2022 Peugeot 5008 Review | Philkotse Philippines

Aside from subcompact sedans, midsize SUVs are some of the more popular vehicles in the local market. They aren’t exactly the go-to vehicles considering their price points but most car owners would like to upgrade to one sooner or later. Models such as the Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Terra, and Mitsubishi Montero Sport lead this segment in the Philippines.

Peugeot 5008

As a brand aiming for rapid expansion, Peugeot Philippines wants to cater to that demand with the reworked 5008 launched in January 2022. Although the Peugeot 5008 is an indirect rival of the aforementioned SUVs, this vehicle comes with the fundamental features buyers look for in this segment such as seven seats and a distinct European styling to boot.

Read on to find out whether this can be your alternative to the segment favorites.

The reason why we said that the Peugeot 5008 is an indirect rival is its use of a unibody platform. As such, this model is categorized as a midsize crossover. It is joined by the 2008 and 3008 in the local lineup, which is the French automaker's entries into the subcompact and compact crossover markets, respectively.

18-inch alloys

Considering the platform used, crossover styling is evident on the 5008. Some of these include the relatively low riding stance and slim-looking front fascia. At the front is where you’ll get to see the 5008’s frameless grille similar to the 3008. It is flanked by sleek LED headlamps and illuminated fang daytime running lights (DRLs).

Over to the side, you might start to notice an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) silhouette due to the boxy rear-end layout. Well, to be fair, the model has MPV roots as the previous generation is one. Some may critique that this lacks an SUV appeal but looking at it in the metal, I think this gives the 5008 its distinct design.

Signature 3D claw taillight design

A set of 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels is fitted into the side, which is surrounded by black claddings that add ruggedness to the finish. The one you’re seeing in the photos is painted in Amazonite Grey. If you don’t fancy this look, other options include Emerald Crystal, Nera Black, and Pearl White.

And at the back, the 5008 comes with the brand’s signature 3D claw taillight design in full LEDs. The two taillights are mediated by a premium-looking glossy black slat with the Peugeot logo in the middle. Contrasting that is blacked-out lower bumper cladding, giving an off-road appearance.

The premium appeal seen on the exterior can also be felt in the interior. Underscoring the interior is the brand’s i-Cockpit, which aims to provide a driver-centric layout. With it, driving the Peugeot 5008 gave me a feeling that I had everything I need on the road.

Interior view of the Peugeot 5008

Completing the i-Cockpit are features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a flat-bottom, flat-top steering wheel. The steering wheel already has seven toggle switches, making the gauge cluster and head unit easier to control.

Further elevating the premium cabin ambiance are the black leather seats with orange contrast stitching. The seats are some of the most comfortable in the market thanks to the cushioning available for the first and second rows. But the third-row seats don’t feel as plush as the rest. Plus, the room felt tight due to the limited knee room so only kids are advisable to sit there. For extra space, the second-row seats can be moved forward.

Third-row seats

Continuing with the interior space, the legroom for the first and second-row passengers is ample for average-sized adults. The headroom might be a concern for taller passengers. But at least you get a panoramic sunroof that enhances the interior amenities. I must say that being in the 5008 at night with the sunroof cover retracted and blue ambient lighting on is one of the best experiences I had driving cars.

Looking at the eye-catching exterior and interior designs of the Peugeot 5008, I wouldn’t be surprised if these are the model’s selling points. In fact, my vote for the best-looking midsize crossover in terms of exterior goes to this vehicle. I don’t share the same sentiment for the interior but it is, without a doubt, up there.

Scrolling through the different functions of the infotainment touchscreen was child’s play thanks to the physical buttons below it. There is where you’ll find quick access to multimedia, climate control, navigation, vehicle settings, hands-free call function, and infotainment settings. You can also locate the hazard button here.

10-inch infotainment touchscreen

Sure, you will have to deal with a learning curve memorizing all those if you’re coming from a Japanese car but once you do, you get to enjoy the driver-centric approach of the crossover. Using the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requires a charging cable but the system works seamlessly, at least for the former since I’m an Apple user.

One of the features I like the most about driving the 5008 is when the fuel level gets low, the head unit will show the nearest gas stations with its navigation function. I didn’t get the most out of it considering that I’m very familiar with the stations in my area. For those who might be traveling or visiting a city for the first time, this automatic feature sure is a joy to have.

Panoramic sunroof

In terms of safety, the crossover gets Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Active Lane Keeping Assist and Correction, Active Blind Spot Monitoring, and Driver Attention Warning. Again, these features are added to enhance the driver-centric function of the vehicle.

I expected the 5008 to be equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control considering that it is over Php 2 million. Instead, I had to work around with a standard cruise control that might need some getting used to due to its unique stalk. This has five buttons and one dial packed in such a small layout. The stalk also hosts the speed limiter function that can prevent you from getting a Php 2,000 speeding ticket.

Powering the Peugeot 5008 is a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged gasoline engine capable of generating 165 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. As standard, the power unit is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which sends power exclusively to the front wheels.

1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged mill

From the numbers alone, I expected the drive to be less sporty considering the size of the engine and vehicle, and I was kind of right. It took some time before the vehicle picks up momentum at a standstill and low speeds. I felt this more significantly when all seven seats were occupied even staying in low gear through the manual mode.

But once the 5008 gets a move on, the driving changed and became more enjoyable. Put it in sports and manual modes and it suddenly feels like a different car. You have paddle shifters to control the shifts and RPMs. The exhaust sound also gets more aggressive in sports mode.

Peugeot i-Cockpit

The light steering wheel is perfect for providing a comfortable drive, along with comfortable seats, modest body roll, and good noise insulation. Those are complemented by the plush cabin you get from the ambient lighting and immersive Peugeot i-Cockpit. This car may not be my first choice in city driving but I wouldn’t second guess taking the 5008 on long road trips.

Perhaps the only aspect that spoils a full premium driving experience for me was the suspension as there’s a significant amount of stiffness from it. But with this setup, the vehicle can put the power down on the road better. This can aid the lack of pull that you might feel from zero better than a smooth suspension tune.

In city driving, the Peugeot 5008 returned 7.8 km/l while driving at an average speed of 20 km/h. Luckily, I had no business driving through the busy roads of EDSA during my time with the vehicle. Traffic is getting worse now that the holiday season is arriving. My point is you might get worse numbers in those conditions.

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

As for the highway drive, I got 16.1 km/l while cruising at an average speed of 90 km/h along SLEX (South Luzon Expressway). I kind of expected more considering the engine displacement and power figures but there were six people on board at the time so I can only get so much. You should post a better fuel efficiency rating when driving the 5008 alone.

There are certain aspects in the Peugeot 5008 that might not offset what segment favorites will offer to the SUV market, particularly to those who are looking for their next 7-seater family vehicle. To mention some, the slightly tighter third-row room, lower ground clearance, and the lack of a 4x4 (or AWD) drivetrain option.

Competing in style

But I also never caught the unique and premium bug of the 5008 in other SUVs. From the exquisite exterior design to the warm interior ambiance, this French crossover SUV is your ticket to driving a distinct 7-seater on Philippine roads without compromises. That is if you are willing to dish out Php 2,435,000 for its sticker price.

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