This is one of two mid-sized Peugeot MPVs, the other being the closely related but slightly smaller 3008. The 5008 has a longer wheelbase which allows for greater luggage capacity and the fitment of two third-row seats, which are suitable only for children.

There are four engines (two petrol and two diesel) with power outputs ranging from 114bhp to 161bhp, and a choice of conventional manual, automated manual and full automatic transmissions. Unlike the 3008, the 5008 is not available in hybrid form.

An update in early 2014, four years after the car was launched in the UK, gave the 5008 a closer resemblance to the 208 supermini, and also involved increasing the amount of equipment in each of the three trim levels.

The 5008 has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, but this is based on a test conducted in 2009. A poor result for pedestrian protection means that it would not be given five stars now, though it did perform well in other areas.

Performance

Not that it will matter greatly to most owners, but the only 5008 capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in under ten seconds is the THP 156 turbo petrol, whose engine has been used in several hot hatches. It's not the most powerful in the range because that's the HDI 163 diesel, which is available only with automatic transmission. The same engine appears in slightly detuned HDI 150 form when mated to a manual gearbox.

There is a significant performance gap between all of the above and the HDI 115 diesel and VTI 120 petrol engines. Ultimately, a 5008 VTI 120 is quicker than an HDI 115, but you have to drive it much harder to make this happen. The diesel is much more relaxing.

Ride and Handling

Ideally, low-profile tyres should be avoided because they damage the ride quality quite badly, though unfortunately 18-inch wheels are standard on top-spec Allure versions.

Peugeot's original marketing campaign for the 5008 went like this: "Enjoyed by families. Loved by drivers." The second sentence was perhaps a little optimistic, but the car is pleasant enough to drive, and the THP 156 is actually moderately sporty. Ideally, low-profile tyres should be avoided because they damage the ride quality quite badly, though unfortunately 18-inch wheels are standard on top-spec Allure versions (except the HDI 163 automatic, which runs on 17s). The e-HDI 115 fitted with the EGC automated manual gearbox is the least fun to drive because the gearchanges are so slow and awkward, but that's a price you have to pay for the best fuel economy in the range.

Interior and Equipment

In some markets, the 5008 is available as a five-seater. Peugeot said it would bring this version to the UK if there was enough demand for it, but there doesn't seem to have been.

It's common for seven-seaters to be too cramped for adults in the third row, but the 5008 is unusual in not having much room in the middle row either, even when those seats are in their rearmost position. Space up front is okay, but some superminis have more. The luggage capacity is obviously very limited when all seats are in place, but with the rearmost ones folded it improves to 512 litres, and exceeds 2100 litres when those in the middle row are also tucked away. Refinement isn't top-class: diesel models rarely let you forget what fuel they use, and the electronic handbrake is one of the noisiest in the industry. Visibility is poor in all directions, but especially at the rear. The highest trim level, called Allure, includes satellite navigation, a head-up display and a reversing camera, all of which are available at extra cost on the Access and Active. DAB digital radio is an optional on all versions, and you can pay for leather upholstery on the Allure and Active. The Active has the advantage of a space saver spare wheel, whereas the more expensive cars are lumbered with a tyre repair kit.

Cost

The 2.0-litre diesels can manage around 50mpg, which is 10mpg better than the petrol cars.

The e-HDI 115 EGC is, as mentioned above, the least pleasant 5008 to drive but also the most economical, with official fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 65.7mpg and 113g/km in entry-level Access trim. The 2.0-litre diesels can manage around 50mpg, which is 10mpg better than the petrol cars. On the EU test, the VTI 120 is barely any better than the much faster THP 156, but it will probably use a lot less fuel in normal motoring. The 5008 seems well priced, since you can have one for under £20,000 and the most expensive model costs less than £27,000. Bear in mind, though, that things like leather upholstery and digital radio, which are included in the prices of some rival cars, are hidden away on the options list for the 5008.

Our Verdict

The 5008 wasn't a game changer when it was launched in 2010, and it's starting to feel old-fashioned now; we'd be expecting more refinement and greater passenger room these days. A new version based on a more modern platform can't be far off and would probably be a big improvement. That said, the 5008 is a good load-carrier and in some cases quite fun to drive. If you have never tried any other MPV it will seem reasonable enough, though we'd recommend looking elsewhere before making a decision.