2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Europa League draw revealed with Man Utd handed trickier tie than Tottenham but both sides on track to meet in final
MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have learned their fate in the Europa League knockout phase draw.
The two English sides finished inside the top eight of the Europa League league phase and avoided playing two extra play-off fixtures.
AFPMan Utd have learned they will play Real Sociedad in the Europa League[/caption]
AlamyMeanwhile, Spurs will face AZ Alkmaar[/caption]
ReutersThe two teams are on course to meet in the final in Spain after being put on opposite sides of the draw[/caption]
However, it has now been revealed Man Utd will face Real Sociedad while Spurs will take on AZ Alkmaar in the last 16.
Prior to the draw it was known that the two sides – who finished third and fourth in the league phase – would face one of AZ or Real in the first knockout round.
With both sides way off the pace in the Premier League they know their best chance of playing in Europe next season could be to win the Europa League this season.
However, being on opposing sides of the draw, it could come down to a winner-takes-all final.
Tottenham have beaten United three times out of three in all competitions already this season.
But the Red Devils are remarkably the only team in either the Europa League or Champions League who remain unbeaten this season on the continent this season.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on KSI dating history: Who has the YouTuber dated?
KSI is a global megastar who rose to fame thanks to his career as a YouTuber.
With millions of subscribers across social media, it comes as no surprise that fans of KSI want to know more about his life, including who he is dating – here’s all you need to know.
KSI is a global megastarRex
KSI dating history
KSI has previously stated that he prefers to keep his personal life private, therefore, as of 2025, there is no recent information regarding his dating life.
In 2023, the star told Good Morning Britain: ”For me, I keep my private things very, very private.
”I have a girlfriend and she’s very private, we keep things quiet.”
That same year, he also revealed that he had got back with his girlfriend after splitting up in 2021.
Although the YouTuber-turned-boxer prefers to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, he has previously shared a rare glimpse into life with his girlfriend.
Ahead of his fight with Tommy Fury in 2023, he told SunSport: ”My girlfriend is s***ing herself! She’s very, very nervous.
”But I keep telling her or reminding her, ‘Remember the spar?’ She came to see me spar a few weeks back against this top, top pro.
”She’s like, ‘I know, I know but it’s still Tommy Fury.’ I was like, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie and KSI have worked on music togetherRex
Rumours emerged that KSI and singer Anne-Marie were dating after working on songs together.
Some fans thought that she could be the secret girlfriend.
But the pair soon put this rumour to bed as KSI confirmed in a YouTube video that they weren’t an item.
Seana Cuthbert
YouTubeThe pair split in 2014[/caption]
KSI was open about his previous relationship with Seana Cuthbert.
The pair reportedly dated since high school but called it quits back in 2014.
Seana appeared in multiple YouTube videos alongside her then-boyfriend while he first rose to fame.
Following their split, she said: ”We were very young when we first met. I met JJ (KSI) when I was 17, he lived in London, I lived in Newcastle so it was long distance.
“He was also really busy with his YouTube, he didn’t have time for a relationship and he wanted to go out and enjoy himself.
”I have moved on, he’s moved on.”
Future goals
As of 2025, KSI does not yet have any children.
However, the star has spoken about wanting to become a dad in the future.
He told the Daily Star: “This might be a bit soppy but I would like to be a dad, I want to see how good of a dad I can be.
“I’d try to be that good role model and make sure I always tell them that nothing is ever easy, you have to work hard to get where you want.
“He or she can talk to me about anything, relationships, sexuality, anything.
”I just want to be a dad, that would be really sick. That is a big goal for me.”
Net worth
As of February 2025, it’s thought KSI has an estimated net worth of $100M (just less than £80 million).
The star has multiple ways of making money as well as YouTube.
KSI is able to gain an income from his music career as well as influencing and boxing – but that’s not the only sport the star enjoys.
In February 2025, he participated in “Match for Hope 2025” – a charity football event hosted in Doha, Qatar.
