Car Features - Same Car, Different Names: Volkswagen Group

After talking American and Japanese brands when it comes to badge engineering, for the next few weeks our focus is now with the Europeans (except for Fiat, we have featured it already) and the first brand on the spotlight is Volkswagen, with multiple brands under their wing this scenario could happen.

In order for a car to be counted on this list, the vehicle must have a different name using the same shell (exterior modifications are usually done) but sold under a different brand. And to avoid a super long list, we would limit vehicles which were launched from 1990s and above. Do take note the year range represents the entire vehicle line (including those of its twins) even if the original model was killed. In order to be listed, the base vehicle must be from a Volkswagen subsidiary including the likes of Audi, Porsche, SEAT, and Skoda.

For the largest German (and European) automobile brand, let us see which wore different badges.

Car Features - Same Car, Different Names: Suzuki and Subaru

For our last Japanese car feature about changing names, we would be squeezing two brands for in one article since they represent a minority of the Japanese market. Suzuki is tops when it comes to sales of Kei cars (smallish cars with a mandated minimum size and engine displacement) which are big in Japan and Subaru has three rebadged entries which is the base car.

Unlike our previous Japanese brands, the two brands only have one dealer network which means that having multiple names in one car isn't a big chance. For a car to be counted on this list, the vehicle must have a different name using the same shell (exterior modifications are usually done) but sold under a different brand. And to avoid a super long list, we would limit vehicles which were launched from 1990s and above. Do take note the year range represents the entire vehicle line (including those of its twins) even if the original model was killed.

Let us check which of the two S brands had different names.

Car Features - Same Car, Different Names: Mazda

After a month, our feature is back and we haven't stopped featuring Japanese brands and this week, the brand has its fair share to a point it didn't made sense to the manufacturer but that was almost 25 to 30 years ago. Mazda did this by having three dealership networks which they followed the strategy of Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. No thanks to making numerous vehicles that had consumers confused and a poor economy, this experiment was killed in the mid-90s.

As with Japanese brands, this list would be separated in two categories: the first one is the same car but different brand and the second is the same car of the same brand but wearing a different name. For the latter category, they must be sold in a different dealer network (Mazda's dealer network included Autozam, Efini, Eunos, M2, Xedos). Cars launched from 1990 and above would be included on the list to avoid a long list. Do take note the year range represents the entire vehicle line (including those of its twins) even if the original model was killed. It will include vehicles born under joint ventures as a base car and vehicles made during Ford's ownership are listed under the Blue Oval brand.

What Mazda models had a different name for other brands?

PS: Mazda's dealer network demands a separate article, wait for it soon.

Used Car Review - Peugeot 5008 (2013-2017)

This unappreciated vehicle will live on in this review.

2013-2017 Peugeot 5008

History
Mention the words European Car and Filipinos will have the following results: luxury brands like BMW, Benz, or Audi, sports car brands like Porsche or any exotic from Italy, Land Rover for off-roaders, and old VWs for nostalgia stake. For any car brand from the Continental side, you'll be treated like a stranger unless there is enough marketing done. Peugeot was one of the casualties here, until the guys from Kia brought these French stuff with a decent number of promotion until the momentum is there, prices were jacked up which caused their value for money proposition, to be gone.

First introduced as an MPV to the European market in 2009, this vehicle developed a fan base due to its spacious cabin and futuristic exterior and owners call it the "Space Wagon". After a seven year run, it bowed down and was replaced by a crossover SUV version of this vehicle.

Under the helm of Columbian Autocar Corporation (Kia, BMW, Mahindra), the Peugeot brand had a comeback with the 5008 being the first four models to be brought in. Three models were available  paired to two engines were first made available from November 2012 until an update three years later reduced to one model - the expensive top of the line. The Active model is the base while the Allure has more fancy features added.

Value and Costs
Unlike the 3008 crossover, this vehicle can be had for less than a hundred grand and we think its one heck of a vehicle: something that seats seven with a French flair. Not much changes occurred during its run, which is a good thing, so focus on the condition more than the year model.

European brands would usually have maintenance costs that are higher than the Japanese so if you are the kuripot type, this is not the car for you. There are available specialist parts for French cars and fuel consumption is good, since this vehicle is a diesel powered one. Problem points for this vehicle mostly involve the transmission. But if there is one thing to be careful of, it is the diesel injectors given the fact the engine is of advanced state.

Exterior and Interior
Modern in style yet practical, this vehicle does hit the middle spot which isn't flashy nor plain looking. All models come with a panoramic sun roof and daytime running lights as standard equipment.

Seven people can jump in to this stylish MPV but the interior may be plain looking for some people. The three rows, depending on the usage, can be cramped or spacious. Control layout is a mixed bag, some are good while some are not and the bonus heads-up display is a help.

Engine
With the local Peugeot distributor pushing with diesels, the 5008 has two oil burners throughout selling life. Lower models sold from 2013 to 2015 have a 1.6 diesel which gets 112hp at 3,600rpm and 285Nm at 1,700rpm paired to a semi-automatic transmission. Higher end models gain a 2.0 diesel utilizing 163hp at 3,750rpm and 340Nm at 2,000rpm that is matched to a conventional automatic. The semi-automatics could be a complicated combo but you would get used to it later on when you get the hang of it while the automatics are a fine partner. Both engines are fine but we suggest to get the lesser one since it will give you a slight advantage on fuel consumption. Another great feature is this model gets a unique diesel particulate filter which removes harmful particles for zero emissions and a start-stop system.

Driving Impressions
If you want something that is fun to drive yet without sacrificing practicality, this is it. It steers with confidence, has less body roll, and offers an accurate steering. However, the suspension setup will give you a firm ride.

Verdict
It seemed the current Peugeot distributor got the right product when it was first made available and priced accordingly. Later models were messed up since the top end is retained with a jacked up price, but at second hand prices this is a steal already.