The agile Peugeot 5008 and its peppy personality will please former hot-hatch owners who now have growing families, but the oversights in ergonomics reduce its on-board user-friendliness – a critical trait for people-movers. The incomplete infotainment is another issue that plagues the Pug.
Making a compelling case for itself is the Renault Grand Scenic. Its stylish design (both inside and on the outside) and peachy ride quality easily outshine the other two contenders. Only its relative lack of roominess – also another critical trait – prevents it from making a truly persuasive argument here.
Emerging victorious, then, is the Zafira Tourer. It doesn’t have the 5008’s sporty feel or the Scenic’s good looks, but the Opel more than makes up for these shortcomings with its clever storage options and versatile interior. It is the most influential people-mover in this story.
Renault Grand Scenic 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1997cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max Power 140bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 195Nm at 3750rpm
Power to weight 92.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.4 seconds
Top Speed 190km/h
Consumption 12.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 186g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiPremiumContact
Size 205/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4573mm
Width 1845mm
Height 1645mm
Wheelbase 2770mm
Kerb Weight 1517kg
Turning Circle 11.3m
BUYING IT
Price $177,999 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Best forward visibility, cushiest ride, creamiest drivetrain
– Requires Cat B COE, confusing controls, most sedate motor
Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1362cc
Bore x stroke 72.5mm x 82.6mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Max Power 140bhp at 4900-6000rpm
Max Torque 200Nm at 1850-4900rpm
Power to weight 89.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 10.9 seconds
Top Speed 197km/h
Consumption 13.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 169g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 3
Size 225/50 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 4
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4656mm
Width 1884mm
Height 1685mm
Wheelbase 2760mm
Kerb Weight 1571kg
Turning Circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price $185,999 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Punchiest engine, best overall passenger space, most supportive seats
– Highest sticker price, fewest airbags, lowest maximum payload
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)
CO2 EMISSION 183g/km
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 HP
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 $177,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most potent engine, snappiest gearbox, estate car-like handling
– Least comfortable seats, poorest infotainment, smallest cockpit
Related story: Group Test: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso vs Renault Grand Scenic vs Peugeot 5008
Related story: Opel’s new Zafira
Related story: Peugeot 5008 review
