PEUGEOT has added more style and features to its entire SUV line-up for 2021, bringing a refreshed look and feel to the popular 2008, 3008 and 5008 range. The new look offerings bring increased technical advancements, more features and additional safety.
After being behind the wheel of all three model ranges, we can safely say it’s their best effort yet. The new design direction for the 2008, 3008 and 5008 is built on the catchphrase ‘demand to be noticed’, and we reckon they’ve nailed the brief.
A sleek French design flows from front to back, both inside and out, no matter the variant. Further expansion of the range is also on the horizon, with PHEV and full EV models set to land in Q3 this year.
This will not only grow the model range, but also provide customers with a cleaner, greener way of motoring. A factor Peugeot is focused on as it seeks to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles.
Let’s start with the baby 2008 SUV. But it’s no infant, rather it’s packed full of goodness, offering sleek design, and attitude. The 2008 adds a fresh perspective to the segment, powered by a modest 96kW engine paired to a 6-speed transmission.
Now that may not sound like a lot of power, but the French car maker is all over it, and trust us, for a small engine, the baby does know how to pack a punch.
Designed and engineered to be as much at home on city streets as it is on country roads, the 2008 delivers plenty of road presence thanks to its bold nose, sharp and muscular lines. And it feels planted and solid on the road.
Despite the launch event we attended being one of the wettest days in the history of human existence, neither variant in the two model range (Allure and GT Sport) missed its footing on the road.
The 2008 features the latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, a compact steering wheel, head-up display and a centrally-mounted colour touchscreen for the infotainment system and some vehicle settings.
The Allure has a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen, while the GT Sport scores a 10.0-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard across the range, with the GT Sport also gaining navigation.
Inside, premium materials for the seat and door trims, quality carpets and matching headlining all feature. The spacious, comfortable and well-appointed interior can also be personalised with a choice of eight customisable LED mood lighting colours.
The Allure variant features 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, gloss black roof bars, and a modular boot floor. Technological features are enhanced on the GT Sport, with a 180-degree colour reversing camera, leather upholstery, and 18-inch Onyx Black alloy wheels.
Alloy pedals and heated front seats are also standard, along with adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane positioning assist and active blind spot monitoring. Overall, the 2008 is a pretty sweet ride, especially as it’s priced from $34,990 (plus on-roads).
Our test day didn’t stop there though, and we had the chance to jump into the shiny new 3008 and 5008, which have both had the GT Sport variant added to their range (n addition to the Allure and GT).
The GT Sport scores an abundance of elegance and style courtesy of a ‘Black Pack’, comprising blacked-out trim elements and exclusive 19-inch ‘Washington’ diamond-cut alloy wheels with a unique ‘Black Mist’ finish.
The new variant also includes Nappa leather upholstery, with heated front seats and 8-way electronic adjustment and massage function for the driver, plus a pretty solid 10-speaker, 550-watt audio system from FOCAL.
The headlights, which have been redesigned on both 3008 and the larger 5008 SUV to give a more purposeful appearance, feature daytime running lights and indicators all using advanced LED technology.
For the first time, the range-topping 3008 SUV GT and GT Sport models feature their own unique grilles, with an extended lighting signature incorporating Peugeot’s new ‘Fog Mode’ function to make them stand out even more.
The ‘Fog Mode’ basically replaces conventional fog lights by integrating with the LED headlights to operate the low-beam lamps at a reduced intensity whenever the rear fog lights are activated.
At the rear of both of the larger SUVs, Peugeot’s trademark ‘three-claw’ tail lights have been updated to full LED technology and new sequential indicators provide a contemporary look.
Inside, the new 3008 and 5008 SUV pair next-generation digital i-Cockpit technology with an improved 12.3-inch digital head-up display that produces a higher contrast to improve visibility.
All models now have the Formula 1 style steering wheel that does look a little out of place, but it gives you a nice feeling under hand. One thing to note, be ready for a light steering feel across the range. You can literally drive these cars with your pinky finger.
The 3008 offers buyers the latest driving aids and safety features including adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane positioning assist.
The latest-generation automatic emergency braking system now features the additional capability of low light pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Full connectivity is assured too, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorScreen standard across both model ranges.
All variants are now fitted with two rear passenger-accessible USB sockets and, for maximum listening pleasure, the 515 watt, 10-speaker FOCAL audio system.
The 3008 adds new exterior colour choices with Celebes Blue and Vertigo Blue joining Artense Grey, Platinum Grey, Perla Nera Black, Pearl White and Ultimate Red on the colour palette.
The 5008’s exterior colour range is available in Sunset Copper, Celebes Blue, Artense Grey, Platinum Grey, Perla Nera Black, Pearl White and Ultimate Red.
Both SUV ranges are available with a choice of an efficient 1.6-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, all paired with a eight speed or six speed automatic transmission. The Allure and GT come with the 121kW/240Nm PureTech 165 powerplant and six speed.
The GT Sport scores slightly more power, sporting the PureTech 180 four banger, developing 133kW and 250Nm. It is mated with an eight-speed auto.
Both engines do need some waking up when trying to blast away from a set of lights, and the up shift at high RPM with the 8-speed was a slightly uncomfortable experience. But this could be due to the fuzzy logic learning system adapting to your driving style.
Having multiple drivers in one day could make it have a hissy fit, so when we spend a little more time in each car, we will report back if this issue has disappeared.
The GT diesel in the 3008 has a 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 four cylinder turbo developing 131kW and 400Nm and again is mated with an eight speed automatic. Peugeot has done something slightly different with line up of the 5008 though.
The 7-seater SUV is only available in a single grade, the GT, but you do get a choice of efficient petrol or diesel engines. Standard equipment includes 18-inch diamond-cut Storm Grey ‘Detroit’ alloy wheels on the GT petrol.
19-inch Matte Onyx ‘San Francisco’ alloy wheels feature on the diesel, while both get a Black Diamond roof, adaptive cruise control, full LED headlamps, Alcantara and leather-effect upholstery with copper top stitching.
Full grain Nappa leather appointed trim with grey top stitching is optional. The 5008 Peugeot SUV sports a 12.3-inch digital display screen that can be individually customised to show everything from vehicle info to navigation directions.
The central display can be configured to show the drive mode (Normal, Sport or Eco).
Both the 3008 and 5008 are fantastic family SUVs, and the latest versions really showcase the direction Peugeot is heading. The 3008 starts from $44,990 (plus on-roads), while the 5008 starts from $51,990, again plus on-roads.
The entire Peugeot range is priced well in the market, and will see competitors really sharpen their pencils to try and offer the same level of equipment, design and price points.
Our test vehicles were provided by Peugeot Australia as part of a drive day. To find out more about the 2021 Peugeot 2008, 3008 and 5008 SUV ranges, contact your local Peugeot dealer.
