Seven years after its introduction, the 5008 has not just been replaced but reinvented as a bonafide SUV instead of an odd mix between between a people carrier and a crossover.

A logical choice, as SUVs are now the third best-selling passenger vehicles in Europe, behind the B- and C-segment ones.

Just like the 3008, the new 5008 is built on PSA’s modular EMP2 platform. Whereas the former is covering the compact niche, Peugeot has positioned the latter in the “large C” sub-segment. The second-gen 5008 is 16.5 cm longer and 11 cm wider than its predecessor and now offers seating for seven, with second-row passengers having 60 mm more knee room at their disposal.

The second- and third-row have separate seats that are folding, titling and removable, and the boot space can be enlarged from 640 lt( in seven-seat configuration) to 1,060 as a five-seater and, with the passenger’s seat folded, carry objects up to 3.2 m in length.

The petrol engine range consists of a 1.2-lt with 130 PS, available with either a six-speed manual or auto gearbox, and a 1.6 with 165 PS mated solely to a six-speed auto. Customers opting for a diesel can choose between a 1.6-lt in 100 and 120 PS guise (the first with a five-speed manual and the second with manual or auto six-speeders) and a 2.0-lt with 150 or 180 PS.

Power is directed only to the front wheels though, as with the first-gen, those looking for extra traction can opt for the Advanced Grip Control system that offers five different modes ((Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand and ESP Off) to tackle different surfaces with ease.

All versions come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. The Distance Alert warns the driver if there is a risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian and activates the Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEBS) if he/she fails to react in time, the Active Lane Departure Warning can correct the vehicle’s trajectory, the Smartbeam Assistance automatically switches between the main and high beams, the Speed Sign Recognition and Speed Suggestion… well, they’re self-explanatory, and the Active Blind Spot Monitoring lights up an indicator on the corresponding side mirror if it detects a car, truck or two-wheel vehicle in his blind spots at speeds between 12 and 140 km/h (7.5-87 mph).

The all-new 5008 will be officially launched at the Paris Auto Show and sales will commence in spring 2017.

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