Price from £18,000 Our pick 1.2 Puretech 130 Allure
Few companies have reinvented themselves as thoroughly – and as often – as Peugeot has in its history, with the brand specialising in saws, coffee grinders and bicycles (among other things) before it built its first car. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that it was prepared to rip up the template set by the original Peugeot 5008 when it introduced the second-generation version in 2017.
Out went the functional but frumpy MPV styling of the original, and in its place we got a far more desirable SUV body. But, crucially, while the 5008 became a hell of a lot more stylish, practicality wasn’t sacrificed; it can seat seven, and third-row passengers get far more room than they do in the rival Seat Tarraco and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
The Skoda Kodiaq is a closer match in terms of space, but it still isn’t as comfortable for three people sitting side by side in the second row, due to its inferior shoulder room. What’s more, the 5008’s interior feels plusher, with an eclectic mix of materials that work harmoniously to give it the sort of upmarket feel you usually find only in pricey, premium-badged models.
Refinement is another strength, with wind and road noise well contained at motorway speeds and engine noise generally muted. That said, we’d recommend seeking out a 1.2 Puretech model; not only is this 129bhp petrol the smoothest engine of the lot, but it’s also cheap to run, packs enough punch for most people’s needs and sells in big enough numbers to give you plenty of used ones to choose from.
Push hard and the Tarraco, Kodiaq and Tiguan Allspace ultimately offer more grip and resist body lean better through corners. However, the 5008 never feels anything less than surefooted and is easy to drive. Plus, its supple yet well-controlled ride makes it as adept at taking the sting out of urban potholes as it is playing the relaxing long-distance cruiser.
Used examples are now really good value, too, especially when compared with rivals of a similar age, while the 5008 proved to be one of the most dependable models Peugeot makes, with a solid 90.9% score in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey.
BEST MPV
Citroën Grand C4 Spacetourer
2018-2022
Price from £13,000 Our pick 1.6 BlueHDi Feel
■ Want the space and seating flexibility of the Peugeot 5008 for a lower price? Then as long as you’re prepared to live without SUV styling, the Citroën Grand C4 Spacetourer is a great option.
Not only do you get five individual rear seats that are easier to fold flat than those of the Ford S-Max and Vauxha
