Family road test of the Peugeot 2008 and 5008 SUV 2021 models
The Peugeot 2008 and 5008 have ample je ne sais quoi and are using that flair and unique appeal to boost their market presence.
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Debate surrounding public versus private schools is always heated.
How great the educational divide between the pair can be seen in the data, but the learning experience and environment can be poles apart.
It’s a similar decision when choosing a car. Prestige compared to mainstream … many don’t see the value in the luxury marques whereas others wouldn’t dare consider anything else.
Getting into a Peugeot nowadays means going up-market. Prices have risen, but so have the standards.
The French marque has a strong contingent of SUVs in its portfolio, among them are the large 5008 and small 2008. Our family tested the bookends of Peugeot’s high-riding wagons.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
GRANT: Nearly 20 years ago, I remember seeing the Peugeot badge on a convertible in the work carpark and wondered how a colleague managed to secure a far better salary than myself. The brand has faced some struggles since then, but now it seems the business plan is clear – chase those with an eye for something different and deep pockets.
KEL: Growing up in regional areas we never saw too many European cars, but that has certainly changed in recent times. Peugeot has also transformed, and I like what they’ve done.
GRANT: There’s a new lion badge and distinctive family look. While we first saw the change of direction on the 5008 back in 2018, all these new models have distinctive grilles with the model name on the bonnet tip.
KEL: Strong similarities are evident in this pair, with the 2008 the smallest of the family that’s of similar size to a Mazda CX-30 or a Hyundai Kona, while the bigger 5008 is competing with a Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan or Mazda CX-5.
GRANT: If you ask Peugeot and take a look at the starting prices they are pushing towards the premium brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, with the 2008 GT starting from just below $43,000 drive-away, while the 5008 GT costs more than $56k in your driveway.
KEL: Some people might take some convincing to buy a Peugeot over some of the big German brands, but both of these models certainly look exclusive and a step above your standard SUV.
THE LIVING SPACE
GRANT: Peugeot has maintained its own interior style over the years and the i-Cockpit dash with the compact sports steering wheel divides opinion.
KEL: I really like the setup, because I’m shorter I like the smaller steering wheel and the design. It really feels like a level above most other SUVs.
GRANT: Both these models follow a similar design, although the 2008 is an all-new variant and it has a slightly groovier 3D design for the driver’s instrument panel.
KEL: All this is standard? That’s not bad for a mid-spec model, even considering the pricing.
GRANT: The features list is pretty strong. Other good gear is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, aluminium pedals and wireless phone charging.
KEL: The 5008 had awesome leather seats, with the front ones heated and even a massage function for the driver.
GRANT: Leather trim along with the massage ability isn’t standard, in the 2008 it’s an extra $2690 and for the 5008 the premium is $3590. Those desperate for a sunroof will also be slugged another $1990.
KEL: I’d probably expect that to be standard … but I’d pay the premium.
GRANT: Those piano-style keys underneath the 10-inch touchscreen are brilliant in the 5008, I love the look and feel. They are different in the 2008, offering similar options, yet not as classy.
KEL: They do look cool, but moving up and down between the screen and buttons can be frustrating. I’d be happy with a plain old dial for things like the aircon.
THE COMMUTE
GRANT: While they are called GTs, the performance doesn’t inspire stripes.
KEL: Both were fine in traffic and easy to drive, although getting away from the lights never felt rapid.
GRANT: The 2008 has a distinctive three-cylinder sound. But you’re spot-on, neither will be bothering quarter-mile record holders even though they are turbocharged … the 0-100kmh time is 9.3 seconds for the small SUV while the 5008 is more than 10 seconds.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Parking is simple, the steering is light and I had no issues.
GRANT: Boot space is reasonable in both offerings. For a small SUV, the 2008 offers impressive space with capacity to also drop the rear seats. The 5008 is a seven-seater, but those two chairs can be removed for a bolstered load area.
KEL: While the 5008 had 360-degree cameras, there was a strange grey and black box area surrounding the car in the touchscreen view when you first start the car.
GRANT: We’ve seen this quirk before on other Peugeots, and it strangely doesn’t start streaming from the cameras until you begin moving.
SUNDAY RUN
KEL: I liked the ride quality, they feel confident on the road although the 2008 had drive options for snow, sand and mud. That sounds ambitious.
GRANT: Absolutely, these are primarily metro cruisers with front-wheel drive. There is a sport mode in the 5008 as well, along with steering wheel mounted paddles, yet it’s comfort and security at the forefront of its operation.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Having the option of seven seats in the 5008 is handy, but they’re essentially occasional use and probably best left to the kids.
GRANT: Smaller adults wouldn’t have too many issues. They are both reasonable cruisers and comfortable SUVs for longer journeys.
KEL: Rear seat leg room is generous, obviously better in the larger model. The 5008 also had handy little fold down trays on the back of the front seats.
GRANT: While Peugeots used to have a three-year warranty, the coverage now meets the market benchmark of five years and unlimited kilometres. There is also capped price servicing covering the same period, if you return to the dealer annually it’s an average of $447 for the 2008 and $605 for the 5008.
KEL: That sounds reasonable. Both need premium unleaded, how was the fuel consumption?
GRANT: During our tests the 5008 returned an average of 8.2L/100km, while the 2008 achieved 7.0L/100km.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Both were really likeable SUVs. They have imposing but classy grilles, and I really like the exterior light designs. Yet I think it still requires a leap of faith for many conservative buyers.
GRANT: That’s the market for Peugeot. Bold people who like to step outside their comfort zone and try something different. The 5008 and 2008 aren’t rocketships, but they are confident all-rounders with strong features lists.
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