The Peugeot 5008 seven-seat MPV has been face-lifted for 2014

The 5008 gets sleeker headlights, LED daytime running lights and some chrome edging around the grille and the foglights.

The equipment updates are minimal. A new reversing camera and colour head-up display is standard on top-spec cars, plus there’s a new 17-inch alloy wheel design.

Unlike the face-lifted 3008, prices for the 5008 have been raised (by between £200 and £350) rather than reduced.

The engine options for the 5008 are unchanged.

What’s the 2014 Peugeot 5008 like to drive?

The 113bhp 1.6 diesel. Despite the engine’s relatively small capacity, it does a gone job of hauling around this seven-seat MPV, and remains refined even under hard acceleration.

In fact, whichever engine you go for, the 5008 is one of the best MPVs for long-distance touring. All the engines are hushed and smooth at motorway speed. Wind noise is kept to a minimum, and even on 18-inch alloys, there’s not too much tyre roar, either.

Ride comfort is generally good. There’s not much nausea-inducing body bounce over dips and crests and bigger bumps (such as speed humps) are also dealt with well. However, the 5008 does struggle a bit over patchy surfaces, while potholes send thumps through the cabin.

The 5008 also handles well compared to most rivals this size. There’s plenty of grip and, apart from some play around the straight-ahead, the steering is consistently weighted, giving you confidence when pressing on through fast corners.

What’s the 2014 Peugeot 5008 like inside?

Like the 3008, the 5008 has a raised central console that acts as a wraparound ‘cockpit’ for the driver. Everything is clearly labelled, although the layout of the control takes a while to get your head around.

Still, it all feels perfectly solid and there’s all the adjustment you could want in the seat and steering wheel, so it’s easy to get comfortable, although the front windscreen pillars can sometimes obstruct your view out at junctions.

MPV buyers expect a spacious, flexible and user-friendly cabin, and in these respects the 5008 impresses. The five rear seats are all individual, and those in the second row slide and fold independently. Each of the seats in the middle row also has its own Isofix points, which means that you stand a good chance of safety fitting three child seats side-by-side.

With all seven seats in action, there’s still room for a few shopping bags in the boot, and with the third row folded flat, the space expands to a generous 679 litres. That’s more than you get in the latest Citroen Grand C4 Picasso.

Folding all of the seats down requires a firm tug of a strap behind each, and leaves you with a maximum 1754 litres of space and a flat load bay.

Equipment levels are generous across the model range. Entry-level Access spec gets air conditioning, electric front windows, six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, a radio/CD player, Bluetooth and USB connections.

Active trim adds rear electric windows, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, electric folding door mirrors, and a front passenger seat that folds flat to carry longer items. It also gets 17-inch alloys in place of the standard 16s.

Sat-nav is an option on Access and Active models, but it’s standard on top-spec Allure versions. The most expensive trim also adds climate control, a panoramic sunroof, reversing camera, 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and a colour head-up display for the driver.

Heated leather seats can be added to Active and Allure models for £1570. Range-topping Allure cars can also be ordered with video screens for the second row of passengers, as well as xenon headlights and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

Should I buy one?

If you’re looking for a seven-seat MPV that’s good to drive, the Peugeot 5008 should definitely be on your shortlist.

It’s a bit more fun to drive than our 2014 MPV of the Year – the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso – but its cabin isn’t quite as spacious or classy, and it’s not as economical. The Citroen is also available with more advanced safety kit such as forward collision alert and and adaptive cruise control.

The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is a good match for the 5008 as far as driving manners go, but it has the edge over the Peugeot, thanks to its excellent new 1.6 CDTi diesel and low ownership costs.

Source: What Car?