It's unlikely that buying a seven-seat compact MPV will ever be anything more than a grudge purchase akin to buying a washing machine, but at least buyers in this neck of the woods now have more choice than ever before.
Toyota Verso, Mazda5, VW Touran, Renault Grand Scenic, Citroen Grand Picasso - it's no candy shop but there's plenty to pick. But only do so after considering the third French offering in this segment
The 3008 crossover has kicked off its hiking boots and taken a stretch - enter the 5008.
Unlike the aforementioned 3008 that it's based on, the 5008 is not trying to be a crossover or SUV, instead it seems quite content playing the role of a conventional MPV.
That's why there's nothing about this new Peugeot that really stands out, although its neatly proportioned design and features like that chrome strip along the lower window line give it an elegant look almost more akin to an estate car than an MPV.
And whereas the 3008 is not quite as practical as it looks, the 5008's extra length results in significantly more interior space and there's a more versatile seating arrangement that now caters for seven occupants.
Another advantage over the 3008 is that the three equal-sized middle-row seats can slide fore and aft and recline.
As for the third-row seats, Peugeot claims that adults can fit in them but they must be referring to the extremely vertically challenged. I'm average sized and I had to do some serious contortioning moves to get in there and that was with the middle-row seats moved far forward. Unless it's a really short trip, these seats are really just for smallish children.
You also won't fit much more than a few shopping bags in the boot when the third row seats are up so a family holiday with seven up will require a visit to your Venter dealer first. Yet if you're a family of five with lots of luggage, just fold down the third row and you have all the space you need for both bags and humans.
Like its 3008 sibling, this MPV has a truly stylish interior hewn with high-quality materials - it's by far the most pleasant looking cabin in its class, in my opinion. Adding further to the ambience is a large panoramic Cielo glass roof.
The 5008 also provides a really decent drive and I'm especially impressed with the engine line-up that Peugeot chose.
Unlike most of its rivals, which have naturally aspirated petrol engines that prove sluggish at Reef altitudes, the 5008's petrol engine option is the familiar 1.6-litre turbo. Even besides the turbo advantage, its outputs of 115kW at 5800rpm and 240Nm of torque already put it at the sharp end of its segment.
The 2-litre diesel option offers the best outputs in its class: 110kW at 3750rpm and 340Nm of twisting force - and it's a fantastic engine with plenty of punch throughout the rev range.
I drove both engine derivatives along rural roads in the Magaliesburg region and overtaking slower vehicles was an absolute cinch. I did notice a bit of lag in the petrol automatic version, but it's not a big gripe and generally I was hugely impressed with the performance on offer.
Road holding was also reasonably good and the steering has a positive feel, but the ride quality felt rather average. In fact, given the type of vehicle this is, I feel they should have endowed it with a softer suspension.
The range kicks off with the 1.6 THP petrol manual with 'Active' specification. It's keenly priced at R282 000, and won't leave you wanting much in terms of features. It's fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors, a CD/MP3 system with USB port, dual zone climate control, cruise control and a head-up display for the driver.
The safety aspect is sorted by front, side and full-length curtain airbags as well as ESP stability control. The 5008 has also earned itself a five-star EuroNCAP rating.
This specification level applies to the diesel model as well, which also gets a six-speed manual transmission and it's priced at R302 000.
And for parents who want peace and quiet on the open road, Peugeot offers the 1.6 petrol 'Allure' model, which has DVD player complete with seven-inch screens on the back of the front headrests and Bluetooth headsets. Costing R314 300, the Allure also gets an automatic transmission and full leather seating.
VERDICT:
Peugeot's new seven-seater is a compelling choice with a smart cabin, lots of toys and good performance for the price. Definitely worth a look-in as a family car, providing you don't need to transport seven adults.
PRICES:
1.6 THP Active - R282 000
2.0 HDI Active - R302 000
1.6 THP Allure AT - R314 300