KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor and custodian for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, today launched the all-new Peugeot 5008 SUV, a modern automobile that gives users the attractive combination of status, sophisticated technology, impressive practicality and driving emotions.
Although it is mechanically similar to its predecessor, Peugeot have re-branded it is a SUV, possibly because it has a few features that normally belong in a SUV, like, for example, the Sand, Mud and Snow Driving modes, plus Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC).
These would be great qualifiers; however, it must be noted that the 5008 on the launch platform is only available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, and having said that, this wouldn’t be the first ‘SUV’ that has only FWD.
The all-new Peugeot is an interesting vehicle, with many interesting features that should endear it to its users — the first being that it is a seven-seater, and the rearmost two seats can be easily removed to create more stowage space, definitely a first, for the industry.
The maximising of space is something that Peugeot is shouting about, and I must admit that they have done a pretty good job of it. Even the overall shape also backs up this notion — it is a two-box shape that really allows for the efficient use of space, notwithstanding that the engine is transversely mounted, thus freeing up more space in the front.
The seats split and fold in multiple combinations, and without a doubt this is one of the most versatile SUV’s that you are likely to find in this market.
Ladies, and men alike will appreciate the park assist systems for both front and rear, the Hill Start Assist (HSA), the 180 degrees reverse camera, and lane departure warning.
Speaking at the launch event, Yasser Awan, CEO of Nasim Sdn Bhd, said: “Impressive at first sight is the definitive design appeal of the Peugeot 5008 SUV incorporating an agile driving experience that Peugeots are known for. The 5008 truly stands out from its competitors, thanks to its versatility as an SUV and practicality of an MPV with its seven-seat configuration — combining the best of both worlds.”
Also present at the launch was Datuk Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd. “The all-new Peugeot 5008 SUV is engineered with the best features and on-board experience from the French marque, in a spacious and luxurious design. We are positive the arrival of the 5008 SUV will be the catalyst to ensure that Nasim’s sales target of 3,600 units in 2018 is achieved,” said Samson.
The overall size of the vehicle remains compact at 4,641mm long and 1,844mm wide, yet for a spacious C-segment vehicle, the Peugeot 5008 SUV — though 11cm longer than its predecessor — is still one of the most conservatively proportioned and its extra length makes it roomier for passengers.
An expressive front-end design with the Lion brand’s marque mirrors the assertive personality of its owner and pride in the brand identity. The finesse of the vehicle’s Advanced Full LED headlamps with sequential scrolling indicators give it a piercing feline gaze whether in day or night, and its striking form is accentuated by a chrome insert on the front wings that extend to the headlights, in a nod to Peugeot’s concept car — the HX1.
At the rear, the raised body line and chromed roof arc trim finishes elegantly at the quarter panel, giving off a more aerodynamic design profile that is further complemented by Peugeot’s signature three-claw LED rear lights. An extra-wide tailgate and low boot sill also hints at just how spacious the boot is.
The suave Peugeot 5008 SUV is fitted with 18-inch alloy Los Angeles wheels with two-tone diamond finish, and stainless steel roof and prominent black wheel arches lend a subtle blend of character and sophistication to the vehicle contours.
Much like its siblings the 308 and the 3008 SUV, the Peugeot 5008 SUV features the new Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) that balances between mass, strength, and functionality perfectly on all levels to yield a vehicle weighing only 1,385kg or 95 kg less than its MPV predecessor — translating to improved efficiency, fuel consumption and driving pleasure.
The interior is an invitation to take a seat and enjoy a special experience travelling in comfort, serenity, and luxury. The almost futuristic-looking Peugeot i-Cockpit puts the driver at centre stage and offers a high-end driving experience.
It has it all: An unobtrusive and completely redesigned compact steering wheel for greater character, an 8-inch Multifunction Colour touchscreen to keep all functions at hand, and a spectacular 12.3-inch high-resolution Digital
Head-Up Cluster Display that shows the speedometer, odometer, trip-computer, and others with superior graphics, elegant animations and eye-pleasing transitions from one mode to another.
Further embellishing the dashboard are central satin chrome “toggle switches” for quick access to the main passenger comfort and safety functions: audio, air-conditioning, assistance settings, telephone, apps, and hazard warning lights.
The on-board experience is also enhanced by interior details that greatly magnify perceived quality and the prestige of the passenger compartment. The new electric impulse gear control with paddle shift exemplifies the modern elegance of the interior through the meticulous selection of material like leather and chrome — embodying a masterful design with a warm soul.
Passenger comfort gets an upgrade as the 5008 SUV is equipped with seven premium leather seats for everyone on-board and now offers five different angles of inclination on the second row, in contrast to its predecessor’s option of two. This row also features three-point ISOFIX anchor points and reconfiguration options at the passenger and loading compartments to optimise knee room.
Volume and versatility continues to be evident in the 5008 SUV. The third row of two extra seats, too, can be folded down flat into the floor with the two covers of the boot floor forming a perfectly flat surface when folded down, and they can also be easily tucked away behind the third-row seats.
Peugeot engineers were inspired to take the vehicle’s clever design up a notch by making the extra seats easily removable. Their modest weight at under 11kg and a single control make them easy to extract, so users can expand boot volume when needed.
Adding further to that is a host of accessories such as sockets, boot cover, blinds, “aeroplane” trays on the back of the first row seats, hooks, cup holders and 38 litres of storage space in total (distributed throughout the passenger compartment) for a much greater on-board experience.
The 5008 SUV comes with a practical motorised smart hands-free tailgate that opens and closes shut effortlessly when activated – just with a simple gesture of placing your foot under the rear bumper.
Cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems make driving even safer with an arsenal of safety features such as 6 safety airbags, Advanced Electronic Stability Programme, a first-in-its-class Advanced Grip Control with 5 drive modes selection, Hill Assist Descent Control, Speed Limit Information, Driver Attention Alert and Lane Departure Warning.
Altogether, these neat features reinforce the 5008 SUV’s five-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Under the hood, the 5008 SUV is equipped with a 1.6 Turbo THP engine and boasts a fuel efficiency of 7.3 litres per 100 km and CO 2 emissions as low as 133g/km.
Other features include Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink connectivity, auto electric parking brake, automatic dual zone air-conditioning, reverse camera with 3 view settings, six speakers with 3D Arkamys sound staging system, driver seat lumbar and height adjustment and flexible 8-way electric driver seat with memory settings.
The ergonomic high-seating position especially gives a feeling of safety and security by increasing the visibility of the open road.
Despite only being launched at selected markets worldwide in January, the Peugeot 5008 SUV has gained global recognition and swept aside the established competition in the SUV segment to win the inaugural “SUV of the Year” at the 2018 CCT100 awards and “Best Large SUV” at the 2018 What Car? Awards.
Offered in four distinctive colours Emerald Crystal, Amazonite Grey, Nera Black and Pearlescent White, the 5008 SUV is currently on display in showrooms nationwide. The on-the-road price without insurance is RM173,888 in Peninsular Malaysia.
Parallel with Peugeot’s distinguished standards and to provide the best ownership experience for its customers, the Peugeot 5008 SUV comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, together with Nasim’s existing 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service and complimentary access to “SkyLounge by Naza” at Subang Skypark.
