[Taboleo] Efficiency Rivaling EVs Plus Spacious Comfort... Peugeot "All-New 5008 Hybrid"

"Real French" 7-seat family SUV
"i-Cockpit" and "i-Toggle" enhance driving convenience
Generous cargo space of up to 2,232 L

The flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is expected to spearhead the revival of Peugeot, the French brand under Stellantis, the "All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid (5008)," has landed in Korea. Since its first launch in 2009, this is the third-generation fully redesigned model, and every step from product planning and engineering to design and production has been carried out in France, capturing the so-called "French sensibility" intact. With competition in the midsize SUV segment heating up in the Korean market, we test-drove the 5008, which is drawing attention over whether it can live up to the Peugeot name, on a 60 km round-trip course connecting Gimpo and Ganghwa on February 2.

Peugeot All New 5008 Smart Hybrid. Oh Hyungil, Reporter

Peugeot 'All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid'. Stellantis Korea

The first impression felt unfamiliar yet oddly familiar. As the body has grown compared with the previous model, it clearly comes across as a "seven-seat family car." The brand’s signature lion (Belfort Lion) emblem on the front and the gradient grille create a distinctive look. The three-stripe lights, inspired by tiger claws, also catch the eye.

The body measures 4,810 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, which represents an increase of 160 mm in length, 30 mm in width, and 55 mm in height over the previous model. The wheelbase has been extended by a substantial 60 mm to 2,900 mm, which is considerably longer than that of competing models such as the Santa Fe or Sorento (2,815 mm).

With the larger dimensions, the interior space has become more generous. Opening the door and sitting in the driver’s seat, you get the sense that this car has been designed to let you focus solely on driving. It follows Peugeot’s signature "i-Cockpit" concept, inspired by an aircraft cockpit. Because the instrument cluster is positioned above the steering wheel, it is easier to keep your eyes on the road while driving.

Peugeot 'All New 5008 Smart Hybrid' driver's seat. Stellantis Korea

Peugeot 'All New 5008 Smart Hybrid' driver's seat. Stellantis Korea

The 5008 is equipped with a 21-inch curved display, allowing navigation and other driving information to be seen at a glance. In the center, the "i-Toggle" interface makes it possible to intuitively set frequently used functions such as climate control, making operation while driving noticeably easier.

Shifting the gear lever located below the instrument cluster into Drive and pressing the accelerator, the wheels rolled forward as smoothly as an electric vehicle. Thanks to the 48V Smart Hybrid system, the 5008 can run in electric mode for most urban driving.

As speed increases, the gasoline engine adds power. The gasoline engine and electric motor respectively deliver 136 horsepower/23.5 kg·m and 15.6 kW/5.2 kg·m, for a combined maximum output of 145 horsepower. Because the output is lower than that of competing models, engine noise was quite noticeable during acceleration. Under the Korean certification standard, combined fuel economy is 13.3 km per liter (12.8 km per liter in the city and 14.0 km per liter on the highway).

When driving in the city or cruising at a steady high speed, however, the cabin is very quiet, so drivers may have clearly divided opinions depending on their driving style.

All trims come standard with safety features such as lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and Active Safety Braking. The GT trim additionally features adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.

It was somewhat disappointing that the built-in navigation system does not fully reflect Korean driving conditions, such as speed cameras. However, there was no significant inconvenience in using Kakao Navi via smartphone mirroring.

Peugeot 'All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid' interior. Stellantis Korea

Peugeot "All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid". Stellantis Korea

The second and third rows are configured with three and two individual seats, respectively, allowing the interior space to be adjusted as needed. Although it felt cramped for an adult to sit in the third row for a long-distance trip, the second-row seats can be folded completely flat, which is a key feature that enables flexible use of space.

In particular, the trunk offers 348 liters of space in the seven-seat configuration and expands to a maximum of 2,232 liters when the second row is folded down, making it suitable for carrying camping gear or transporting light cargo.

With ample interior space that can comfortably accommodate a family of four or even a larger extended family, the 5008 has clear strengths as a family car. For drivers who prioritize efficient driving, there seems to be little to complain about. However, because these strengths are so pronounced, drivers with different preferences may find that it does not suit their taste.

Peugeot 'All New 5008 Smart Hybrid'. Stellantis Korea

Stellantis Korea will officially launch the 5008 starting February 5, with prices set at 48.9 million won for the Allure trim and 55.9 million won for the GT trim, which is limited to 300 units. After applying the individual consumption tax reduction, the prices come to 48.14 million won and 54.999 million won, respectively.

Bangsil, CEO of Stellantis Korea, said, "We aim for the All-New 5008 Hybrid to account for more than 30% of Peugeot’s total sales," adding, "With its design and driving feel perfected in France, the efficiency of the Smart Hybrid system, and competitive pricing, customers can experience it under the most reasonable conditions in the world."