Just about every car on the market offers a list of optional extras; and the lavishly appointed Peugeot 3008 GT mid-size SUV is no different.
There are several ways to spend extra on a Peugeot 3008 GT. The copper-stitched leather upholstery costs $3000. A panorama sunroof adds $2500, but should be weighed against its impact on the amount of headroom. And a practical $3000 option means not actually buying a 3008.
It's a $3000 step up from the 3008 GT priced at $54,990 to the larger 5008 GT at $57,990 — which shares the 2.0-litre diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission and bold styling themes.
Obvious benefits are easier access via larger rear doors and the ability to alternate between significantly more load space or a couple of foldaway third row seats to create a 5+2 solution MPV solution that retains the style of an SUV.
In detail, the wheelbase has been stretched by 165mm, extending overall length by the same amount.
The 5008 also stands 22mm taller than the 3008 but the degree of commonality in the vehicle architecture is enough for the same five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating to apply to both vehicles.
Under the stylish sheetmetal, the GT powertrain is identical with the 1997cc BlueHDi turbocharged diesel being a strong performer that develops 133kW at 3750rpm and has 400Nm available at 2000rpm to help shift a loaded seven-seat SUV with high-torque muscle.
A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters allows 1500rpm open road cruising at 100km/h in sixth gear with smooth downshifts to 1900rpm in fifth and 2500rpm in fourth to keep the diesel in the strongest part of its torque curve.
Peugeot claims 4.8l/100km as a combined cycle consumption figure with my road test producing a 5.8L/100km average.
The stop-start system didn't seem as intrusive as it had in the 3008 GT — but an explanation may be the hotter weather and air conditioning that was having to work harder so the engine doesn't stop as often.
Peugeot has engineered a wide-track feel into 3008 and 5008 models. It's especially true of GT models that ride on 19-inch alloy wheels and 235/50 R19 Continental ContiSportContact5 tyres to put plenty of rubber on the road.
The suspension offers firm body control while the 5008's ride remains settled and comfortable across uneven surfaces.
Along with the powertrain and chassis commonality you get the same cockpit layout. The important differences are behind the first row of seats.
The increased second row legroom, generous load space and versatility plus the addition of rear air conditioning controls seems like adequate payback for the $3000 premium.
Whether you use the 5+2 seating seems largely irrelevant because choosing the 5008 means mid-size wagon versatility in an SUV format while the 3008 is more of a high-riding small-medium hatchback.
The second row seating is split into thirds with a fore-aft slide and recline adjustments. Compared to a 3008, there are significant legroom and footwell space gains.
Two hidden storage lockers are found in the floor with the left hand one carrying the flat tyre inflator pump and repair kit.
A 240-volt outlet is included in the rear of the centre console while tray tables fold from the back of the front seats and rear window sun blinds are standard as the focus of 5008 falls more on the rear seat occupants.
Those folding third row seats are firm and best suited to shorter journeys while a 50/50 split fold mechanism stows them into the rear floor.
The gains in cargo space are considerable — the 3008 is rated at 520L while the 5008 measures 702L and can be expanded to 780L if the third row seats are removed.
Adding the third row seating means the 5008 has no spare wheel and comes equipped with an emergency inflator kit. The 3008 models can carry a space saver. For me, upsizing from 3008 to 5008 has greater appeal than adding leather trim or a sunroof to the smaller vehicle.
In GT specification, the 5008 is dressed smartly with 19-inch alloy wheels and has a diamond black roof, chrome finish mirror caps and the GT-specific sport bumper and grille design. Alloy roof rails and copper finish GT badges add detail.
The cabin has a black roofliner, technical finish surfaces and alcantara inserts on the doors.
The main interior focus is the Peugeot i-Cockpit instrument layout with the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in a “head-up” location — not projected into the windscreen but positioned to view the gauges above a small octagonal steering wheel. While this makes the raised instrument location work, the dinky wheel feels too low for my favoured driving position.
In GT guise the 5008 has a luxurious specification with keyless entry and engine start, alcantara seat trim, heated front seats, 3D satellite navigation, three-zone air conditioning, a 360-degree camera system and Qi wireless charging.
The central 8.0-inch display has Mirror Screen capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality while an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat includes a five-mode massage function.
LED headlights with high beam assist plus LED fog lamps and daytime running lamps are standard and Peugeot’s 3D-style LED rear lights provide high visibility while Active Park Assist has parallel and perpendicular park modes.
The 5008 GTs active safety and driver assist technologies includes adaptive cruise control with autonomous emergency braking, speed sign recognition, High Beam Assist, Active Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection and Forward Collision Warning.
Where the 3008 GT is a compact and stylish SUV, the 5008 GT adds much more space and versatility to Peugeot’s SUV line. It also has the modern turbo diesel muscle to not be compromised when those capabilities are put to work with extra passengers aboard.
And if you need to nudge the 5008 GT price above $60K, the leather trim and panorama sunroof options are available.