Peugeot reveals all-new people carrier

Peugeot hasn't used the '5' designation on its products since the demise of the massive 505 Family estate car, but it has been revived for the French company's new 5008 people carrier, set to go on sale in 2010.

Available in both five- and seven-seat guises, the new car builds on Peugeot's current design language with bolder surfacing and intricate light design. The 5008 also looks more like a tall estate car than a traditional MPV.

Despite appearances, Peugeot's engineers have spent a lot of time creating a highly flexible interior to rival the best people carriers on the market. All rear seats fold flat into the floor, liberating up to 2,506-litres of luggage space, while the front passenger seat also folds forward to accommodate an item up to 2.76m long.

Peugeot will offer a wealth of technology to buyers of the 5008, including a Head-Up Display and Distance Alert, the latter warning the driver that he is too close to the car in front. A comprehensive list of safety devices will be fitted as standard as Peugeot bids for a full complement of stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

At launch, the 5008 will be available with a choice of six engine-gearbox combinations. Petrol power comes from either a 120bhp 1.6-litre or a 156bhp turbocharged version of the same engine, coupled with a five- or six-speed transmission respectively. The more popular turbodiesel models will feature either a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre HDi unit with diesel particulate filters as standard. Power outputs range from 110bhp to 163bhp.

The kindest 5008 model to the plant is powered by a 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi engine. When specified with the electronically controlled six-speed gearbox, CO₂ emissions are 135g/km, while fuel economy is quoted at 54.3mpg.

Following a world debut at the Frankfurt Show in September, the 5008 goes on sale early in 2010.

Shane O' Donoghue