THE PEUGEOT 5008 is a bigger MPV version of the 3008 crossover and built on the same platform.
After a short, unsuccessful venture into the Philippines in 2005, the major French automaker Peugeot returned in 2012 under the aegis of the Columbian Group of Companies. Founded by chair emeritus Jose Ch. Alvarez, the Columbian Group includes in its stable BMW and Kia, the German premium brand and Korean mass-market brand. Last year, Alvarez organized Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI) to handle the importation and marketing of Peugeot cars with former Kia Philippines CEO Felix J. Mabilog Jr. at the helm.
Together with Citroen, which it took over completely in 1976, Peugeot is the second largest automotive company in Europe in terms of sales volume after Volkswagen. But because new car sales have been plunging since 2007 to their lowest levels in decades in the European Union, mass-market European automakers like Peugeot are turning to emerging markets where demand for new cars is high. Peugeot has announced plans to close an assembly plant north of Paris in 2014 while it aggressively expands its presence in South America, Russia and Asia—including the Philippines.
In this country where diesel fuel costs some five pesos less per liter than gasoline, Peugeot is poised to grab market share from other brands that sell diesel-fueled vehicles because of its advanced HDi (High-pressure Diesel injection) technology that preserves the diesel engine’s traditional characteristics of economy, range and toughness, while minimizing harmful emissions via its Diesel Particulate Filter System. To lower fuel consumption and cut emissions even more, Peugeot introduced the microhybrid system featuring e-HDi that switches off the engine automatically when the vehicle is on ECO mode and stops, such as at a red light. Once the driver shifts gear or steps on the accelerator, the system restarts the engine. Peugeot claims that these technologies combined deliver up to 15 percent lower fuel consumption and up to 5 g/km less harmful carbon dioxide emissions.
THE ALLURE’S 2-liter, 163-hp turbo diesel engine is mated to a six-speed A/T.
OFFERINGS. EDIs initial offerings are three turbo diesel front-wheel-drive vehicles: the Peugeot 3008 compact crossover, 5008 midsize multipurpose vehicle (MPV), 508 executive sedan and the RCZ THP (turbo high pressure) sports coupe. I was allowed to test-drive the top-end 5008 2.0 HDi Allure which is powered by the same turbo diesel 163-hp engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (A/T) as the 508 sedan’s. The first 5008 was launched on the European market in 2009.
Unlike the 3008 crossover, with which it shares the same platform, the 5008 defies the trend towards a gaping, mouth-like grille such that its front end with vents looks less confrontational and undramatic. The exterior of Peugeot’s mom mobile is conservatively designed and plain rather than edgy or sporty, but the chrome shoulder line that extends to the LED taillights and the chrome strip lining the sides of the roof add a touch of Gallic flair.
CHROME trim on the dials and gearbox look upscale, but some of the center console controls are out of the driver’s reach.
Moreover, when you enter the cabin, you are immediately charmed by the panoramic glass roof that stretches from the driver’s seat to right behind the passenger seating area. The large vista of the sky together with the spacious seven-seater cabin, vast front glass area, heightened seating and low window line translate into excellent all-around visibility and a pleasant, airy environment. By uncovering the panoramic glass roof, you and your passengers can travel in bright, natural light; or by drawing close the glass roof cover and pulling up the rear window sunshades, you will find yourself in cloistered privacy.
REFINED. One word succinctly sums up the 5008 Allure’s interior and engine: refined. High-positioned leather seats, soft-touch plastic materials, chrome trim on the dials, gear shifter, gearbox and air-con vents, an electronic hand brake, and generous legroom and headroom for front-seat and second-row passengers make the cabin roomy, well-packaged and comfortable. The Head-Up Display translucent screen that flips up when you switch on the engine allows you to scan essential driving information without taking your eyes off the road. On the other hand, there are no audio or cruise controls on the steering wheel, no cupholders in front, and some of the switches are hard to reach from the driver’s seat.
THE ENTERTAINMENT system control panel behind the front center console is easy to reach for second row passengers.
Children in the second-row seats can be kept entertained via the 7-inch LCD color screens integrated into the two front headrests with two Bluetooth headsets available if two different DVDs are shown on the screens. The multimedia entertainment system’s control panel is conveniently located behind the central storage console which, by the way, is chilled. When not in use, the LCD screens can be concealed with leather covers pulled over the headrests.
Second row passengers can also pull out the foldaway tables attached to the backs of the front seats so that they can work on their laptops or iPads. The second row has three individually sliding and reclining seats fit for three adults, but the two rearmost seats are suitable only for children. All five seats fold flat to leave a long, flat load area, 1,604-liter capacity, that can accommodate golf bags, a bicycle, and other recreational or sports gear. With all the seats up, there is very little luggage space, but extra storage space is available beneath the floor in the second row of seats.
ENGINE. The 5008 Allure’s engine is just as refined as its interior. The 2-liter HDi turbo diesel engine is quiet and silky-smooth, delivering superior fuel economy (estimated at 16 kpl) and pulling power. The ride is taut yet compliant and comfortable, with little wind and road noise even at highway speeds, thanks to supple damping. The cabin is well isolated from noise even at idle. The handling is not overtly sporty, but then MPVs are not supposed to be dynamic.
THREE full-size second row seats slide, recline or fold flat
The composed body movements, well-weighted and accurate electrohydraulic power steering system and high-speed stability of the 5008 Allure make this MPV a pleasure to drive over long distances. Antiroll bars fore and aft connected to the front MacPherson-type front suspension and multiarm with cross member arrangement at the rear assure tidy handling and good grip. Unlike other MPVs, the 5008 does not wallow or roll, but goes through corners and starts and stops with the balance and composure of a smaller car.
THE REARMOST pair of seats are suited only for kids. Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza
Six airbags, an Electronic Stability Program, Electric Parking Brakes, Hill Start Assist, Distance Alert, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS with EBD and electronic brake assist, auto-lighting and daytime lights, rear parking sensor, rain-sensing wipers and a tire deflation indicator contributed to the 5008 scoring five stars at the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program), the highest safety rating a car can achieve.
Summing up, the P1.895 million Peugeot 5008 Allure is one of the most refined MPVs around, a great family car with a fuel-efficient, low-emission turbo diesel engine and a complete suite of active and passive safety features. It is practical and spacious with an intelligently laid out, high-quality interior, multimedia entertainment system and flexible, user-friendly seating. It may not excite car enthusiasts, but what mom mobile does? Rather, the 5008 Allure quietly satisfies and impresses the attentive driver with a Gallic shrug.
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