Peugeot 5008 2021 Review

In Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, 7-seater models have always been the core choice for family users—capable of meeting the flexibility of daily commuting and the practicality of weekend family outings. The 2021 Peugeot 5008 Allure, priced at RM186,000, enters this segment with its key selling points of "well-rounded features" and "recognizable French design." The purpose of this test drive is straightforward: to examine whether this vehicle truly meets the 7-seater space demands, whether its dynamic performance aligns with family users' expectations for comfort, and whether its feature advantages are sufficient to hold its ground among competitors in the segment.

From a distance, the exterior design of the 5008 Allure retains Peugeot's signature "Lion Roar" front fascia, with a large blacked-out grille adorned with chrome accents, providing high recognizability. The body side profile features straight lines, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, making the 4,670mm-long body appear more sleek. The design of the 18-inch multi-spoke wheels is not too aggressive but is well-proportioned to the body. At the rear, the lion claw-shaped LED taillights are the main highlight, offering strong recognizability when lit. The chrome trim below the rear bumper enhances the overall refinement. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights and daytime running lights, and the automatic headlight function reacts promptly in tunnels or overcast weather. The addition of front fog lights also improves usability in rainy or foggy conditions.

Upon entering the cabin, the first thing that catches your attention is Peugeot's unique i-Cockpit layout. The 10-inch capacitive touchscreen floats above the center console, with a clear interface and smooth operation. Some physical buttons are retained below for easier access while driving. The steering wheel is relatively small and feels solid to hold, with conveniently positioned multifunction buttons and paddle shifters. In terms of interior materials, the upper section of the center console uses soft-touch plastics, and the door panels are wrapped in leather, giving the overall texture an above-average feel in its price range. As for features, the fully digital instrument panel offers abundant information and supports multiple themes. The front seats feature 6-way power adjustment with 4-way lumbar support adjustment, while the passenger seat also has 6-way power adjustment, ensuring comfort during long trips. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system performs excellently, and the rear seats are equipped with independent air vents and a 220V power socket to cater to rear passengers' needs.

Space is one of the 5008 Allure's core strengths. With a 2,840mm wheelbase, it ranks among the best in the C-segment SUV category. The second-row seats support a 40:20:40 split-fold configuration and can slide backward and forward. When adjusted to their rearmost position, a 175cm passenger will have about two fists of legroom remaining. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or short trips; adults may find extended seating slightly cramped but manageable for emergency use. The trunk offers enough space for two 20-inch carry-on suitcases in its 7-seater configuration, and folding down the third row expands this capacity to 952 liters, making it highly practical for carrying luggage or large items. In-cabin storage spaces are also adequate, with a spacious central armrest box, door pockets, and a glove compartment, alongside a conveniently positioned wireless charging area for phones.

In terms of performance, the 5008 Allure is powered by a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 167PS and peak torque of 240N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the throttle response is linear, and the car feels light to launch. The low RPM torque output is sufficient for urban commuting. When pressing hard on the accelerator for acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly without noticeable jerkiness. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.9 seconds, and during real-world testing, the power reserve proved sufficient for overtaking. The chassis uses front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam suspension, tuned towards comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, keeping the vehicle stable. When cornering, the slightly firmer suspension provides good support, keeping body roll within acceptable limits. The steering is light, with minimal free play, and its precision aligns well with its role as a family vehicle.

During the test drive, we focused on evaluating fuel consumption. By driving 50km each on congested urban roads and highways, the combined fuel consumption was around 8.5L/100km, which is not far from the official 8.2L combined consumption. For a vehicle weighing 1.595 tons, this fuel consumption level is acceptable. The braking system performed stably, with a moderately traveled brake pedal and linear braking force release. During emergency braking, the body posture remained steady. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise became noticeable at high speeds, but on urban roads below 60km/h, the cabin's quietness was excellent, and engine noise was hardly transmitted into the interior.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 Peugeot 5008 Allure are concentrated on three points: First, its flexible space. The 2840mm wheelbase and the sliding second-row seats can accommodate both 7-seat emergencies and 5-seat large storage needs. Secondly, it offers comprehensive features. Standard configurations such as the fully digital instrument cluster, electric seats, LED lighting system, and others provide an advantage in comfort features compared to similarly priced models like the CR-V or the RAV4. Thirdly, its distinctive design. The lion's roar front face and claw-shaped tail lights make it stand out in the homogenized SUV market. However, the cramped third-row space and the torsion beam rear suspension structure might make some users seeking ultimate comfort hesitate.

This car is more suitable for family users who value balanced performance—using the 5-seat mode for daily commuting and switching to the 7-seat mode for weekend family outings. Its features and space meet the needs of most families. At the same time, the unique French design can also attract some young users who pursue individuality. If your budget is between 180,000 to 200,000 ringgit and you're looking for a 7-seater SUV with no shortcomings in features and flexible space, the 5008 Allure is worth considering for your shortlist.