During the match, KSI was brutally mocked after scoring an own goal while attempting to cut out a cross from fellow streaming stariShowSpeed.
KSI is also one of the creators of the hugely popular Prime drink.
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2: Every skin, item and location added in the latest update
FORTNITE’S Chapter 6 Season 2 update has dropped with new features like fresh activities and weapons for gamers.
The season went live on February 21, 2025, and will run until May 2, 2025.
Epic GamesFortnite has released Chapter 6 Season 2[/caption]
The new update is called LawlessEpic GamesEpic GamesThis season went live on February 21, 2025[/caption]
What is Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2?
This update is called Lawless and it is crime-themed.
It will include a Crime City which has a Hostile Hotel, the Launder Mat, and the Wise Guys Bookstore.
The three other new locations are Lonewolf Lair, Shiny Shafts, and Outlaw Oasis.
Which new skins are available on Chapter 6 Season 2?
There are seven Battle Pass skins available in this update.
Gamers will be able to choose from a range of anti-heroes for this crime-themed update.
The new characters are Cassidy Quinn, Joss, Fletcher Kane, Valentina, Big Dill, Keisha Cross, and Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero.
Which new weapons are available on Chapter 6 Season 2?
The arms in this update are made for heists and urban warfare.
Some of these will include a Thermite, which can be used to crack a vault, and a Plasma Burst laser, which can help remove weaker points before a Thermite is used.
Lots of new shotguns will also be available in this update.
Other weapons will include The Kneecapper, a Rocket Drill, and Sub-Zero’s Kombat Kit.
One of these will include the Pump & Dump, which is a dual-wielding gun.
The other guns are the Falcon Eye Sniper, the Collateral Damage Assault Rifle and the Outlaw Shotgun.
Which new utilities are available in Chapter 6 Season 2?
Fortnite players will also have new gadgets to use too.
These include the Pulse Scanner, which will help pin enemies, and a Gold Splash, which gives a nearby player a Gold Rush ability.
Other new utility items are a Med-Mist Grenade and a Port-A-Cover.
Who are the bosses in Chapter 6 Season 2?
Fletcher Kane, the wolfman, is the final boss in this update.
Epic Games suggested this boss might show up during heists.
Gamers will know if they have beaten Kane because it will drop it’s Mythic Double Down Pistol and the Unstoppable Medallion.
How can I get Chapter 6 Season 2?
The new chapter was released on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
The Fortnite server has been experiencing planned outages ahead of the new update.
Players should make sure they have enough space on their hard drive for Season 2.
Epic GamesSeven new Battle Skins are available[/caption]
Epic GamesThis season will run until May 2, 2025[/caption]
GettyJosh Padley is set to fight Shakur Stevenson for a world title on Saturday[/caption]
Josh PadleyPadley was initially due to work over the weekend[/caption]
He was living with his nan at the time, while renovating his new home, when a phone call on a run to the local dump changed his life forever.
But he’s topped that Herculean effort by taking on a tougher opponent, with three days notice, 4,000miles from his new home
He jetted into Riyadh on Wednesday – for a crack at America’s pound-for-pound superstar, three-weight king and reigning WBC lightweight boss Shakur Stevenson – with a matter of hours to prepare.
The fearless electrician took the call, made the check weight, booked his flight and is now looking for his very own Buster Douglas moment – with his 16-1 odds criminally low for a longshot that would stun boxing for centuries.
He explained: “I was scheduled to work all week and then, at the weekend, I would have been doing little bits and pieces around the house.
“The work there is still ongoing but we’re in there now and living there. Upstairs is a bit of a building site but we’re in there.
“Nan is missing me, she keeps ringing to ask why I haven’t been around as much.
“As soon as the call came in, late on Tuesday night, we got on the phone to my nutritionist, to make sure we can do the weight safely.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“We made the check weight at 1pm and set off for Manchester airport at 1.30pm, the flights weren’t even booked until the check weight was done.
“I texted my boss – because I had two jobs booked in for Wednesday -he rang me and I said ‘it’s happened again mate!’
