Peugeot E-5008 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The third generation of the Peugeot 5008, the largest SUV in the company’s line-up, introduced here last February, is available in hybrid or all-electric versions, with both starting at €50,995. This sizeable SUV appeals to expanding families with its robust styling, seven-seat practicality, ample boot space, numerous high-end safety features, and a choice of powertrains. However, most 5008 buyers this year have opted for the mild hybrid. My review model was the E-5008 electric version. 

The front showcases a robust SUV design with a high bonnet, frameless grille, and Peugeot’s lion’s claw effect LED daytime running lights (also in the rear). The side highlights the 2.9m wheelbase, indicating plenty of interior space and comfort. The top GT version features Pixel LED headlights, gloss black pillars and side mouldings, a black diamond roof, privacy glass, and the new Peugeot lion shield logo on the front wings. 

Peugeot cars are known for their beautiful interiors, and this is no exception, with excellent fit and finish. However, I suspect that the grey tweed-like material on many surfaces may not withstand the wear and tear from children with sticky fingers. My driver’s seat only had manual adjustments. Second-row seats can slide forward and back and recline as well. Access to the third row is easy, though they are better suited to children or smaller adults. Legroom here can be limited if the second-row seats are moved further back. Alternatively, you can slide the middle seats forward to create more legroom for those in the third row. 

Storage options include a hidden compartment on the left side of the central console, large front door bins, and a deep space beneath the twin-door front armrest. There are three USB-C ports throughout the cabin and a wireless phone charging pad. The stunning Panoramic i-Cockpit on the dashboard features a 21-inch curved display combining the driver’s instrument panel with a central touchscreen for the i-Connect infotainment system, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 3D navigation. You can also access key features via the conveniently located physical i-Toggle shortcut buttons below the screen. 

The flat section of the central console is divided into two levels with different switches. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit includes a small steering wheel. Newcomers to the brand may need some time to get used to this compact wheel, but it gives the car a sporty feel and allows quicker reactions if needed. Unlike in some other Peugeots, I had a clear view of my speed on the instrument display after adjusting the wheel height to my 5ft 4in stature. Scroll through the buttons here to customise the instrument cluster to your preferences. The transmission selector is located on the dashboard beside the engine start/stop button and includes a B mode. Regenerative paddles offer three levels of energy recovery. 

The second row features a flat floor, a middle seat back armrest with two cupholders, its own climate control, and two ISOFIX anchors (one of the three previously available has been removed), as well as built-in sun blinds in the rear doors. Boot capacity stands at 348 litres with all seats in use, expanding to 916 litres with the third row folded, and a generous 2,232 litres with both the second and third rows folded flat. When all seven seats are in use, cables and the parcel shelf can be stored beneath the adjustable boot floor. There is only enough space for a tyre repair kit. 

Electric options include a 210bhp 73kWh 2WD version with up to 502 km WLTP range, a 230bhp version with a 96kWh battery offering 668 km, and a forthcoming AWD Dual Motor version with 320bhp and up to 500 km range. The 210bhp model claims an electricity consumption of around 17.7kWh/100km, peak torque of 437Nm, and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.7 seconds. There is also a Mild Hybrid variant producing 136hp. 

On the road, visibility is enhanced by the tall, wide windscreen. The vehicle was very quiet and refined, with a smooth ride, though it can feel a bit firm over rough surfaces. The extensive blue ambient lighting, linked to the Drive Mode, was less appealing to me during night driving. DC fast charging from 20pc to 80pc takes approximately half an hour. During charging, the screen in my car showed 202km of charge equalled 52pc of the full charge. 

Trim levels are Allure and GT. My GT trim featured a power tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, an excellent 360-degree camera, front and rear sensors, small blind spot monitors, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. 

The new Peugeot 5008 received a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, which included the E-5008 electric variant. It scored 80pc for adult occupant protection, 85pc for child occupant protection, 79pc for vulnerable road user safety, and 62pc for safety assist. In summary, the 5008 is among the top seven-seater family cars available. Prices are from €50,995; my GT version from €54,995.

 

 

Drop in observed use of mobiles while driving

The percentage of Irish drivers observed using handheld mobile phones has dropped by a third to 6 per cent in 2024, compared to the previous year, writes Brian Byrne. The drop has been even steeper in the LCV segment, from 13 per cent to 2 per cent.

In the RSA’s 2024 Driver Attitudes and Behaviour study, it was also observed that men and women drivers were equally likely to be observed using a device. Morning drivers and those driving at lunchtime were likelier to use their devices.

However, the self-reported element of the study suggested the issue was much broader; more than one in five respondents said they check notifications at least sometimes while driving, while 12 per cent admitted to responding to texts or social media posts while driving.

 

Buying used cars privately can be dicey

Almost one in seven respondents to a Toyota Ireland survey said they'd had a bad experience when buying a used car from a private seller, writes Brian Byrne. That said, 80 per cent of Irish motorists who bought a used car were likelier to buy from a dealer.

Of those reporting bad experiences, 71 per cent said they had discovered mechanical issues shortly after purchase.

Most of those buying from dealerships said they had greater peace of mind by doing so.

More than four in ten drivers said they bought used because they couldn't afford to buy new.  

Renault 5 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Renault has tapped into the current popular retro trend by reinventing its original Renault 5 compact car with a new 5 electric car designed for modern city driving, competitively priced at just under €26k, and with a decent electric range of up to 410 km. The original petrol-powered model, produced between 1972 and 1996, was quite a chic little hatchback that mainly appealed to younger buyers but sold around nine million units over its two generations. This new ‘5’ is light years ahead of that earlier version in design and spec, the main difference being that it is an all-electric vehicle. 

