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If you're familiar with the outgoing Peugeot 5008 then you may be more than a little surprised by the appearance of the 2017 model, an all-new vehicle. It's still a seven-seat car, but it now takes the shape of an SUV rather than that of an MPV, as its predecessor did. In spite of that, the new 5008 is no higher than the old one, though it is considerably longer and wider, to the benefit of interior space and the car's design. We think it really looks the part and it's tasked with bringing the Peugeot brand as a whole further upmarket.
What will its rivals be?
That's not yet very easy to answer, as Peugeot hasn't released pricing and there are plenty of hints that it'll be more than the old car, which makes sense given its new positioning. Hence, potential rivals could be the new Skoda Kodiaq and the forthcoming Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, but also maybe the likes of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe and maybe even the Land Rover Discovery Sport. In terms of traditional people carriers, alternatives would include the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and Opel Zafira Tourer.
Any tech info?
There's lots of high-tech safety equipment available and even the option of an electrically-assisted scooter that can dock in the boot, but the most obvious new technology for the 5008 comes in the form of Peugeot's next generation i-Cockpit dashboard layout. As before, a dinky steering wheel is used and the main instruments are located nearer the windscreen and viewed above the rim of the steering wheel, but for the 5008 it has been reinvented with a high-resolution and customisable 12.3-inch digital head-up display taking the place of traditional instruments. That's complemented by an eight-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, which features seven tactile switches underneath to shortcut to various systems. It all looks fantastic and we can't wait to try it out for ourselves.
What will the range be like?
Peugeot Ireland hasn't, as yet, released pricing or even engine details, but the 5008 was developed alongside the new 3008 crossover so we expect them to share the same powertrains. That should mean a 130hp 1.2-litre petrol engine as the entry-level option, a 1.6-litre diesel in various power outputs (sure to be the most popular engines) and even a powerful 2.0-litre diesel. At the top of the line-up will be GT Line and GT models, loaded to the gunwales with equipment.
Expectations?
If the new Peugeot 5008 drives as well as it looks then the French company will be onto a winner. The only potential worry is its likely higher pricing than before. The current 5008 is claimed to be the best-selling compact seven-seat MPV of 2016, so the new car has a lot to live up to.