“My friend, who I work with, is also on a plane to Riyadh so there are two of us not at work.
“Our gaffer wasn’t best pleased but he’s a boxing fan and said if it was my best mate I’d be going as well.”
Making the 9st 9lbs limit in a flash is a tough enough task on its own.
But the luxury flight the Donny ace was rushed onto made the weight cut even harder.
“I flew business class,” he grinned. “A recliner seat and stuff like that, never done it before.
“But the worst thing is, with the strict weight cut, they handed us a nice menu and everyone’s ordering from it.
“All the drinks came over but I couldn’t have any. Everyone was asking why I was refusing it all.
“Everyone else around me was ordering nice food but I had my bottle of water and two yoghurts.”
Douglas was a 42-1 underdog when he flew to Tokyo to stun Mike Tyson in 1990.
The shock remains the benchmark for any sporting upset and Padley has no problem being the rank underdog in a two-horse race.
“It’s a big task at hand,” the working-class hero said. “A three-weight world champion on three days’ notice.
“But I have totally dedicated myself to it for 15 years – even with a full-time job.
“It would be unreal, it would be talked about worldwide for years.”
But when would he be back on site – if he does the impossible?
He signed off: “My return-to-work date is undetermined at the minute!”
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on ‘How low can you go’, people fume as 4 pieces of lifesaving equipment in busy Irish seaside town ‘intentionally damaged’
GARDAI are appealing for information after four pieces of lifesaving equipment in a busy seaside town were “intentionally damaged”.
The orange lifebuoys were purposefully targeted in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford just days ago.
WexfordgardastationThe safety items were deliberately targeted[/caption]
The round orange lifebuoys, also known as life rings, are stationed near bodies of water all over the country in case of emergency.
They are used to keep people afloat and prevent drowning if they fall in the water.
It means that members of the public can help those struggling while they wait for a rescue team.
Stealing or damaging the life saving equipment is a criminal offence.
It means that people in need of help may not get it due to the faulty or missing equipment.
Emergency servies commonly use the saying “a stolen buoy, a stolen life”.
Taking to social media, Gardai urged anyone who may have any images or information to get in touch with Enniscorthy Garda Station.
Posting on Facebook, they said: “A stolen ring buoy, a stolen life.
“Gardai are seeking information regarding the intentional damage to four pieces of lifesaving equipment at the Promenade in Enniscorthy, which was reported yesterday, 18th of February.
“Anyone who may have witnessed or who has images of those involved, is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 924 2580.
“Interference, damage or theft of a ring buoy or other lifesaving equipment is a criminal offence.
“It also hampers the rescue of someone who enters the water.”
‘TERRIBLE THING TO DO’
Shocked members of the community took to the comments to condemn the actions of those responsible.
One person said: “Shame on them.”
Another commented: “Only low life scum would mess with them.”
Another added: “My god how low can you go?
“This safety device, a ring buoy would safe a person’s life. Terrible thing to do.”
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Popular pizza chain to open new Scots restaurant with ‘40% bigger slices’ than rivals
A POPULAR pizza chain is to open a Scots restaurant with “40% bigger slices” than its rivals.
Renowned independent brand Boss Pizza is to launch a new store at 263-268 Gallowgate in Glasgow.
Boss PizzaRenowned independent brand Boss Pizza is to launch a new store[/caption]
The brand was established to meet the growing demand for fresh dough pizzas.
The chain advertises pizzas which are “40% bigger and 50% more affordable” than those of competing outlets.
A statement on its website reads: “All our pizzas are made with quality ingredients and hand-crafted to give mouth-watering results.
“We knead the dough for 27 minutes then prove for two days to create the perfect fluffy dough with a golden crust. Add your choice from three special sauces and finish with your favourite toppings.”
Boss Pizza already has branches in Hamilton, Larkhall, Coatbridge, Clydebank and Dumbarton.
The chain plans to open five stores by late spring and 15 stores by the end of the year.
Ajmal Mushtaq, CEO of Boss Pizza, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of our latest store.
