Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid SUV – nice Gallic flair but rather expensive
In June Peugeot released the latest edition of its 5008 SUV – the seven-seat hybrid , a stretched version of the popular 3008 hybrid – now featuring a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and 0.9kWhour battery – self charging the electric mode can operated for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation – I like three cylinder engines, but given the 5008’s weight the performance is best described as adequate – a little underwhelming at times when called on to really perform. In the high grade 5008 Premium GT hybrid I tested a visually striking SUV, very well equipped with Nappa leather seats and with great comfort levels in the Peugeot tradition. Ride and handling fine, the latter, on the sporty side with nicely weighted steering. Economy wise, I managed 6.7L/100km with mainly city driving – on the downside it also needs 95 octane premium unleaded. At $67,990 plus on-road costs the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium SUV is not inexpensive and there are other more affordable seven seat SUVs but it deserves to be on your shopping list. It lacks a spare wheel, only a tyre repair kit but apart from that a highly equipped premium SUV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid SUV – well equipped French seven-seater
Driving a relative newcomer from Peugeot – the seven-seat 5008 GT premium hybrid SUV – a very stylish SUV from the French manufacturer – a stretched version of the latest 3008-model. The Peugeot 5008 utilises a relatively small 1.2- litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and a 0.9kWhour battery – the combination producing 107kW of power. Self-charging the electric mode operates for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The GT Premium is the better equipped of the two 5008 hybrid models priced at $67,990 – a rather handsome 7- seater with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, no less than six drive modes, massaging and ventilated 10-way power front seats, a swag of driver assist features, climate control aircon to all three seat rows and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior practical and well thought out with good access to the third row and very comfortable seats. A great 21-inch curved digital instrument display but its sometimes slow to react while the odd shaped steering wheel is hard to position without blocking a lot of the instrumentation. Warranty five- years/unlimited km. Drive details next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Some car price rises seem never ending but are they sustainable
In recent times we’ve seen an onslaught of new Chinese models and what seems like a continuing reduction in prices as the competition becomes more intense. By comparison the Korean brands, once cheap and cheerful have climbed up the pricing ladder – Hyundai has just launched a new generation 8-seat Palisade family SUV in one hybrid Calligraphy grade for $89,900 – a $14,000 leap in price over the previous Calligraphy Palisade – highly equipped and finished but one wonders how much the family vehicle market will accept such massive leaps in price. I’m also driving the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 an electric seven-seat luxury SUV, also in one high spec Calligraphy grade – beautifully finished but at $119,750 one wonders if a Hyundai can carry such an exalted price – time will tell I guess but it’s not expected to be a big seller.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Another new Chinese brand about to hit the market
Another new Chinese car brand is about to hit the market – GAC Australia has confirmed its launching here with its Enzoom SUV – just one highly equipped model to start, the GAC Enzoom GL will compete with the likes of the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion in the small/medium SUV market – price around $30,000, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four cylinder with 125kW and 270Nm of torque driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic – said to return 6.6/100km economy on the combined city/cycle. Equipment: a panoramic sunroof, faux leather trim, dual zone climate control, a powered and ventilated driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless phone charging. I’ve been testing cars for 45 years and have never seen the car market more competitive with a swag of new models – but is it sustainable – only time will tell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hyundai Inster – this light and compact SUV just so impressive except for the price
Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s small electric SUV – the Inster, this captivating light five-door SUV is quick to win you over – funky appealing looks, great colours, for both paint and trim, an incredibly spacious cabin for four adults and a great drive experience to boot. Three models, standard range 327km, extended range 360km while an extended Inster Cross version gaining some extra features. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery which took 41/2 hours to charge on my 11kW home charger, on a 120kW fast charger just 30 minutes. Prices run from $39,000 to $45,000 so this is a small car with a big car price. Having said that the Hyundai Inster wins you over the more you drive it – the ladies in the house fell in love with its funkiness, its appealing interior and trim and its ease of driving and parking in a city environment. Its feels strong and solid despite its small dimensions and its extremely comfortable in both seat rows. Its appeal saw it win the 2025 World Electric Vehicle award in April, and it was a Gold winner in the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards – A very appealing light SUV – just a shame about the price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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