Peugeot 5008 is an embodiment of absolutely new concept of a compact van. This model is the original continuer of basic values of a Peugeot brand. In a new 5008 the optimised indicators and exclusive dynamic characteristics are combined. The car equipment includes the most advanced systems of comfort and safety.

2011 Peugeot 5008

The 5008 has all bases to become the fashion-maker in the market of compact vans. Minivan Peugeot 5008 develops a brand line of models in the M1 segment. Besides a new van, the mark in this segment is represented by two models: Peugeot 508 (sedan) and Peugeot 3008 (crossover).

At the description of design of a Peugeot 5008 it's necessary to allocate especially harmonious proportions and accurately outlined silhouette.

The car differs high aerodynamic indicators — the factor and the area of front resistance are equal accordingly 0,29 and 0,77 m2. Precipitancy and high road qualities — this is main lines of Peugeot 5008.

The sensation of natural precipitancy in addition amplifies thanks to the chromeplated decorative elements of a radiator enclosure.

Thanks to an extensive glass cover the car as if is captured by a transparent belt. Such effect is reached, basically, at the expense of glass of a rear lateral wall of the body, different the unusual form and smoothly flowing in glass of a door of a baggage compartment. Besides it the panoramic glass cover of a roof creates additional space in a passenger compartment.

The type, the specific form and technology of tail lights form unique shape of a new 5008 Peugeot in which the sensation of cleanliness, reliability and the high status of the car is combined.

The organisation of a driver's place is built on absolutely original and innovative technology. The high landing typical for cars of the given segment, provides to the driver the fine review and promotes formation of reliable protection.

Founders of the car managed to improve ergonomic characteristics of a driver's place even more. It has been reached thanks to improvement of a design of seats, and also at the expense of seating of a steering wheel with a small discharge angle (almost vertically), as at Peugeot 308. Besides, the used scheme of the organisation of a driver's place provides a maximum level of comfort during driving.

On the 20th of January, 2009, 56-year-old mother-of-three Judith Evans was killed when her Peugeot 107 hit a Vauxhall Vectra in a head-on collision in Buckinghamshire, UK. The matter recently went to court where it was heard that the victim sustained multiple fractures and chest and abdominal injuries which the Thames Valley Police noticed were unusually severe given the force of impact.

Experts from Peugeot and Vehicle Safety Consultancy Ltd believe that the 107 should have provided good protection for this sort of crash, and yet this was not the case. Why?

Evans' Peugeot 107 met all EuroNCAP safety standards, with the 107 and it's Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo siblings having scored four stars in a 2005 test. It was fitted with front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters along with front and side body airbags for both driver and passenger.

The investigation suggests it may have to do with weight. Not the weight of the Vectra compared to the 107, as Peugeot has suggested, but the weight of the 107's driver.

You see, Mrs Evans weighed close to 16 stone (102 kg / 225 U.S. lbs). Meanwhile Peugeot, following European regulations, never tested the 107 with a dummy weighing more than 12 stone 14 lbs (78 kg / 172 U.S. lbs). As such, the safety features built into the 107 weren't calibrated for a heavier occupant.

The Evans's family lawyer, asked Peugeot safety expert Richard Zeitouni: "Have you tested with any dummies more than 78kg?" Mr Zeitouni, replied that Peugeot had not.

Mr Horner then asked: "So you have not tested with a weight of dummy that corresponds to 50% of the male population?"

Mr Zeitouni answered: "When we designed this car we found it was good, adequate protection for the majority of occupants. It's an official dummy, a regulation dummy."

Peter Gloyns, a mechanical engineer from Vehicle Safety Consultancy (VSC) Ltd made this comment:

"The accident raises a serious question over the stability of the response of the total restraint system for an occupant of this build and weight in an accident of this severity in which it would be hoped that good protection could be offered."

The driver of the Vectra sustained fractures in her kneecap and internal bruising, but was otherwise unharmed in the crash.

A spokesperson from Peugeot told UK daily 'The Independent' that the company had no comment to make at this stage.

We'll have more on this case as we get it.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Independent

The ongoing love affair between the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën has just become more intense as the two companies announced today their intention to further expand the cooperation to include hybrid components for front-wheel-drive vehicles by singing a memorandum of understanding. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the agreement.

In a joint statement, the two automakers said the components are to be used in front-wheel-drive vehicles with electrified drive trains with the proposed deal said to offer significant economies of scale for both partners, while also allowing them to standardize key elements for the electrification of vehicles.

"This cooperation will deliver a major contribution towards a competitive cost structure in the field of electrification. It also represents another important step on the road to sustainable mobility," said Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

"We are pleased to broaden our long-standing cooperation based on the strong relationship that exists between our two companies," added Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën. "Combining both partners' expertise in hybrid technologies will clearly create competitive advantage."

The two brands already cooperate on the development and production of a 1.6-liter engine that is used in BMW's Mini and in Peugeot and Citroen vehicles while recent reports from Germany note that there have also been talks about a cooperation on carbon fiber materials.

In February 2010, BMW and PSA agreed to develop the next generation of their jointly designed 4-cylinder petrol engine, which will also meet EU 6 requirements.

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, we saw three new mid-size sedans making their way to the halls of the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles. Two of them, the all-new Peugeot 508 and the redesigned VW Passat B7, received their world premiere, while the Kia Optima was presented for the first time in Europe.

Now, we all know you can't and you shouldn't buy a car based upon looks or preliminary specs alone. It's the whole package that counts. However, in this case, we simply want to find out which one of these new family sedans captured your attention for the right reasons.

Place your vote in the poll after the jump and be sure to have your say in the comments section.

Which mid-size sedan do you like more?

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_____________________________KIA OPTIMA____________________________

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__________________________VW PASSAT B7_________________________