“Every community we join plays a huge role in our success, and we’re committed to giving back and becoming a valued part of the community.
“We look forward to showcasing what has made Boss Pizza so popular to the people of Glasgow.”
Meanwhile, LeopardoPizza, based at Glasgow Fortshoppingcentre, is to open a new location on the corner of West Nile Street and West George Street.
The pizzeria will offer “leopard-spotted” crusted Neo-Neapolitans, cooked in specialised Italian wood-burning ovens.
Bosses of Sugo and Paesano have also revealed several new Scottish venues are set to openunder major expansion plans.
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Who is Luigi Mangione? Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder
LUIGI Mangione emerged as the primary suspect in the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania five days after the assassination in New York City on December 4, 2024, and will appear in court on February 21, 2025.
The Mega AgencyLuigi Mangione has been arrested in connection with the murder of Brian Thompson[/caption]
ReutersHe was apprehended five days after the assassination in New York City[/caption]
ReutersLuigi Mangione in Manhattan Supreme Court for his arraignment hearing on December 23, 2024[/caption]
The Mega AgencyMangione attended a $40,000-a-year Baltimore prep school[/caption]
Who is Luigi Mangione?
Luigi Mangione, 26, was born and raised in Maryland, with his last known residence in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He attended the Gilman School, an elite $40,000-a-year Baltimore prep school, graduating as valedictorian in 2016.
One former student from the Gilman School told The U.S. Sun Mangione was “popular” and had a “big circle of friends.”
The former student, who asked not to be identified, said: “We went to the same school but didn’t really have the same friends. I’m really shocked by this whole thing.
“I think he played soccer, it was an all-boys school, so being a good athlete got you social currency for sure.”
They added: “It’s not uncommon that people have their gripes with CEOs, especially with CEOs of healthcare in this country, but to assassinate someone?”
“That sounds very, very insane to me. The world is a crazy a** place.”
In 2020, Mangione graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer, and Information Science, per his LinkedIn profile.
Mangione was actively involved in campus life, reportedly working as a teaching assistant and founding a video game development club.
He also served as a head counselor for a pre-collegiate studies program at Stanford University during the summer of 2019.
The suspect’s great-grandfather, Nicholas Mangione, was a first-generation American who built a real estate empire in Maryland and owned the Turf Valley Resort, Hayfields Country Club and the WCBM-AM radio station. He also founded the Lorien Health Services nursing home.
Mangione is the cousin of Republican Maryland House of Delegates member Nino Mangione.
Magione will appear in front of a judge again on 21 February, 2025, for a hearing at a state court in Manhattan.
The 26-year-old’s legal team are expected to provide updates on the status of his case.
Judge Gregory Carro could set deadlines for pretrial paperwork or even set a trial date.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism.
The 26-year-old has been held at a jail in Brooklyn, New York City, and also faces federal charges that could carry the death penalty, if he is found guilty.
InstagramLouis Mangione with his wife Kathleen and their three children, including Luigi Mangione[/caption]
EPAThe McDonald’s restaurant where Altoona police officers arrested Luigi Mangione[/caption]
Profession
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mangione was a data engineer at TrueCar, an online platform for buying and selling vehicles.
However, a spokesperson for TrueCar told The U.S. Sun: “While we generally don’t comment on personnel matters, we can confirm that Luigi Mangione has not been an employee of our company since 2023.”
Prior to this role, he interned as a programmer at Fixarixis, a video game company.
Shooting
On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel in Manhattan, New York.
We don’t think that there’s any specific threat to other people mentioned in that document, but it does seem he has some ill will toward corporate America
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny
The attack appeared to be premeditated, with the gunman seemingly waiting for Thompson before shooting him in the chest.
The execution was caught on surveillance, and the suspect was seen escaping toward Central Park on a bike, sparking a citywide search for the assassin.
Arrest
Following an extensive week-long search, Mangione was apprehended on December 9, 2024, at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
A McDonald’s employee called the cops on the suspect, who was “sitting there eating,” New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at a press conference on Monday, December 9.
