Peugeot 5008 2021: facelifted seven-seat SUV gets new design and updated tech, starts at $51,990

When 5008 was launched in 2017 it was lauded by European and Australian pundits as an impressive vehicle, now it has been given a solid update that has modernised the seven-seat SUV.

After being announced late last year the facelifted 2021 Peugeot 5008 large SUV has arrived in Australia; featuring a fresh new design and a suite of updated technology with a starting price of $51,990, before on-road costs.

The seven-seat SUV plays an important role in a three-pronged approach by Peugeot that plans to secure a larger customer base in Australia with the facelifted 3008 midsize SUV and 2008 small SUV.

Peugeot 5008 2021 GT Petrol rear — Peugeot has given the 5008 a facelift with a fresh new design including redesigned LED headlights and tail lights

The 5008 is available in a single grade known as the GT that is available in petrol ($51,990 before on-roads) and diesel option ($59,990 before on-roads), but the changes extend further than just what engine is under the bonnet.

The most obvious change in the recent facelift is on the outside, with Peugeot incorporating what it calls a ‘frameless grille design’ that blends the grille and bumper together in a patchwork design.

Peugeot has fitted the GT Petrol with 18-inch alloys while the GT Diesel receives the 19-inch black-finish alloys, with the latter losing its space saver spare for a tyre repair kit as a result.

Peugeot 5008 2021 side — The seven-seater 5008 is available with both petrol or diesel drivetrains

A set of redesigned LED lights have been fitted all round with thin daytime running lights sloping down from the main light. Engineers have also built in a ‘Fog Mode’ that can dim the lights to assist with vision and negates the usual requirement to have an extra set of lights.

The changes continue to the inside where an updated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster has been fitted. The unit now has a higher contrast to increase visibility allowing you to make better use of features such as the 3D navigation.

It works in conjunction with a 10-inch central touchscreen that features digital radio, wireless charging along with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Peugeot 5008 2021 GT Petrol interior — Peugeot has fitted an updated 12.3-inch driver’s display and an additional 10-inch touchscreen

While both options gain two additional USB ports in the rear for passengers, the GT Diesel is the only one to score the 10-speaker FOCAL premium audio system.

As the seven-seater, the 5008 is naturally all about the space available inside. With a 952-litres of space available when the third row folded down or 2042-litres with the second row down. Additionally, drivers can remove the third row entirely if they need a little extra space.

The 5008 GT Diesel helps justify its $8,000 premium with heating for the front heats along with eight way adjustability and a massage function for the driver, though buyers of the GT Petrol can add these back as an option.

Peugeot 5008 2021 GT Petrol boot — The 5008 has 952-litres of space available when the third row folded down or 2042-litres with the second row down

Peugeot has trimmed the seats in a combination of Alcantara and synthetic leather, with the option to upgrade to full Nappa leather in both models for $2,590 extra in the GT Diesel.

When it comes to the engines themselves, the 5008 GT Petrol is fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder making 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque which is sent through a six-speed torque converter automatic to the front wheels only.

The 5008 GT Diesel uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making 131kW/400Nm and is paired to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic which also sends its power to the front wheels.

Peugeot 5008 2021 GT Petrol front — Peugeot 5008 2021 GT Petrol arrives with a huge suite of safety equipment back oddly lacks lane keep assist

Both models feature niceties such as a 360-degree camera, a power tailgate, privacy glass and folding mirrors with an auto dipping function so you can instantly see the curb when reversing.

While the upgrade to the diesel doesn’t add a whole lot more outright pace, only trimming the 0 to 100km/h time from 10.5 seconds to 10.2, it does bump up the braked towing capacity from a rather unimpressive 1350kg to 1800kg – which is enough to tow a small trailer or caravan.

The safety suite is largely the same across both models with blind-spot monitoring, upgraded AEB that can now detect pedestrians and cyclists in low light, driver attention monitoring, speed sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.

The only notable safety omission from purchasing the base 5008 GT Petrol is the lack of lane keep assist, which is fitted across the rest of the range.