2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment 7-seater SUV market is intense. Consumers desire a spacious interior to meet family needs while also expecting a robust performance and well-rounded features. The 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure stands out as a popular choice in this segment, garnering attention with its agile space offered by a long wheelbase, comprehensive smart features, and the performance of its 1.6T turbocharged engine. This review will analyze it thoroughly from static design, spatial practicality to dynamic driving experience to see if it meets the balanced demands of family users.

In terms of exterior design, the 2018 5008 THP Allure retains Peugeot's signature design language. The overall style leans towards a steady appearance with exquisite details. The front features a dotted grille with chrome accents, seamlessly connecting with LED headlights on both sides, enhancing the vehicle's visual width; the claw-shaped LED daytime running lights inside the headlights exhibit high recognizability when illuminated, while the automatic headlamp feature caters to daily usage needs. The side profile features smooth lines, with 18-inch wheels paired with 225/55 R18 tires, creating a well-proportioned look. With a length of 4641mm and a wheelbase of 2840mm, these dimensions lay the foundation for the interior space. At the rear, the claw-shaped LED taillights echo the front design, while the chrome trim on the lower rear bumper enhances the refined look. The standard front and rear fog lights improve safety during adverse weather conditions.

Once inside, the interior adopts Peugeot's iconic i-Cockpit design. The fully digital instrument cluster provides clear display quality and can switch between different interfaces depending on the driving mode. The flat-bottom steering wheel adds a sporty touch. The center console layout is clean, featuring a 7-inch central display screen that supports basic multimedia functions and offers intuitive operating logic. Below the screen, some physical buttons remain for convenient operation while driving. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch material, complemented by piano black trim, giving it an above-average texture in its class. As for configurations, the front seats support 8-way electric adjustment with memory function, which is practical for drivers of varying heights. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning, independent rear air conditioning, and a 220V/230V power outlet cater to the comfort needs of front and rear passengers. The rear seat display screens and sunshades further enhance the rear-seat riding experience.

Space performance is one of the core strengths of the 5008. The 2840mm wheelbase advantage is apparent in the second row, where a 175cm tall passenger has more than two fist-widths of legroom. The second-row seats support a 33:33:33 split, forward/backward sliding, and angle adjustments; they also come with small tray tables, convenient for children to place items. While the third-row seats are more suitable for children or short-distance rides, their 50:50 split-folding design allows them to be fully folded down when not in use, expanding the cargo capacity from 702 liters to an even larger space, meeting the needs of family outings or cargo loading. In terms of storage spaces, the front and rear door panel storage slots and the central armrest box provide significant capacity, making it convenient to store phones, water bottles, and other daily items.

Powertrain: The 1.6T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 167PS, with maximum torque available as early as 1400rpm, paired with an AT transmission for timely power response. A light press on the accelerator during take-off provides a decent push-back feel. In mid-to-late acceleration, the gear shifts are smooth, and when overtaking with a deep press on the accelerator, the power output is consistent and linear. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.1 seconds, which is above average among 7-seater SUVs in the same class. Driving modes include Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the steering feel becomes heavier, and the gear-shifting logic is more aggressive, catering to driving enthusiasts. In Eco mode, the engine start-stop technology automatically engages to help reduce fuel consumption. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.3L/100km; actual city driving is approximately 8.5L/100km, and highway driving is around 6.8L/100km, which aligns with expectations.

Handling: The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned towards comfort. It effectively filters out vibrations on urban roads, keeping the vehicle stable. When cornering, the suspension provides sufficient support, keeping body roll under control within a reasonable range without noticeable wobbling. The steering is precise with minimal slack, making it agile to drive. The braking system features ventilated discs at the front and rear, delivering linear braking response. During emergency braking, the car remains stable, providing a sense of safety. As for noise control, wind and tire noise at higher speeds are slightly perceptible but remain within acceptable levels, not affecting normal conversation for passengers inside the vehicle.

Safety configuration: The 5008 THP Allure comes standard with six airbags, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree panoramic camera. This setup provides a clear view of the surroundings during parking, reducing the risk of scratches. ISO FIX child seat anchors and the option to disable airbags cater to family user needs. The vehicle comes with a 5-year/120,000km warranty, which is relatively lengthy among its peers and helps lower long-term usage costs.

Overall, the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure’s core strengths lie in its flexible 7-seat space, rich comfort configurations, and stable power performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, it boasts a longer wheelbase and greater practicality for the second and third rows. Features like rear LCD screens and a 220V power outlet make it more family-friendly. Its shortcomings lie in the relatively cramped third-row space and the slightly smaller central control screen, but its overall balance is still remarkable.

This car is suitable for users who prioritize family trips, need 7-seater space, and do not want to compromise on features or power. It particularly caters to families frequently traveling with elderly members and children since its flexible seating layout and comprehensive comfort features enhance travel experiences. For consumers looking for a spacious, well-equipped SUV within a budget of around RM 170,000, the 5008 THP Allure is a worthy option.

In conclusion, the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure is a well-balanced C-segment 7-seater SUV. Its space, power, configuration, and safety features meet the core needs of family users, making it a reliable choice for those looking for practicality and comfort in the same class.