Upon his arrest, Mangione was found in possession of several incriminating items:
A 9mm ghost gun with a silencer, consistent with the weapon used in Thompson’s murder
Multiple counterfeit identification cards, including a fake New Jersey ID matching the one used to check into a Manhattan hostel prior to the shooting
A three-page handwritten manifesto expressing frustrations with the US healthcare system
Initially charged with firearms offenses in Pennsylvania, Mangione was later charged with murder in New York City.
Possible motives
While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities have noted that Mangione’s handwritten document revealed his “motivation and mindset”.
Chief of Detectives Kenny said: “We don’t think that there’s any specific threat to other people mentioned in that document, but it does seem he has some ill will toward corporate America.”
APLuigi Mangione was escorted by police in New York City on December 19, 2024[/caption]
APA fundraiser has been set up to help pay his legal fees[/caption]
Is there a Luigi Mangione fundraiser?
A legal defense fund was set up for the suspected CEO assassin and it raised over $500,000, as of February 2025.
The fundraiser, understood to have been set up by a group of anonymous people, reads: “This is a preemptive legal fundraiser for the suspect allegedly involved in the shooting of the United Healthcare CEO”.
In a bizarre turn it said: “We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right of fair legal representation.
“All proceeds will be sent directly to Luigi or, if he chooses to reject the funds, they will instead be donated to legal funds for other U.S political prisoners.
“Luigi’s mailing address has been made available, and we are writing to him to open a line of communication. In future letters, we will send printouts of selected comments from this fundraising page.”
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy new ‘light-weight’ packing cubes with ‘eclectic’ pattern in three sizes
WITH holiday season on the horizon, many shoppers are rushing to pick up some essentials.
From new clothes to wear abroad or handy packing solutions, Dunnes Stores is selling it all.
DUNNES STORESThe Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic Packing Cubes cost just €12[/caption]
DUNNES STORESThere are three sizes available[/caption]
Travel fans swear by the use of packing cubes, which help you save space and therefore pack more.
They are also handy for separating items by type, person or colour.
And the storage solution is perfect for organising your suitcase, as opposed to just throwing items in.
Now, Dunnes Stores is selling the perfect pack and they are a bargain.
The Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic Packing Cubes cost just €12, offers luxurious storage solutions on a budget.
For €12 you get three sizes in the pack – each with a lovely design on them.
They come in Carolyn’s trademark shades of green and pink, and feature stunning floral patterns and zip pockets.
You can choose from sizes small, medium and large.
In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, bosses wrote: “Designed to keep your luggage neat and tidy, these packing cubes from Carolyn Donnelly help to separate your travel necessities.
“In a handy pack of three, each one is designed with a classic Eclectic pattern.
“Made from a soft cotton, they offer a lightweight yet durable storage solution.
“Brought to you by Irish designer Carolyn Donnelly, exclusively for Dunnes Stores”.
Packing cubes are game-changers when it comes to organising your clothes while travelling.
These cubes have compartments that help you neatly pack and separate your clothes in your luggage.
You can use them to categorise your clothes by colour, outfits or even by family member if you’re sharing a suitcase this summer.
They also help prevent wrinkles and save space in your luggage while travelling.
The fashion giant as also dropped a pair of flight socks for just €5.
The travel and compression socks, in size 4-8, come in black or natural tan.
Dunnes Stores chiefs said: “Designed to revitalise tired, aching legs and assist blood flow during long periods of sitting and standing, this set of travel socks will relieve frequent flyers of pain and discomfort.”
All travel items are available online and in stores across the country.
Why police were called to first Dunnes Stores opening
BETWEEN the weekly food shops and bargain fashion - Dunnes Stores is a staple retailer in Irish households.
But this wasn’t always the case, and when the initial branch of the shop opened its doors in 1944 it caused quite the stir
On March 31 of the year, Ben Dunne opened the first ever Dunnes Stores on St Patrick’s Street in Co Cork.
