Transforming into an SUV does little to dent the 5008’s family-moving ability, says Alex Grant.

SECTOR Large SUV   PRICE €27,000-€44,000   FUEL 4.1-6.1l/100km   CO2 107-140g/km

While it probably didn’t come top of many drivers’ wishlists, the old 5008 was a great compact MPV. Comfortable, adaptable and with competitive CO2 emissions on its side, those who needed cargo and people-moving abilities would have had no reason to feel short-changed.

But tastes change. MPVs have fallen out of fashion, and Peugeot wants to wrap those rational benefits into something with kerbside appeal. So the latest 5008 has taken a sideways step, becoming a seven-seat large SUV with the Nissan X-Trail, Škoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace firmly on its radar.

The foundations are brilliant. This is, essentially, a seven-seat version of the excellent new 3008. Which means it’s home to a cabin that feels much more expensive than its price point, and Peugeot’s smart new family styling, its thick metal window surround managing a half-respectable job of masking the extra bulk at the back end.

There’s more to this than a third row of seats. Inside, it’s closer to an MPV than a typical crossover, with the 3008’s single-piece rear bench replaced with three individually sliding ISOFIX-equipped seats. The wheelbase is 165mm longer, accommodating longer rear doors for easier access to the third row of seats, which are big enough for adults. Fold them away, and the boot offers as much capacity (beneath the parcel shelf) as the 5008 MPV.

It has the usual small MPV pros and cons. Those third row seats aren’t well padded, so quite firm for long trips, and they leave almost no boot space when they’re upright. Unlike the old car, there’s no under-floor storage for the load cover when it’s not in use. If you have a sudden need to carry large loads and fold both rear rows, it’ll end up in the middle row footwell.

Peugeot is offering the usual Active, Allure, GT Line and GT trims, and all are generously equipped. The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, with Android and Apple smartphone mirroring are standard features, while sat nav comes in at Allure. The cabin is well laid out, with upmarket grey fabric inserts, silver accents and plenty of storage spaces dotted around. The only frustration is the infotainment system, which isn’t particularly intuitive or quick to respond.

Depending on trim level, there are two petrol engines (at 130hp and 165hp) and a choice of 1.5-litre 130hp, and 2.0-litre 150hp or 180hp diesel engines. Brochure figures suggest the most efficient version is the entry-level diesel, but that’s likely to be limited in real-world use by its five-speed gearbox. At 118g/km, the BlueHDI 150 is in line with smaller SUVs with downsized engines, and will be more comfortable with moving heavy loads. A 1.6-litre, 120hp diesel is also available, but only with a six-speed automatic transmission, and there are no four-wheel drive models.

Overall, then, it’s a very successful transfer of the best MPV qualities into a bodystyle drivers might want as well as need. Full marks, Peugeot.

What we think

The 5008 impresses for near-premium features at a competitive price, but don’t be too tempted to opt for the small diesel if you’re planning to use that extra space.