A new benchmark for MPVs

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Friday, June 25, 2010

PEUGEOT had really hit a nerve with the buying public with its new 3008 and 5008 MPV ranges, and, over in the UK, sales of these machines are reaching record proportions.

Demand for the 3008, which is part SUV, part MPV, with a hint of hatchback and with two-wheel drive, is 50% ahead of target, while demand for the larger, 5008 is 40% more than the target figure, and the two ranges combined 6,000 units ahead of schedule, in terms of sales.

This added demand has boosted the brand’s UK sales by 29.4% in the first four months of this year. Both the 3008 and 5008 carry the new Peugeot ‘face,’ rather than the older ‘big mouth’ grille and have opened doors to so-called ‘new conquest’ customers, who account for 75% of 3008/5008 demand, to date, this year.

These are astonishing figures, especially in a recession, and the heads at Peugeot must be delighted. not be able to contain themselves with the results they are achieving. And, If the massive UK market performance is reflected across Europe, it bodes very well for the French giant.

The 3008 was voted Irish ‘car of the year’ for 2010, and even though I don’t vote in that poll, it was a result I endorsed, as the car is indeed special, combining comfort, quality, space and practicality — and some smashing engines.

While the 3008 is listed as a ‘cross-over’ vehicle — something with which I take issue — our test car this week is the 5008, which is a conventional MPV, what with its potential, seven-seat configuration and family-oriented demeanour.

A solid, chunky exterior design clothes a very refined car — exceptionally so for the MPV segment — and one which is terribly well-specified, offering plenty of bangs for your buck.

It is fitted with a truly impressive, 1.6-litre turbodiesel, which, despite its relatively modest size, delivers an amazing amount for even the most demanding driver.

The engine, 1,560cc in size, produces 110 bhp. What is more important, though, is the 240 Nm it delivers at just 1,750 rpm, which gives you a sensational amount of punch across the rev. range, as well as delivering stellar economy.

The car will accelerate to 100 kph in just 12.9 seconds and the top speed is 183 kph. It will deliver 5.3 litres per 100 km (that’s 53.3 mpg) over the combined cycle.

This is a very flexible engine and it will surprise those who have not experienced it before, because it does not have to be flogged to get decent performance and, in fact, that performance does not at all have to be wrung from it. It delivers generously.

Ally that to ride and handling characteristics that are more car-like than many MPVs — you get suspension thump on some bad roads, but it grips well and the steering is very well-weighted.

Given the nature of family motoring, the 5008 will be required for a variety of tasks, but, on long-haul cruises, it will show itself to be a very refined cruiser.

In terms of the interior, there is a lot of standard kit — from air. con to electronic handbrake — and even the baseline SE model is very well-kitted out, while the SX version is better appointed than a Tory law lord.

The plastics are generally soft-touch and very tactile, but solidly constructed and it is worth noting, too, that as the car is a close relation of Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso, which was the top-rated car in its class in the 2009 JD Power customer satisfaction survey, it should be a reliable owning prospect, as well.

The seating is multi-adjustable — be it row one, two or three.

Sure, the level adjusting the angle of the back of the driver’s seat is a little awkward to use, but everything else is pretty user-friendly. The driver’s seat can be adjusted for height and the steering is adjustable for rake and reach, too.

The middle seats are all full-sized and they will slide and recline; they also fold away quickly to provide a massive, flat load area.

It is worth noting, too, that even with all seven seats employed, there is still room for shopping bags in the boot.

Peugeot has put a lot of thought into this car and the company has to be credited for making such a practical and useful family tool. I know the new S-Max from Ford has just been introduced, and I am looking forward to driving it in the next few weeks.

Up until now, it has been an obvious class leader in this area, but, I have to say, I will be interested to see if it has kept pace with this Peugeot, which has certainly set a new benchmark in MPV driving.