Locals quickly learned of the grand opening and flooded into the store in what the retailer’s archives recall as a “shopping frenzy.”
The bargain clothing on sale inside the new store at “pre-war prices” was one of the factors cited for the buzz.
During the chaos a window was forced in and Gardai were called to the scene.
Cops worked to deal with the eager crowds and keep shoppers calm and safe before they made it into the store for their first Dunnes experience.
Fast forward some 80 years, the business now employs over 18,000 people and although an opening of a Dunnes branch hasn’t caused quite as much stir since the very first one, it has cemented its place as one of the nation’s leading retailers.
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on ‘We’re deeply sorry’ – Huge high street fashion chain to close Irish stores IMMEDIATELY as full locations list revealed
POPULAR fashion retailer Quiz has announced its closure of Irish stores – after it fell into insolvency.
Quiz Clothing has shut almost two dozen shops, with closures affecting locations in Ireland, England and Scotland.
Quiz clothing will shut stores in Dublin, Kildare, Athlone and EnniskillenLinkedIn
Some 191 employees have been made redundant following the immediate store closures.
Irish closures include shops at The Square Tallaght, Dublin, Athlone Town Centre shopping centre, Newbridge, Whitewater shopping centre in Kildare, Erneside shopping centre in Enniskillen and Richmond shopping centre in Derry.
Chief Executive of Quiz, Sheraz Ramzan, said: “The Board took the difficult decision to appoint administrators to Zandra Retail Limited in light of the continuing challenging trading conditions impacting the Group’s performance.
“We are deeply sorry to those affected by the store closures, including our retail colleagues.
“However, this decision will put the business in a more sustainable footing for the future and protect several hundred jobs as a result.”
The fashion giant, who offers catwalk style looks at affordable prices, has appointed insolvency practitioner Teneo to manage its collapse.
Joint administrator at Teneo, Gavin Maher, said: “Although the sale has resulted in the transfer of a number of jobs, it has been necessary to make redundancies.
“We appreciate that this is a difficult and uncertain time for all involved and are communicating appropriately with all employees, customers and stakeholders.”
Despite the closures and job losses, Orion Retail has brought the Quiz brand out of administration.
Bosses said Quiz will continue its stores in Newry and concessions at shops in Carlow, Mullingar, Portlaoise, and Drogheda.
The retailer has faced difficulties for some time noting in December that there was a “significant reduction in revenues.”
The business has already gone through one restructuring in 2020 after going in to administration and renegotiated its rents as lock downs damaged retailers.
Quiz Clothing’s value has plummeted by 50 per cent since the beginning of December 2024.
It comes as New Look announced that it will exit the country, with the loss of 347 jobs.
New Look Retailers Ltd sought to have provisional liquidators appointed yesterday.
The High Court approved that Shane McCarthy and Cormac O’Connor of KPMG Ireland be appointed as Provisional Liquidators over the business and its assets.
It is now set to wind down its operations in Ireland after years of losses and challenging market conditions.
Full list of closed stores
HERE is the full list of shops which have now shut their doors:
Athlone, Athlone Town Centre shopping centre
Brighton, Churchill Square
Bristol, Cribbs Causeway
Derry, Richmond shopping centre
Doncaster, Frenchgate centre
Dundee, Overgate
Enniskillen, Erneside shopping centre
Exeter, Princeshay shopping centre
Falkirk, Howgate centre
Fareham, Whitley shopping centre
Glasgow, Forge shopping centre
Grimsby, Freshney Place
Liverpool, South John Street
Maidstone, Fremlin Walk
Milton Keynes, Silbury Arcade
Motherwell, Brandon Parade South
Newbridge, Whitewater shopping centre,
Peterborough, Queensgate shopping centre
Preston, Friargate Walk
Southampton, Westquay Shopping Parade
Swansea, Queens Arcade
Tallaght, The Square
Telford, Telford shopping centre
Quiz clothing has faced difficulties for some timeLinkedInSome stores in England and Scotland have also closedGetty
2 days agoworld NewsComments Off on You can have it large in the new, seven-seater, Peugeot 5008 SUV
ANOTHER week and I’m attending another launch of another new SUV.
