New 5008 launched by Peugeot

Peugeot has launched its new 5008 seven-seater SUV, big brother to the 2008 SUV and new 3008 SUV recently crowned Irish Car of the Year 2018 in association with Continental Tyres, writes Trish Whelan.

In looks, the new version is lower, longer and more spacious than the previous model — Ireland's best-selling large MPV last year — but retains the same height  of 1.64m. Increased length ensures more room for occupants including more knee room for those in the second row. All three separate seats here fold and tilt and all have Isofix child seat anchor points. Two are removable.

The two rear seats can fold flat or be taken out. Boot capacity is up to 1,060 litres with five seats in use, more than in the original 5008.

Buyers can choose from five trim levels, Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT versions, and between petrol and diesel engines.

Standard features from Access trim include Peugeot's iCockpit interior which comprises a compact steering wheel, a 12.3-inch head-up digital instrument panel, 8-inch touchscreen, multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and 3 x 12V sockets.

Ultra-efficient engines include the award-winning 1.2 130hp turbo petrol engine, with both manual or automatic transmission; and the 1.6 petrol 165hp 6-speed automatic. The 1.6 and 2.0 diesel engines, again with manual and automatic transmission choices, range between 100hp-180hp. The range-topping GT version is a 2.0 diesel 180hp 6-speed automatic.

Peugeot claims to have the lowest petrol C02 emissions of from 115g/km, and from 105g/km C02 for its diesel engines over key competitors Nissan X-Trail, Skoda Kodiaq and Range Rover Discovery and Hyundai Santa Fe (for diesel).

The new 5008 has secured the maximum five stars safety rating from Euro NCAP.

At the car's launch last week, Colin Sheridan of Peugeot Ireland said the new 5008 'is made for Ireland with its low C02 emissions' and that the brand 'is looking at the car to become the benchmark of the D-segment large 7-seat SUV segment by providing an arsenal of comfort and safety features'.

The new 5008 is available for test drive at Peugeot Dealerships during the brand's SUV Drivetime event up to 22 December.