French car brand Peugeot has launched the mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) "All-new 5008 smart hybrid" (hereafter All-new 5008). For this third-generation model, fully redesigned for the first time in 10 years, Peugeot is emphasizing that it is the only "real French SUV" in Korea, with the entire process from planning to design and production done in France. The All-new 5008 comes in two trims, Allure and GT, and we test-drove the GT trim on the 2nd around Gimpo and Incheon.
Peugeot has given the All-new 5008 a stronger presence than the previous generation. A unified-tone gradient front grille centered on the Peugeot emblem creates a futuristic vibe. The light-emitting diode (LED) matrix headlamps and the three daytime running lights (DRL) that look like they were clawed by a lion underscore Peugeot's signature image. To highlight toughness, the shoulder line running from the headlamps to the rear lamps is more pronounced than before.
The All-new 5008 features a roomier interior than the previous generation. At 4,810 mm long, 1,875 mm wide and 1,705 mm high, it is a seven-seater with a 2:3:2 layout. Compared with the previous generation, length is up by 160 mm, width by 30 mm and height by 55 mm.
In particular, the 2,900 mm wheelbase—the distance between the front and rear axles—has been extended by 60 mm, greatly improving space utility. In most seven-seat SUVs, the third row is too cramped for adults, so the seats are folded to use as a trunk. However, in the All-new 5008, while not generous, an adult man seated in the third row did not have knees touching the second row, and there was enough room for one lower-grade elementary school child to sit together.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the 21-inch panoramic curved display merges the instrument cluster and navigation in a straight line, avoiding visual clutter. Ten frequently used functions—such as climate control, navigation and phone—can be saved as favorites on the touch screen below the center air vents.
It was also convenient that essential physical buttons such as driving mode change and hazard lights are on the driver's right side where the gear usually is. In the All-new 5008, the gear selector is mounted on the dashboard alongside the start button.
Pressing the accelerator, you can feel it's not silky smooth but not rough either. The displacement is 1,199 cc, smaller than a class peer, the Genesis GV70 (2,497 cc).
Although it is a hybrid vehicle, the engine noise feels louder than Japanese or Korean hybrids. In sport mode, the engine sound is tuned and sounds even louder. Wind noise from outside was well blocked thanks to double glazing.
At high speeds, it did not pick up speed particularly quickly. The All-new 5008 is equipped with a next-generation hybrid powertrain combining a 1.2L PureTech gasoline engine, an electric motor, a 0.9 kWh battery and a dual-clutch transmission.
Combined output from the gasoline engine and electric motor is a maximum of 145 horsepower, and torque, which determines instantaneous acceleration, is up to 23.5 kg·m from the engine and 5.2 kg·m from the motor. Compared with the GV70 and others, it's only about half, but it's sufficient for a family SUV to cruise Korean roads. This reflects France's characteristic pragmatism.
With the small displacement, motor vehicle taxes and insurance premiums can be lower, and carbon dioxide emissions of 122 g per km qualify it as a domestic class-2 low-emission vehicle, making it eligible for discounts at various public parking lots and congestion toll reductions.
Fuel economy per liter is 12.8 km in the city and 14.0 km on the highway, averaging 13.3 km combined. Considering that a class peer, the Kia Sorento hybrid, delivers up to 15.7 km per liter combined, it is not outstanding.
As for the trunk, capacity is 348 L by default, 926 L with the third-row seats folded, and up to 2,232 L—among the largest for imported SUVs in its class—when the second row is also folded. Prices reflecting the special consumption tax cut are 48,140,000 won for the Allure trim and 54,999,000 won for the GT trim. Among countries where the All-new 5008 has been launched, this is the lowest.