Peugeot 5008 2019 Review

In recent years, the demand for 7-seater SUVs among Malaysian households has continued to rise. This type of vehicle needs to meet the economic demands of daily commuting while also providing practical space for group outings, and the 2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active aims precisely at this niche market. With its 1.6T turbocharged engine power reserve, advanced configuration list, and flexible 7-seat layout as its core selling points, many consumers are curious whether this French SUV can stand out in the highly competitive C-segment market. This test drive will focus on space practicality, performance, and configuration experience, providing real references for interested users.

The exterior design of the 2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active continues the brand's iconic "Lion Roar" front face. The large grille is paired with chrome accents, while the sharply designed LED headlights on both sides connect with the grille to form an integrated visual effect with high recognition. The body’s side profile features smooth lines, dynamic 18-inch alloy wheels, and a waistline stretching from the A-pillar to the rear, enhancing the layering of the body. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a claw-like design, creating a distinct effect when lit. Chrome decorations below the rear bumper further add to the refined feel. The overall style leans towards fashionable and stable, meeting the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Entering the cabin, the center console adopts an asymmetrical design tilted towards the driver, making operations more ergonomic. The interior materials primarily use soft-touch surfaces, complemented by silver trims, providing a good sense of texture. The central control area is equipped with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, supporting multimedia, navigation, and other functions, with satisfactory response speed. The instrument cluster features a fully digital display, allowing for different display modes to be switched, providing intuitive readings like speed and fuel consumption. A HUD (Head-Up Display) system is standard, enabling drivers to view key data without looking down, enhancing convenience. For seats, the driver’s seat supports 8-way electric adjustments, while the passenger seat supports 6-way electric adjustments. The leather seats provide good wrapping and support, making long trips less tiring.

The vehicle's dimensions measure 4670mm×1855mm×1655mm, with a wheelbase reaching 2840mm, laying a strong foundation for interior space. The second-row seats support a 33:33:33 split fold, fore-and-aft sliding, and angle adjustments. The center seat is equipped with a small table for rear passengers to place items conveniently. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the second row will have two fists of legroom and about one fist of headroom, offering spacious comfort. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or short-distance trips for adults, as the legroom is slightly tight, but it serves well for emergency use. The trunk has a standard volume of 952L, which can be expanded to 2042L by folding down the second and third rows, accommodating large items with ease. Storage space inside the car is abundant, with large compartments in the front door panels, a deep central armrest box, and cup holders and storage bins in the rear, showcasing excellent practicality.

In terms of performance, it is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 167PS and a peak torque that kicks in at just 1400rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, it offers a brisk start with sufficient low-end torque, making it easy to follow traffic or overtake in urban environments. Switching to Sport mode enhances throttle response, accelerates gear shifts, and provides a more direct power output, offering confidence during highway overtakes. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.9 seconds. In actual tests, the power delivery is linear, with no noticeable turbo lag.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel is precise, with minimal play, light at low speeds, and stable at high speeds, aligning with the SUV's positioning. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, filtering out most road bumps. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vibration of the car body is not overly noticeable. During cornering, the suspension's support is adequate, with the body roll within an acceptable range and decent vehicle stability. The braking system performs stably, with a moderate brake pedal travel and linear braking force output. The vehicle remains stable during emergency braking.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel economy is 7L/100km. During the actual test drive, fuel consumption was about 8.5L/100km in urban conditions and roughly 6.8L/100km on the highway. Overall, the performance meets expectations. Regarding noise control, at speeds below 80km/h, the cabin noise is relatively low, mainly coming from the tires and wind noise. At speeds exceeding 100km/h, wind noise increases slightly but does not affect normal conversation.

Compared to models in the same segment, the 2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active has significant configuration advantages. Features such as HUD head-up display, fully digital instrument cluster, and electrically adjustable seats are not commonly found in vehicles of the same price range, offering outstanding value for money. However, the limited space in the third row is a shortcoming. If there is a frequent need for 7-passenger full-load usage, it may require careful consideration. Overall, this car is more suited for families prioritizing configuration, spatial flexibility, and performance. It can handle daily commutes, weekend short trips, or occasional long-distance travel with ease.

In conclusion, the 2019 Peugeot 5008 THP Plus Active secures its place in the C-segment 7-seater SUV market with its rich features, versatile space, and balanced performance. For families that mostly travel with 5 people but occasionally need 7 seats for emergencies, it is a choice worth considering.