Review: CKD 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift – The French mistress your family would approve

Under the newly appointed distributor for Peugeot brand in Malaysia, Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAuto), one of the two SUV models leading the way of Peugeot’s revival in Malaysia is the CKD 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift. It goes against 7-seater SUV rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Mazda CX-8.

Having had the opportunity to sample the 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift, we’re bringing you our first impression of the car.

To recap, the locally-assembled (CKD) 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift is priced at RM 177,311 (with SST exemption).

One of the biggest changes would be the updated front fascia. The new frameless grille and the redesigned headlamps with fang-like DRLs bring the 5008 in line with Peugeot’s current design theme. 

At the rear, new upgraded taillights feature Peugeot’s 3D-effect claw signature with scrolling indicator lights.

Inside, changes are minimal, the most notable one being the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that keeps the interior fresh. The display is crisp with high resolution and operation is responsive. With additional screen real estate, the climate control settings are always displayed at the sides.

There’s also a wireless charging tray for Qi compatible devices. But the rest of the interior pretty much identical to before, which means its pros and cons are maintained. The overall layout, build quality, and selection of materials are among the best this segment has to offer.

Also read: Pros and Cons: Peugeot 5008 – Superbly packaged, but is it on par with a Tiguan Allspace?

However, you get a strangely-small-for-an-SUV steering wheel and you have to sit up higher than usual to get a view of the instrument cluster. This may feel unusual at first but it’s fine once used to it. Other quirks include the obstructed cruise control stalk and having to go through a sub-menu to tweak the climate settings.

On the move, it drives like before, which is rather well for a 7-seater SUV. Compared to 5-seater sibling, the 3008, it’s slightly less agile due to the longer wheelbase but the overall driving experience of the two are largely the same.

Compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the 5008 feels slightly more compact to drive. It also rides better the Tiguan Allspace with suppler suspension. Both of these European makes, however, lack Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Our brief drive with the Peugeot 5008 took us up to Genting Highlands showcased its strong low to midrange torque and responsive steering. It’s not a car you would hunt for winding roads in, but it can go around bends quite competently.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged mill that outputs 167 PS and 240 Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission is unchanged from before, which means its characteristics remain as well. In normal mode, it’s rather sedated in which the throttle respond is slightly delayed and the transmission isn’t eager to kickdown.

Sport mode will smack the powertrain awake by sharpening the throttle response, adding weight to the steering, and pumping in artificial engine noise to the cabin.

It also rides as brilliantly as before, soaking up the worst of our Klang Valley roads with aplomb while maintaining control. In terms of suspension tuning, it’s one of the better ones in its segment, striking a good balance between pliancy and control.

Another quality that’s carried over from before is refinement. We didn’t have our sound level meter with us but subjectively, it’s as quiet as before. All sources of noise are well-suppressed to give a serene driving experience.

Conclusion

The CKD 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift will continue to be a left-field choice amongst 7-seater SUV buyers. It offers stylish exterior as well as interior, plus the bonus of impressive comfort and refinement levels.

The facelift exercise hasn’t addressed any of the bugbears we had with the pre-facelift 5008, but it was a short stint. Do stay tuned when we get our hands on the Peugeot 5008 for a full in-depth review.

Also read:

Review: CKD 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift – New face enough to tempt you from CR-V?

CKD 2021 Peugeot 3008 & 5008 facelift launched in Malaysia to rival Honda CR-V, from RM 161k