This time it was the turn of the Peugeot 5008, an updated version of the popular seven-seater SUV that’s now bigger, better and loaded with tech.
Again, the launch started from Gowan Auto in Dublin and we headed north to Newry this time, staying in the stunning surrounding of Killeavy Castle Estate.
As mentioned earlier, the new 5008 has grown in size and is now 2,900mm in length — 161mm longer than before so more space inside for all seven occupants.
THE WINDS OF CHANGE: The new fully-electric Peugeot E-5008 pictured with an electricity-producing wind turbine in the backgroundDarren Liggett
The second row of seats is now adjustable, sliding back and forth 150mm, and they can be reclined as well, while Peugeot have made it easier to access the two seats in the back.
With the third row in use, the 5008’s boot is still a decent 348 litres.
Drop them down for a substantial 916 litres, and fold the second row and you have a van-like 2,232 litres of load-lugging room at your disposal.
Customers can choose between a hybrid powertrain or a fully-electric version and both have the same starting price of €50,995.
The hybrid is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and a self-charging 48V hybrid system with a combined output of 136bhp.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox and in urban conditions the hybrid can run on electric power 50 per cent of the time and has a 40mpg fuel consumption.
During the launch it was the fully-electric E-5008 that I put to the test, and not only can you have it large with the ample room and seating for seven.
You can also have it large thanks to its range as the new E-5008 can cover up to 502km on a single charge.
READY FOR LAUNCH: A small selection of the new Peugeot 5008s lined up for the SUV’s Irish launchDarren Liggett
Key Facts:
Peugeot E-5008
Cost: From €50,995 (From £48,650 in the UK) Engine: 157kW electric motors, front-wheel drive Power: 210bhp Torque: 345Nm Battery: 73kWh lithium-ion 0-100kph: 9.7 seconds Top Speed: 170kph (106mph) Range: Up to 502km (312mile) Rivals: Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sorento, Opel Frontera, Mercedes-Benz GLB
EYE OF THE TIGER: New 5008 features Pixel LED headlights and Peugeot’s signature three-claw LED daytime running lightsDarren Liggett
It’s powered by a 73kWh battery and its 157kW electric motor produces 210hp and 345Nm of instant torque so it’s good for 0-100kph in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 170kph.
The E-5008 is heavy, thanks to its big battery and seven seats, so it tips the scales at 2,218kg and that’s before you load it with passengers or any luggage.
It does a good job of trying to hide its girth, but push it too hard and its lardy make-up will be all too apparent.
So leave the spirited driving for something more sporty like a Peugeot 508 PSE.
But in normal driving conditions it’s very comfortable and, being an EV, it’s smooth and quiet with decent grip for a FWD SUV.
BOOT SIZE: 348 litres if you’re using the third row of seats and 2,232 litres with all seats downDarren LiggettTWICE AS NICE: Peugeot’s advanced Panoramic i-Cockpit consists of a 21-inch, dual, curved digital displayDarren Liggett
Thanks to 160kW DC fast charging the E-5008 can go from 20-80 per cent in just 30 minutes and using a 7kW wallbox will take around eight hours for full charge.
And a new long-range 98kWh battery model with a range up to 668km will join the line-up later this year.
Although your driving style and cold weather can have a big impact on your range, so I’ll report back with a real-world figure when I have the E-5008 home for a week of testing.
There are two trim levels on offer, Allure and GT, and both are fully loaded featuring Peugeot’s new advanced Panoramic i-Cockpit that consists of a 21-inch dual curved digital display that combines a raised head-up display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Allure includes adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, wireless phone charging, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, 19-inch alloy wheels and embossed fabric and leather-effect trim, although heated seats are an optional extra.
GT trim then adds a black diamond roof, Pixel LED headlights, 3D LED rear lights, hands-free smart electric tailgate, ambient interior lighting, heated seats and heated steering wheel.