Peugeot 5008 2018 Review

In the C-Segment SUV market, the needs of family users for space, features, and practicality are becoming increasingly clear, and the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure is a model that targets this segment. Its core selling points are the flexible space brought by its 7-seat layout, the full range of standard safety features, and the performance of the 1.6T turbocharged engine. In this test drive, we focused on verifying its actual performance in daily family-use scenarios to see if these selling points truly meet user needs.

From the exterior, the design of the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure is highly recognizable. The front fascia uses Peugeot’s family-style lion roar grille, paired with chrome trim and sharp LED headlights on both sides, creating an overall classy appearance. The body side features a smooth line that runs from the front to the rear, adding a sense of layering, and the 18-inch alloy wheels are moderately sized and well-proportioned to the body. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a claw-shaped design, which has strong recognition when lit up, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of rugged SUV style. In terms of lighting system, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and automatic headlights are all standard features, providing good convenience for daily use.

Inside the car, the interior design style is simple and emphasizes quality. The dashboard is covered with soft materials, complemented by piano black panels and metal trim, and overall craftsmanship is solid. The instrument panel is fully digital, featuring a clear interface that displays information such as speed, RPM, and fuel consumption, with the ability to switch between different display modes. The center display screen is 7 inches in size, operates smoothly, and supports Bluetooth connection and smartphone mirroring functions. In terms of features, the front seats offer 8-way electric adjustment and memory functions, which are user-friendly for long-distance drivers; the rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, providing convenience for rear passengers to use electronic devices. Notably, the second-row seats support a 33:33:33 split, sliding, and manual reclining function, and come with small foldable tables, while the third-row seats feature a 50:50 split folding capability, providing great flexibility in space utilization.

In terms of space performance, the body measures 4641mm in length, 1844mm in width, and 1646mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2840mm, which is considered mainstream in the C-Segment SUV class. The front row offers ample space, with about a fist's space above the head for a passenger of 175cm height after adjusting the seat. The sliding range of the second-row seats is considerable, and when adjusted to the rearmost position, legroom reaches about two fists, making it comfortable for three adults even when the row is fully occupied. The third-row space is relatively compact and more suitable for children or adults on short trips. The luggage compartment offers a capacity of 702L in the 7-seat configuration, which can be further expanded by folding down the third row, providing enough space for daily luggage or large items. For storage space, the door pockets, central armrest box, and glovebox are all practical in size, meeting the daily needs of family users.

As for power, the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 167PS and reaching peak torque at 1400rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response is quite responsive at start-up, with ample torque output at low RPMs for zippy city driving. During acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly with almost no jerks. When the accelerator is pressed hard, a noticeable push-back feeling can be experienced, making overtaking relatively easy. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.1 seconds, which ranks above average among vehicles in the same class. There are three driving modes available: Eco, Standard, and Sport. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the transmission shift timing is delayed, making it suitable for scenarios requiring stronger power.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel offers precise steering with minimal play. It feels light during daily driving and becomes stable at high speeds, providing a good level of confidence. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, with tuning biased towards comfort. When driving over bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, allowing passengers in the cabin to avoid feeling noticeable jolts. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the suspension provides good support, ensuring overall stability. However, when passing through consecutive speed bumps, the rear suspension's bouncing is slightly more noticeable but still within an acceptable range.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove approximately 100km each in urban and highway conditions. In urban settings, the fuel consumption was about 9.2L/100km, and on highways, it was about 6.8L/100km, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 7.5L/100km, which is close to the official figure of 7.3L/100km. The fuel economy performance is quite good. For braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the braking force output is linear, and the body remains stable during emergency braking. The braking distance is within average levels for vehicles in its class.

Regarding driving comfort, cabin noise is well-controlled. Wind and tire noise are not noticeable at high speeds. Engine noise becomes audible inside the cabin when the RPM exceeds 3000, but it doesn't affect normal conversation. The seats provide good support, are soft, and remain comfortable even for long periods. The air conditioning system provides quick cooling, and the dual-zone automatic climate control satisfies the different needs of front and rear passengers. Additionally, features like rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry/start enhance everyday convenience.

In summary, the key advantages of the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure lie in its flexible 7-seat space, comprehensive safety features, and solid performance. Compared to competitors in the same segment, it offers more extensive safety configurations, with 6 airbags, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system all included as standard, making it highly cost-effective. In terms of space, the 2840mm wheelbase provides ample rear space, and while the third-row seating is compact, it is suitable for short trips, making it ideal for users prioritizing family practicality.

Overall, this vehicle strikes a good balance between space, features, and performance, making it suitable for families in need of a 7-seat vehicle, especially those who frequently travel with family or friends. Its fuel consumption performance is also economical, keeping daily usage costs low. If you're in the market for a flexible, feature-packed, and adequately powered C-Segment SUV, the 2018 Peugeot 5008 THP Allure is worth your consideration.