I got rid of the unnecessary and put in only what was needed. This is the Peugeot flagship SUV, the Peugeot 5008 SUV. I drove this car on December 7th for a round trip of 400km from Yeoksam-dong, Seoul to Jeonju.
The 5008 SUV was launched in Korea in 2016, with a facelift model reintroduced in June 2021. Last April, a model equipped with the 1.2 PureTech gasoline engine entered the domestic car market.
The headlights merge seamlessly with the grille, featuring fang-like daytime running lights. The updated, mesmerizing lion face symbolizes Peugeot’s evolution. The 3D rear lights, shaped like a lion’s claws, feature LED sequential indicators that catch the eye instantly. With dimensions of 4,650 × 1,845 × 1,650mm, Peugeot boldly declares, “This is our flagship,” amidst the competitive market, highlighting its understated elegance.
With a wheelbase of 2,840mm, sitting in the second row offers ample space, allowing for a comfortable fist-and-palm’s width above your head. The center tunnel rises just two finger widths high, and sitting in the middle of the second row provides enough headroom for adults without discomfort. The 5008 doesn’t stop here; 1:1:1 folding seats in the second row ensure there won’t be any disputes over seat angles during long trips.
With the third row folded down, the trunk capacity stands at 952 liters, and folding the second row increases it to an impressive 2,150 liters. When the front passenger seat is also folded down, it can accommodate oversized objects up to 3.2 meters in length. In this era of camping and outdoor activities, the 5008 SUV is well-equipped for adventures.
Equipped with Peugeot’s signature compact steering wheel, the instrument panel is placed above it, eliminating the need for a heads-up display. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 8-inch center display provide all necessary vehicle information.
In a world where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are ubiquitous, the 5008 lacks an onboard navigation system. Connecting a USB cable allows the T-map navigation through CarPlay to guide you directly to your destination. A toggle button reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit enhances the driving experience. In an age where physical buttons are disappearing, this toggle switch feels refreshingly familiar. The lock-to-lock steering ratio is 2.8 turns. The steering response feels slightly heavy yet smooth, without any slack.
The vehicle pairs a 1.2-liter three-cylinder PureTech gasoline engine with a maximum output of 131 horsepower and a peak torque of 23.5 kg.m with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In the urban environment with frequent stops and starts, only the minor vibrations from the road filter through to me. At 100km/h, the engine sits at 1,800rpm in eighth gear and 5,100rpm in third gear. While the surface vibrations decrease, road noise seems to play a merry tune right next to my ears.
Pushing the car to its limits, despite its small 1.2-liter heart, it steadily builds speed and displays its agility. Even through harsh driving conditions, the engine remains in the upper 2,000rpm range, while wind noise increases, yet it doesn’t hinder conversations with passengers.
The adaptive cruise control lever is discreetly hidden behind the steering wheel. Though unexpected, I’ve adapted to this feature, allowing for easy maintenance of the cruise control. Amid continuous slowdowns in construction and accident zones on highways, the vehicle keeps a leisurely pace without being too stubborn. Steering assistance intervenes when changing lanes without signaling or veering off the intended path during sharp curves—just in case of an accident.
Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with a blind-spot warning system that alerts you through LED indicators mounted on the side mirrors when obstacles are detected by front and rear sensors.
In the digital age of overwhelming options, the 5008 SUV is regarded as a value-for-money model compared to its competitors due to its sensible configuration. While everyone else shouts “value for money!”, this SUV roars, “I am the true king of value for money!” with its engine’s powerful sound and a knowing smile.
The price of the test vehicle, the Peugeot 5008 SUV GT, is 49 million won.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr
