Family friend ship

The recent opportunity to drive the latest 5008 from Peugeot was eagerly awaited — especially in turbodiesel form.  Long acknowledged as the world’s leaders in diesel technology I don’t think there’s a quieter 2,0-litre motor around as to be found in the 5008.

Three models make up the 5008 in the South African marketplace — two petrol derivatives and a single turbodiesel offering. With prices ranging from R282 000 to R314 000 (at the time of going to press) means rather a decent choice.

As you can see from the photo above, the 5008 remains a fairly large seven-seater MPV. Some styling cues have been taken from the 3008 range, but that’s to be expected, I suppose.

Getting back to the power unit for a moment, it’s worth recording that the 110 kW and 340 Nm motor is only slightly slower on acceleration and top speed than its petrol counterparts.

But the real proof of the pudding is the superb economy figures that you’ll get with it: on delivery the trip computer revealed that close to 800 km was possible from the tank — I used the vehicle while running errands around Cape Town for nearly a week — including a lengthy trip up the West Coast — and still returned the vehicle to the press office with half a tank of fuel left in the tank!

The proviso, as always, when considering a diesel-powered vehicle is that you must travel upwards of 35 000 km per annum to make the purchase worthwhile. Travelling only 10 000 km p.a. means you might never recoup your initial purchase cost — and that would be a shame!

As we’ve come to expect from Peugeot the 5008 is very well specced with lots of creature comforts for all occupants — including those in the third row of seats. The climatic control, for instance, is superb — cooling or heating all the occupants with ease. There are cubbyholes and useful storage compartments to be found everywhere.

I’m not a big fan of electronic parking brakes but the one fitted to this particular Peugeot actually worked well. Quite often there’s too big a delay to release it when pulling away from traffic lights — the innovative “hill-hold” playing a vital part of any successful start-off manoeuvre.

To drive, the 5008 never disappointed. The steering, brakes, clutch (a six-speed manual ’box is the only option) were all light and easy — in fact, I can’t think of a more perfect vehicle for an upmarket mom’s taxi.

Factor in loads of inherent built-in safety aspects, a decent factory warranty and great looks it’s little wonder I’m seeing more and more of these great vehicles on the road.

Classy in the extreme, the 5008 deserves to be near the top of your list if you are looking for a vehicle of this type. Hopefully woeful dealer experiences — certainly in the Cape Town area, anyway — are now a thing of the past for this French motor company.

• The Peugeot 5008 2,0 HDi Active sells for R302 000.