Peugeot refreshes the 5008 and 3008 SUVs
The French brand modernises its SUV line-up.
Peugeot describes the 5008 as a European market leader and as such, is revitalising the SUV for 2021.
What's new?
After selling 300,000 5008s across the world, Peugeot has redesigned the exterior and added some extra goodies to add to the allure of the already sophisticated-looking model.
- New grille: Perhaps most noticeable is the incredibly intricate grille, which seems to have taken inspiration from architecture trends. It's highly unique in the automotive world. Its super modern appearance is helped by the finely gridded insert having no visible frame. Unusually, the designer has also pulled the lines of the grille out, so they continue out under the headlamps. We like it a lot! The Peugeot lion monogram sits proudly in the middle.
- Headlights: Newly redesigned headlights have "LED technology" across the range. Confusingly, the press release states that only the GT and GT Pack trims have full LED filaments. They form part of a radical sweeping line that continues along the underside of the bonnet edges. The DRLs slice down through the front bumper in a particularly dramatic fashion. It makes the car look like something from Tron. For those who live high up or in coastal areas, there's a special Foggy mode on the lights that turns down the intensity to reduce glare and help the lights cut through the mist.
- Tail-lights: The incredibly minimal rear-end features a gloss smoked black beam below the window line, which has all the lights seamlessly built into it. It's extremely orderly and pleasing.
- A selection of style packs: Peugeot's optional extras list includes the classy "Black Pack", which darkens several exterior trim pieces with gloss or satin black finishes.
- Interior updates: The passenger compartment now has a massive 12.3-inch i-Cockpit digital panel for the driver. Peugeot is using technology to boost the contrast between the graphics and the background, improving readability. Next to this pane is a high-definition, 10-inch, central touchscreen. This can be operated using switchgear that Peugeot calls "piano keys". Driving mode selection is now a standard inclusion on all 5008s. The car retains its dual-pane sunroof and multi-point massaging seats (on GT Pack models).
- Seating: You can configure the 5008 with up to seven seats. The third-row seats lift out or fold up when not in use, and the front passenger seat can handily tip forwards to make room for lengthy pieces of cargo.
https://youtu.be/0gtM8zp8QEQ
- Safety tech: As you'd expect from a large manufacturer like Peugeot, the 5008 SUV has heaps of safety tech included. Some of the more notable additions include night vision, which detects living objects up to 250 metres ahead, using infrared. It then displays the view on the virtual instrument cluster. The 5008 now also has more in-depth traffic sign recognition and a hands-on-the-wheel Lane Position Assist that works with the Adaptive Cruise Control.
- Four engines: Peugeot will install one of four different engines in the 5008. A 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol; a 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol; or one of two oilers, in either 1.5- or 2.0-litre capacities.
Pricing and specs
There are three foundation grades of the 5008; Active, Allure and GT. Then each trim has a Pack variation that adds extra equipment and passenger comforts.
Pricing will be announced soon. The 5008 is going on sale at the end of 2020 in Europe, with a Q1 2021 slated for Australia. We're hoping to get some hands-on time with one shortly.
Peugeot 3008 update
Peugeot is also giving the 5008's little sibling a once over. The 3008 model is getting the same grille design as the larger SUV and the specs seem to be mirrored.
However, the most significant difference is that the 3008 is getting a hybrid engine option. Apparently, it has an all-electric mode, with an EV-only range of up to 59km on the AWD model. There's also a 2WD hybrid in the works. According to Peugeot, the FWD has 165kW total, while the all-wheel-drive hybrid has a 147kW petrol engine, in addition to two electric motors, that generate 81 and 83kW respectively.
Non-hybrid 3008s will arrive here at the same time as the 5008, as early as Q1 2021. For the hybrid, you'll have to wait till Q2 2021.
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Picture: Supplied
