THE war of the seven-seater army is heating up as French carmaker Peugeot is about to join the battle with its 5008 SUV here later this year.
It’s a rival to the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Nissan X-Trail and its introduction also strengthens Peugeot’s existing SUV line-up. It currently consists of the 2008 and 3008 crossovers.
Like its competitors, the 5008 will appeal to consumers who are looking for a family vehicle with space but don’t want a basic metal box on wheels.
At 4,64m, it is longer than its shorter 3008 sibling but it is big on interior space.
Peugeot also said that the 5008 is more than just an SUV.
It’s innovative qualities stand it out in the market. It has three matching, separate, folding and tilting seats in the second row with two removable, separate, folding seats in the third.
Boot space is apparently the biggest prize in the family vehicle category. According to Peugeot, it is between 780 and 1 080-litres in size depending on the configuration of the rear seats.
Like the 3008 the 5008, the cockpit looks like it comes off a space ship in a science fiction movie. It has digital instrument clusters and a state-of-the-art multimedia system. Some versions get a hands-free tailgate that opens and closes effortlessly when a foot is put under the rear bumper.
However, luxury isn’t an optional extra with Peugeot as the 5008 will come with all the latest comfort and convenience features too. Cutting edge safety systems will be standard too.
In South Africa, Peugeot will make the 5008 available with its 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine, fitted with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox but its likely to be front-wheel drive only.
South African buyers will be able to choose between Active and Allure trim levels but a flagship GT Line version is expected to join the initial line-up later.
