The Peugeot 5008, Continental Irish Family Car of the Year for last year (2011 ), proved to be Ireland’s best-selling compact seven-seater MPV.
Figures released from the SIMI for 2011 show 391 Peugeot 5008s were registered in 2011 to take 28 per cent of its segment, clearly ahead of its nearest competitor the Ford Grand C-Max at 299 units.
The striking people carrier from Peugeot offers drivers a raised driving position giving excellent visibility, and ergonomically positioned controls. Passengers enjoy a bright and spacious interior and easily access the third row seats from the second row with one easy movement. Third row passengers are given more legroom thanks to footwells, not usually a feature in three-row vehicles.
The 5008 has set new standards in the MPV segment for safety, offering parents more peace of mind: curtain airbags protect all three rows of passengers and three ISOFIX child seat fixtures are housed in row two. Standard safety equipment also includes ESP, ABS, ASR, electronic brake force distribution, driver/passenger airbags, automatic electric parking brake with hill assist function, and fasten seat belt warnings on all seats.
Flexibility is a key strength of the 5008. Flat-folding rear seats maximise the load area when needed and the load area of the 5008 offers a generous capacity, ranging from 758 litres to 823 litres with the third row seats folded. This capacity increases to 2506 litres with the second row seats folded away, making it one of the largest in the sector.
The 5008 is available in Ireland with a choice of two engines: a 1.6 HDi FAP 112bhp 6-speed manual and a 1.6 HDi FAP 112bhp 6-speed electronically controlled 6-speed Ecomatique, both qualifying for band B €225 annual road tax. The Eco gearbox offers a real alternative to automatic drivers faced with high road tax costs in Ireland.
Des Cannon, Peugeot sales and marketing director, told the Advertiser: “The multi-award winning Peugeot 5008, the new benchmark for compact seven-seater cars in Ireland, attracted many new customers to the Peugeot brand in 2011, looking for a stylish, economical and practical solution to family motoring. We’re delighted with this strong sales performance and look forward to further success in 2012.”
The Peugeot 5008 sells from €27,690 ex-works (plus dealer delivery related charges ).