The new car has clocked up over 290 sales since launch in late March, with 70 snapped up sight-unseen by previous Renault 5 owners. Now with five doors, this stunning reinvention is targeted at a new generation of young buyers. The Pop Yellow exterior of my review car never failed to put a smile on my face every morning, no matter the weather. Features were a black roof with a narrow red roof line, black side mirrors, unusually shaped LED headlights, big black wheel arches and rear privacy glass. A battery monitor high up on the bonnet shows the level your battery is charged to; the charging port is on the front left side of the car. Eighteen-inch wheels reach out to the corners, giving the vehicle a sporty and solid stance. At the rear, the traditional brake lights climb upwards, and there's a rear wiper. 

The cabin is well designed with nice fit and finish, but the bright interior colours in my review car would not be my choice. My figure-hugging driver’s seat had manual adjustments, and the number 5 appears on the seat backs. A Winter Pack included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The dash layout is really good, dominated by a large padded area of artificial leather on the passenger side, a large curved screen with a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen with Google’s OpenR Link built in, and an equally big digital driver’s cluster. A row of toggle switches below was for climate control, air conditioning and fan. The transmission selector is on the right of the steering column, but annoyingly doesn’t include a Park setting. A circular satellite knob is for driving mode selections of Eco, Comfort and Sport. There’s also a Perso, or Personalised, mode for custom settings and a B (Brake) mode for stronger regenerative braking to help recharge the battery. I always use this Perso mode in both Renault and Dacia press cars as it allows me to turn off road sign recognition and lane departure warning alerts that really annoy. You get two C-type USB ports, a 12V power socket and a wireless phone charging pad. 

Rear headroom for tall people is quite tight, as is foot space under the front seats, but there’s a flat floor. No charging ports here for devices, though, and no rear seat armrest. The foldable rear bench can split 60/40, and the boot size of 326 litres can extend to 1106 litres with rear seats folded down. There’s just a tyre compressor kit for punctures. Features included a rear parking sensor and a very good rear-view camera, but no blind spot monitors, which I believe should come as standard in every car. 

The entry-level car's 40kWh battery, paired with a 120bhp electric motor, delivers a claimed range of up to 310 km WLTP. Three trims are offered: Evolution, Techno or Iconic. The more powerful 52kWh battery is available in the two upper grades, paired with a 150bhp electric motor with a driving range of up to 410 km. When I recharged, 390 km was indicated at full charge. 

With DC fast charging, you can top up the car from 15% to 80% in half an hour. Charging with a 7kW wallbox will take nine hours. The car’s new 11 kW AC bi-directional charger features V2L (vehicle-to-load) capacity, allowing you to power a 220 V appliance from your car’s battery with a simple adapter. This charger is fitted as standard on all versions. Designed for city streets, the new ‘5’ has a tight turning circle of 10.5m, and can park in a small space. 

You sit low in this little beauty, which adds to the sporty feel and makes you feel more connected to the car, and it is a lot of fun to drive. The suspension is good, the car handles well and comes nicely balanced. Acceleration time from 0-100km/h is 8.0 secs, which is peppy enough for a city car. 

This new Renault 5 EV is built on the company's new AmpR small platform at Renault’s plant in Douai, France, a dedicated electric vehicle platform designed to underpin future models in the segment. 

The car has been awarded a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating, excelling in pedestrian protection and advanced safety systems, but had some areas for improvement. The model was voted European Car of the Year 2025 by international journalists. My car is priced from €32,995; with metallic paint from €33,820 (prices include SEAI grant). Annual road tax is €120.

 

 

New Business Editions for Polestar

Swedish premium electric performance car company Polestar has announced new Business Edition versions across its current 3-car range, writes Brian Byrne.  And the new Polestar 5 four-door Grand Tourer will launch in Ireland in January 2026.

The Business Edition specifications include metallic paint, larger alloys, and other special details.

The Polestar 2 SRSM Business Edition, delivering 554km WLTP range, retails at €44,025, including SEAI grant and delivery charges. The Polestar 4 LRSM Business Edition delivers 620km WLTP range and retails at €56,490, while Polestar’s large electric SUV, the Polestar 3 LRSM Business Edition retails at €83,590.

Customers are still able to configure and order their Polestar online, and now also in person at a new Polestar Space in Sandyford, Dublin, operated by Spirit Motor Group. 

Pricing for Leapmotor C10 revealed

The Leapmotor C10 SUV will go on sale for pre-order from 10 October at a starting price of €38,995, writes Brian Byrne. The car will be available both as a battery-electric and a plug-in hybrid.

The BEV will have a rated range of up to €420 km, while the EV range of the PHEV is claimed to be 145 km and has a full distance capability of up to 975 km.

The car will be distributed in Ireland by Gowan Auto, and will join the small car T03, which arrives here next month. 

BYD Dolphin Surf to shake up small EV market

The small electric car space has just become a lot more competitive with the arrival of the BYD Dolphin Surf, writes Brian Byrne. It has gone on sale at a starting price of 17,985.

Already voted World Urban Car of the Year, the Dolphin Surf is available in three specifications, with two battery options offering rated ranges from 220 to 322 km. Those figures will be higher in the city space where it is designed to operate most efficiently.

Although in the small car class, there's ample room for four, notably in the rear for knee and head room. The boot capacity is the equivalent of five carry-on suitcases.

The Irish distributor is MDL, and they say the Dolphin Surf scores highly against the competition in several specification points. The mid-range Boost version is expected to be the main seller at €22,300.