Family values

by Nick Jones

The name doesn’t sound inspiring but don’t let that put you off.

Of all the tens of thousands of owners of large MPVs out there, most, if not all, will tell you they cannot do without theirs – so manufacturers keep churning out new models out and, hey presto, another one is added to the burgeoning list of parent-taxis.

It looks every bit a Peugeot, what with its massive badge on the bonnet, droopy nose and sculptured air intakes; large (and very bright) headlights, large glass areas and bigger doors.

At the back it’s all rather flat and angular but, truth told, it’s an imposing bit of kit and as far as big MPV’s go, a decent looker.

The 5008 platform mirrors that of the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (thanks to the PSA partnership) and that’s a good start.

Next up on the good-list is a crop of fine engines from that stable, which includes the popular and practical HDi units.

Starting with a 1.6-litre with 110bhp with either a manual six-speed gearbox or an automatic – top speed is over 100mph, 0-60mph takes around the ten seconds, emissions of just 140g/km and fuel returns in the region of 50+mpg.

Next up is the HDi diesel 2.0-litre, the definitive engine to have in my book. It stirs 163 horses, has a top speed of nearly 120mph, with 0-60mph taking 10.5 seconds. The 163 horsepower engine is mated to a conventional automaticand on the combined cycle, this 5008 can achieve 41mpg with emissions at 181g/km, making it a sound buy for company users.

The ride is very compliant and gives a smooth transition from the road. Driver aids like front and rear parking sensors help as the 5008 is bigger in the flesh than the pictures suggest, and strong brakes are more than adequate to bring things to a halt when needed.

You can have trim levels through Active, Sport and Exclusive – all of them have the Multiflex interior with seven seats.

Most goodies are standard but if you opt for the Sport version you get larger 16in alloy wheels, a rather nice aluminium pack (trim for front grille, fog lights and chrome highlights everywhere) colour-coded exterior and cruise control with speed limiter.

Exclusive buyers get all that plus extra bits like a heads-up display that works rather well, 17in alloys and a USB connector and Bluetooth and climate control. Oh, and a full length glass panoramic roof.

Safety is paramount as you’d imagine with a whole raft of standard kit including six airbags, ESP stability control (with hill start function) and tyre pressure monitors.

Space is more than generous. It can accommodate nearly 800-litres of cargo with five of the seats occupied; fold all the seats down, and this explodes to over 2,500 litres... more than enough room in which to swing even a big cat.

The MPV sector is a tricky one to conquer but Peugeot has to be applauded for its effort here.

Prices for the 5008 start at just £17,495, but you can pay £24,295 should the Exclusive 2.0-litre HDi auto be on the top of your wanted list.