The estate-like Wish, with its straightforward driveability, will continue to be very popular in Singapore. It is now more economical to run compared to the 2-litre version (still available), but it lacks the load-hauling capability offered by its rivals here – a trait essential to all MPVs.
The Grand Picasso has plenty of road presence, thanks to its size and futuristic design. It also offers the highest level of occupant comfort, thanks to its cossetting ride. Had it not been for its outmoded powertrain, the Picasso would have posed a more significant threat to the 5008.
Feeling more like an overgrown warm hatch than an actual MPV, the muscular Touran offers boy (and girl) racer parents driving excitement while on domestic duty. Although impressive in this regard,
it needs to be more passenger-friendly to really make a mark in the people-mover segment.
All told, it’s the 5008 that takes the cake in this contest. Although not as pliant as its Picasso cousin, less exciting to drive than the Touran and not as fuel-efficient as the Wish, the Peugeot wins this contest by balancing and integrating all of its rivals’ strengths into a handsome, wholesome package.
As a modern-day people-mover, it is outstanding.
Peugeot 5008 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 156bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1600rpm
Power to weight 101.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.7 seconds
Top Speed 195km/h
Consumption 12.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy
Size 215/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4529mm
Width 1837mm
Height 1647mm
Wheelbase 2727mm
Kerb Weight 1540kg
Turning Circle 12.3m
BUYING IT
Price $138,900 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Good engine/gearbox pairing, expansive sunroof, flexible interior
– Controls hidden behind steering, pretty poor audio quality
Volkswagen Touran Sport 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, Twincharged
Capacity 1390cc
Bore x stroke 76.5mm x 75.6mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 170bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1500-4500rpm
Power to weight 112.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
Top Speed 213km/h
Consumption 15.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response
Size 205/55 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4397mm
Width 1794mm
Height 1674mm
Wheelbase 2678mm
Kerb Weight 1510kg
Turning Circle 11.2m
BUYING IT
Price $136,300 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Powerful motor, quick-shifting transmission, quality cabin
– Lacks room in the third row, no sunroof, needs seat belt monitor
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 150bhp at 5800rpm
Max Torque 240Nm at 1400rpm
Power to weight 98bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automated manual
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.2 seconds
Top Speed 204km/h
Consumption 13.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy HP
Size 215/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4585mm
Width 1829mm
Height 1700mm
Wheelbase 2728mm
Kerb Weight 1530kg
Turning Circle 11.3m
BUYING IT
Price $124,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Avant-garde design throughout, airy cabin, smooth ride
– Slow gearbox, driving position too high, very busy dashboard
Toyota Wish 1.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1798cc
Bore x stroke 80.5mm x 88.3mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 144bhp at 6400rpm
Max Torque 176Nm at 4400rpm
Power to weight 105.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11 seconds
Top Speed 180km/h
Consumption 14.9km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type Goodyear Excellence
Size 195/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4590mm
Width 1695mm
Height 1590mm
Wheelbase 2750mm
Kerb Weight 1360kg
Turning Circle 10.6m
BUYING IT
Price $133,488 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Great fuel efficiency, responsive engine, very easy to drive
– No satellite switchgear, no air-con for rear occupants, basic brakes
