTERNATIVES

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Highline, from about $58,600 drive-away

More expensive but well equipped, with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive.

Mazda CX-8 Touring AWD, from $53,890 drive-away

Stylish and well equipped with a strong diesel engine. A lot longer and feels bigger around town.

Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI, from $49,490 drive-away

Value-packed all-rounder with standard all-wheel drive. You’ll need to tick a few option boxes to match the standard equipment of the Peugeot, though.

PEUGEOT 5008 GT-LINE VITALS

Price: $55,990 drive-away (special offer)

Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 121kW/240Nm

Warranty/servicing: five-year, unl’td km/$3026 over five years

Safety: 5 stars, six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot detection, 360-degree camera, radar cruise control

Fuel use: 7L/100km

Boot: 780L