Vehicle Overview

The 2013 Peugeot 3008 was the facelift of a 3-in-1 car that was built to fill the needs of families transportation, either if it was a daily commute or a long trip around Europe.

Before the world financial crisis in 2008-2010, nobody knew where the market will go. If it will go to the hatchbacks, SUVs, or minivans. So, Peugeot built a car that was all three of them: the 2009 Peugeot 3008.

In 2013, the world was on the recovery from financial problems and the French manufacturer decided to do a facelift for its 3008 model. By that time, it was clear that the market will go for SUVs but the Peugeot wasn’t ready for that. Instead of building a completely new vehicle, the marketing department decided to change the look of its already built 3008. The car was built on the EMP2 platform, which was used for many vehicles including the hatchback 308. The new styling showed new headlights, new bumpers, and new LED taillights.

The interior was enhanced. Bluetooth connectivity was added as standard across the range and, as an option, a head-up display in front of the driver. For the top trim version, a rear back-up camera was installed. Due to a higher seating position for all the passengers, the leg and headroom were generous for all seats.

Since the market direction was toward the SUV and crossover segment, Peugeot installed an intelligent front differential that helped to find the grip when the car was in off-road mode. The 3008 was only front-wheel drive so the biggest off-road challenge it could tackle was some unpaved roads.

Vehicle Overview

When it comes to MPVs, the French were at the forefront of the segment. Their expertise was used in the Peugeot 5008 that was launched back in 2008. In 2013 the big, seven-seat vehicle has received a facelift.

The 5008 was built on the EMP2 platform, the same one that was used for the Peugeot 308 or its siblings from the Citroen brand. For the mid-life refresh, the engines were made cleaner since the new, Euro 5b pollution norms were enforced in Europe since January 2013.

The key modifications to the 2013 models were noticed on the outside where a new grille and headlights with LED DRL were installed. But inside there were more important changes.

For the driver there was a head-up display available, with a small transparent screen in front of the driver seat on which various data were displayed, the most important being the speed. Since the vehicle was over 5.5-meter long (217.7”), the manufacturer installed intelligent parking sensors front and rear, which were able to measure a parking spot and show on the infotainment screen if there was enough room for parking.

From the seven seats, the last row was suitable for passengers shorter than the average European height. The standard transmission was with 5 or six gears, depending on the engine. A 6-speed automatic (robotized, single-clutch) was available as an option for selected engine versions.

Vehicle Overview

Since the customers started asking for more crossovers and SUVs, even automakers with little experience in these types of vehicles found ways to offer something suitable, such as the Peugeot with its 2008.

Peugeot’s experience in the SUV segment is minimal. But soon, it discovered that it didn’t need that since most European customers bought 2WD crossovers. Thus, the French automaker considered modifying its platforms so it could have something to offer them. And that’s how the 2008 came on the market in 2013.

Based on the same platform as the Peugeot 208 SW, the 2008 was more of a regular station wagon with a mild lift kit, and that’s where the higher ground clearance came from. In addition, the automaker considered creating a new bodywork. At the front, the feline-like headlights followed the brand’s design language, but the large plastic bumper sported a black lower side that was abrasive-resistant. To further emphasize the SUV look, the carmaker added a set of fog lamps inside silver trims, flanking the lower grille. However, from its profile, it mostly resembled a station wagon that was decorated with unpainted rocker panels. At the back, Peugeot installed additional protections under the bumper.

The car’s interior was unusually spacious for its segment. Fronting the driver was the same small-sized steering wheel as in the 208 range and a generous instrument cluster. Atop the center stack, Peugeot installed a 7″ touchscreen for the infotainment system. The seats, on the other hand, were better than those available in the regular 208 SW, with high-bolstered areas and unique upholstery. At the back, the rear split-folding bench could expand the trunk’s volume from a decent 350 liters (12.4 cu-ft) to a respectable 1,194 liters (42.2 cu-ft).