VEHICLE REVIEW

Mark Stone puts the Peugeot 5008 Diesel to the test.

84 AUGUST 20 19 FORESTRYJOURNAL.CO.UK

T

HE largest of the 008 range of vehicles, the 5008,

to a degree, harks back to Peugeot’s 404 and 50 4

models. Legendary in that while these cars provided

normal everyday motoring throughout France

and many other parts of Europe, they virtually

conquered the African continent. As regular transport or

virtually unequalled rally cars, the 404s and 504s were

pretty much unstoppable. Barge-like in their day, with the

then-familiar French trait of sponge-like suspension, these

big Peugeots rocked and rolled their way into automotive

history. But, like most of their famous models, Peugeot can’t

be bothered to ever make mention of them.

Now, before someone points it out, the aforementioned

saloons and estates were rear-wheel-drive cars, whereas the

5008 is a front-wheel-drive SUV. The similarities are the size

and the ethos, the 5008 imbued with the same unstoppable

feel. Reduced to its basic elements, the design of the 5008

is one large box and one small box joined together but, like

most things French, the layout works. Add on a chromed

lion, distinct grille, deep-cut box arches and 225/55-shod

18” alloys, lower scallops, a profusion of chromed inserts

and pliant independent suspension, and two boxes take on

a whole new meaning.

The French chic amplifies once you open one of the huge

doors or almost barn-door-sized tailgate. Built around the

most advanced version of Peugeot’s iCockpit, the interior

boasts dark blue ambient lighting and a mixture of leather

and tweed trim on all seven of the individual seats. The

heavily bolstered front seats are especially comfortable.

Textured and fabric surfaces clothe the dash, doors and

smaller panels, with asymmetric trim adding interesting

visual detailing. Numerous cubbies and bins provide

practicality.

From the driver’s perspective, the small, thick-rimmed

13”-diameter quartic steering wheel doesn’t so much

dominate the controls, but hints at a design considerably

Above: Style meets

practicality with

Peugeot’s 5008 SUV.

Right: Lion’s eye LED

lighting is striking and

stylish.

BIGGER IS

BETTER

SPECIFICATION

Model: Peugeot 5008 Allure BlueHDi 1 80

Price: £33,399

Engine: 1 ,997cc turbo diesel

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

PERFORMANCE

Top speed: 1 34 mph

CO2 emissions: 1 29 g/km

Economy – combined mpg: 38.1 as tested