Wayfarer review: Peugeot ups the SUV ante with enhanced 5008 GT

by James Wilkinson

Peugeot’s latest release of the top-of-the-line 5008 SUV has upped the ante for the French automaker, with the 2021 model picking up some major enhancements that make it even greater value for money.

French automaker Peugeot’s latest release of the popular 5008 SUV (from AU$51,990), which has had more than 300,000 produced globally since its 2017 launch, is helping elevate the model to new heights thanks to a range of style, drive and technology enhancements.

The latest 5008 SUV – available in one single model grade, GT, with a choice of efficient petrol or diesel engines – boasts new styling in the form of a frameless grille and revised signature lighting, alongside the introduction of Peugeot’s next-generation digital i-Cockpit technology, featuring an improved 12.3-inch digital head-up instrument panel, and a centrally-mounted 10-inch, high-definition, capacitive colour touchscreen for increased functionality.

The new 10-inch touchscreen is underscored by seven elegant piano ‘toggle switches’ giving direct access to the car’s main control functions, including the audio system, navigation, climate controls and vehicle settings.

The new exterior lighting both looks good and adds a lot of practicality. The re-designed headlights, which give a more purposeful appearance, feature daytime running lights and indicators all using advanced LED technology. At the rear, Peugeot’s trademark ‘three-claw’ tail lights have been updated to full LED technology and new sequential indicators provide a contemporary look. The rear lights also feature smoked glass lenses, extending the black boot strip on either side.

Full connectivity is assured for the 5008 SUV, too, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorScreen standard across both model ranges. Also find two rear passenger-accessible USB sockets and, for maximum listening pleasure, a 515-watt, 10-speaker FOCAL premium audio system on the 5008 GT Diesel.

Inside the 5008 SUV, also expect refreshed styling, even more technology and driver assistance systems to further increase its appeal.

The new 5008 GT Diesel also comes with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go technology that is able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and move it away again – from stationary and in stop-start traffic.

Lane Position Assist, which is linked to the ACC, helps ensure the 5008 GT Diesel stays safely centred within its lane. Owners also benefit from the latest-generation Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) technology that works between 5km/h and 140km/h.

Peugeot Australia General Manager, Kate Gillis, says the latest upgrade for the 5008 SUV only serve to increase its already-strong appeal.

“The 5008 SUV has been popular from the day it was launched, and these upgrades bring a strong, refreshed look and feel, while maintaining its French flair and charm,” she says. “The 5008 SUV is perfect for families of all sizes and needs and its bold design signatures only serve to move the brand forward into the future. It’s a very exciting time for Peugeot in Australia.”

The new Peugeot 5008 SUV is available in either a turbocharged petrol engine or a turbo-diesel powerplant.

Peugeot’s 1.6-litre PureTech 165 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with multi-point direct fuel-injection and variable valve timing (inlet valves), develops 121 kilowatts of power at 6000rpm and 240 Newton metres of torque at 1400rpm.

There’s also the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with high-pressure, common rail direct-injection and a stop and start system, developing 131 kilowatts of power at 3750rpm and 400 Newton metres of torque at 2000rpm.

The petrol engine features a six-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard equipment on both variants includes 18-inch diamond-cut Storm Grey ‘Detroit’ alloy wheels (GT Petrol) or 19-inch Matte Onyx ‘San Francisco’ alloy wheels (GT Diesel), Black Diamond roof, Adaptive Cruise Control, full LED headlamps, Alcantara and leather-effect upholstery.

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