On the road in Laois: A look at Peugeot’s new 5008

It is interesting how manufacturers are leaning towards hybrid and not solely Electric Vehicles in their latest models. No doubt due to the rapid slowdown in EV uptake for reasons I have discussed here many times. So in this week's Laois Live motoring column it's a quick intro via the Irish Press launch of the all new Peugeot 5008 hybrid and EV.

The new 5008 is now a fine looking 7-seat SUV with lots of standard kit and plenty of style. The 2025 model year car is built on Peugeot’s STLA platform and boasts a lovely new style, Peugeot's latest Panoramic i-cockpit and a host of other goodies! There are two trim levels, Allure, and GT.

Interestingly the price of both the hybrid and EV is exactly the same starting at €50,995 for the Allure and €54,495 for the GT model.

The new 5008 has the new Peugeot face with lovely detailing in the styling that give it a very classy look indeed. I love the overall style, it has real presence on the road. Slip inside the new 5008 and you cannot fail to be immediately impressed with the overall feeling of quality combined with great design. A simple example is the functionality of everything.

I really liked the new Panoramic i-Cockpit which works very well indeed. It features a 21 inch curved digital display that combines a raised head up display. Boasting wireless Apple Car play and Android auto as well as over the air updates, it's a super new driver information centre.

The cabin is bright and airy with mood lighting at night and very nice use of cloth look detailing in places.

Accommodation is excellent and that fold away 3rd row of seats is ideal for the school runs. Lots of storage space and USB ports ensure a quite relaxed trip for all on board.
There are plenty of goodies too numerous to list here but safe to say the new 5008 SUV is better equipped than many rivals. I drove both cars extensively at the press launch. The EV is as you would expect quiet and comfortable.

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It has a power output of 210bhp it performs very well. Peugeot quote a WLTP range of 502 km but based on our test drive from Co Dublin to outside Newry I would say that is quite optimistic! However I will update this opinion when I get to road test the car fully.

The ride and handling is just about perfect, and it cruises all day at higher motorway speeds with the refinement of a luxury saloon.
The hybrid combines a 136bhp petrol engine combined with an electric motor for electric only driving in urban environments. It performs well enough, with adequate levels of acceleration and decent overtaking capability. Neither car offers a really inspiring drive but few if any SUV’s do.

So with that in mind it's a very pleasant car to drive or travel in. I must say hats off to Peugeot. They are producing excellent cars of late.

The new 5008 is a family SUV that is very well suited to our road conditions. I like the new look, the level of standard kit is excellent, they are both very comfortable cars in which to travel and Peugeot have a great dealer network. I’d choose the hybrid, which offers the best of both worlds! More after a full test drive!