2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active Review

In the C-segment SUV market, 7-seater models have always been a key consideration for family users—they need to meet the flexibility of daily commuting while also accommodating the space needs for family outings. The 2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active, priced at RM168,888, enters this niche market, focusing on spaciousness, high configuration, and balanced power. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can truly balance family practicality and driving quality.

Let’s start with the exterior. Overall, it follows a simple and clean French design style. The front grille with a dotted pattern, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, has a high recognition factor. The side profile of the vehicle features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, making the 4670mm length not appear bulky. The 18-inch wheels match the body proportions just right. At the rear, Peugeot’s signature lion claw LED tail lights are striking when lit, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. In terms of details, automatic headlights, front and rear fog lights, and rain-sensing wipers come as standard, making everyday use quite convenient.

Open the doors, and the interior's sense of technology and material quality exceeds expectations. The entire center console is driver-oriented, making it very convenient to operate. The 8-inch capacitive touchscreen is responsive, with a clear interface logic. Coupled with the Arkamys Sound Plus 6-speaker audio system, the multimedia experience is satisfactory. The full LCD instrument panel and HUD head-up display are highlights, directly showing information such as speed and navigation without requiring frequent downward glances. For seating, the driver's seat offers 8-way power adjustment, and the front passenger seat provides 6-way power adjustment. The leather material offers good support, ensuring comfort even on long rides. In terms of features, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, independent rear air conditioning, and a 220V power outlet are all included. The rear row even has small foldable tables, making it very family-friendly.

Space performance is one of the core strengths of the 5008. With a wheelbase of 2840mm, it's considered above average in its class. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, a 175cm tall passenger would still have a fist and a half of headroom in the front row. The second-row seats support a 33:33:33 split folding, forward and backward sliding, and angle adjustment, providing up to two fists of legroom. The nearly flat middle floor means three people can sit without feeling cramped. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or short trips; adults might find long periods of sitting here a bit tight, but they work fine for emergency use. The standard trunk volume is 952L, which can expand to 2052L with the third-row seats folded down—more than enough for carrying large luggage, offering excellent storage capabilities.

In terms of power, the 1.6T turbocharged engine generates a maximum of 167 horsepower, with a peak torque output available from just 1400 rpm. It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The throttle response is very agile during acceleration, with no noticeable turbo lag. Acceleration is smooth up to 80km/h, and when overtaking, stepping hard on the accelerator prompts the transmission to downshift immediately, delivering direct power. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.9 seconds, which is sufficient for daily commuting or highway cruising. There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is enhanced, suitable for moments when you want to "step on it."

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers precise control with minimal slack, light at low speeds, heavier at high speeds, and has a good feel; the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned towards comfort but still maintains a certain level of support. When passing speed bumps or bumpy roads, vibrations are well filtered without feeling loose. The body roll is well-controlled when cornering, and the overall stability exceeds expectations. The fuel consumption is average — around 8.5L/100km in city traffic and about 6L/100km during highway cruising, which matches the performance level of a 1.6T model. Additionally, features like the electronic handbrake, hill-start assist, and engine start-stop come as standard, making it easy for new drivers to handle.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise insulation is impressive; at 120km/h on the highway, wind and tire noise are kept within an acceptable range. The seats strike a good balance between support and cushioning, reducing fatigue during long drives. Rear air conditioning vents and power outlets cater to family needs, while small foldable tables can hold snacks or tablets, demonstrating thoughtful attention to details. However, the third row lacks independent air conditioning vents, which might make it slightly hot during summer, a minor drawback.

For safety features, standard configurations include six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree panoramic view system, making parking and maneuvering very convenient. The ISO FIX child seat anchors and the airbag disable function are practical for families with children. The car comes with a comprehensive warranty of 5 years or 120,000 kilometers, ensuring stress-free maintenance.

Overall, the 2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active has notable advantages: an ultra-large 2840mm wheelbase providing spacious room, high-end configurations like a full LCD instrument panel, HUD, and electric seats, as well as smooth power delivery and comfortable handling. Compared to competitors in the same class, it offers better space and configuration value for money, making it suitable for families with a budget of 150,000-180,000 RMB, especially those prioritizing practicality — such as frequently traveling with both elderly and children or occasionally transporting bulky items.

In summary, the 5008 THP Plus Active is a well-rounded family SUV with no significant shortcomings. Its space, configurations, and performance meet the core needs of family users. If you are looking for a practical yet refined 7-seater vehicle, it is worth considering as part of your options.