Jeremy Webb reviews the Peugeot 5008 large SUV, finding it luxurious and relaxing to drive.

I received the Peugeot 5008 SUV and the press pack that came with it and browsed through the paperwork. One thing that stood out amongst the many features included with the car, was the driver’s seat massage facility. Now I know this is an article covering a road test but hey I could not turn down the chance of a massage whilst driving.

Press the massage button and the large touchscreen display, shows six options of massage. You can also adjust the intensity to suit you. Well, I worked my way through all six options, all on high.

The seats are very comfortable anyway, then add this massage facility in means you want to take the car out as often as possible.

The 5008 i-Cockpit is perfectly designed to show the driver every piece of information they will need on their journey. Easy to read and use, it links with the touchscreen display in the centre console.

8″ Touchscreen, easy to use and clear displays. It links in with i-cockpit.

Access to each option on the display is through the beautiful line of buttons which are elegant and tactile. Clearly labeled they are so easy to use. Sat Nav, is standard and links with the display in the i-cockpit, giving turn by turn notifications.

Another tactile article is the steering wheel.  It feels right, solid and reliable. On the wheel, you can change modes, the volume of media and car display.  Also answer the connected phone, allowing hands-free talking.

My car was diesel, manual with six gears. I loved driving a manual again after many weeks driving autos. It makes you more involved in the driving and in my opinion more in control, which is good.

The 5008 came in GT Line option, with the BlueHDi 150 engine returning 67.3 mpg on Extra Urban, which is very good for a large SUV. Maximum speed is 129 mph so it can push you along rapidly when you want, and can.

Peugeot has put lots of technology into the 5008, as standard. My car came with many extras on it, boosting the price to £31, 810 but it is top of the line. The Active model comes in at  £25k, very competitive in the SUV market.

The model I got did not come with the Peugeot Drive Modes, I had on the 3008 I reviewed. This is a great feature controlling the traction on different surfaces, according to what you dial in. Regardless of this function not being available, I took the 5008 off road for a short drive on some trails. It handled muddy surfaces and bumps very well and I was impressed. Peugeot may not be with me, as the car was returned very dirty.

Back to the technology, in this model. Active Blind Spot Detection warns you if anything approaches the car from behind, outside of your normal view from the door mirrors. Orange warning lights flash in the mirrors.

Intelligent autonomous braking through the car’s Automatic Emergency Braking System is designed to avoid collisions. It monitors the road ahead and aids the driver with notification and application of the brakes if the driver fails to respond.

In the display, the driver benefits from seeing Speed limits for the road they are on. In real time.

The symbol for lane departure warning showing. Speed limit recognition clearly displayed beneath the speed indicator.

Lane keeping Assistance and  Lane Departure warning are two safety functions built into the car. When the lane keeping assistance is active, the steering will be slightly adjusted to correct the car’s direction, if the driver fails to visually and audibly respond to the alerts, from the lane departure warning. If you start to make a move to change lanes without indicating then the warning also sounds.

Peugeot Smartbeam Assistance monitors the conditions ahead and adjusts the headlights for you. If it feels full beam is needed then it will apply it.

The 5008 connects to your phone via Bluetooth and you can mirror your phones apps etc. It also comes with a smart charging plate so you can place your phone on the plate and it will charge. No leads needed.

As standard on new vehicles, a reversing camera is fitted and the touchscreen becomes a monitor to see what is behind you.

This car has a large boot for five passengers and their luggage, but the rear can quickly be changed to add two extra seats. The procedure is so simple with just a pull on tethers, the seats pop up. It is also just as quick to return the seats to a flat position and the boot becomes a cargo space again.

I really enjoyed my week driving the Peugeot 5008 GT line. it proved very versatile on the tasks I had to do during the week. from taking nephews to cricket, waste to the tip and fitting in some trail driving just for fun. That is what driving should be about every so often, and this car allows for that. It handles and performs well for a large SUV. Space is good for passengers and luggage, and you have the practicality of quickly changing it to a six or seven-seater. The interior feels luxurious and looks it. It has good MPG and is full of technology which helps to keep all inside safe, also entertained.  It has to be a contender if you are in the market for a large SUV.