The new Peugeot 3008 has been launched. The restyled SUV returns to the market in two versions. It’s not yet a generation change, but the manufacturer gave the SUV an excellent revamping to fight, in theory, with the prominent mid-range SUVs in the category: Jeep Compass, Volkswagen Taos, and Toyota Corolla Cross. However, the 3008 has a severe problem in this dispute.
At the front, the grille got bigger, the bumper has a new design, and the headlamps were redesigned to bring more aggressiveness with the DRL extension in the shape of the swag, keeping the new design language of Peugeot that debuted in the 208. All the chrome details of the Griffe version become black in the GT version, which has a more sporty appeal.
At the rear, the SUV retains the black finish that joins the new headlamps with luminous elements in the form of three “claws.”
Has the interior also changed?
Yes, Peugeot used new leather finishes that made the cabin more sophisticated. In the case of the GT version, the seats and the dashboard are partially covered with Alcantara. In addition, the facelift of the 3008 adopts new 10-inch multimedia for the more expensive version — Griffe stays with the 8-inch screen. The digital instrument panel remains at 12.3 inches.
The center console has a new driving mode selector, which is three: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Regarding comfort, the GT version also offers front seats with electric adjustments and massagers with eight airbags and five types of massage.
Engine and consumption of the new Peugeot 3008
The engine is the same 1.6 THP gasoline engine with 165 hp and 24.5 km at just 1,400 rpm with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. According to Peugeot, its consumption is 9.8 km/l in the city and 12.1 km/l on the road.
New Peugeot 3008 series main items
Both versions come as standard with electric steering, six airbags — in addition to the mandatory double front; there are two sides and two curtains —, rearview mirrors with electric adjustment, panoramic sunroof with electric opening, trunk with electric opening, control stability, blind-spot alert, steering wheel shift throttles, automatic headlights, dual-zone digital air conditioning, induction cell phone charging, one USB port for front and two rear occupants, brake electronic parking, 360-degree view cameras, tire pressure monitoring and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Semi-autonomous technology systems
In addition to all the items mentioned, one of the great attractions of the 3008 is the security package with semi-autonomous technology systems, which also comes standard in both versions.
The highlights are the adaptive cruise control with “stop and go,” which allows you to adjust the distance about the vehicle in front, automatic emergency braking, which detects pedestrians and cyclists and makes the car brake on its own up to 30 km/h (above this speed, the car partially brakes and issues an alert to the driver); reading signposts, and active warning of the involuntary crossing of the line (or coasting) with trajectory correction.
Dimensions of the new Peugeot 3008
The SUV remains with the same 4.44 meters in length and 2.67 m of wheelbase. Those looking for an SUV value its space, and if we compare the wheelbase of the 3008 with that of its rivals, the French model has a 4 cm advantage over the Jeep Compass and 3 cm over the Corolla Cross, but it’s 4 cm smaller than the Volkswagen Taos.
As for the volume capacity of the trunk, the advantage is all of the 3008, as shown in the table below.
Performance of the new Peugeot 3008
The 3008’s handling is one of the best on the mid-size SUV market, with the flat-bottomed steering wheel and smaller diameter are great for quick maneuvering and movement. The i-Cockpit leaves the driver well separated from the passenger and gives the feeling of being in an airplane cabin.
Blue LED lighting — which can be dimmed — on the doors, dashboard and ceiling make it cozier, especially at night. And the feeling of spaciousness increases with the panoramic sunroof.
The dynamics of the well-known 1.6 turbo engine remain very good. The SUV in the GT version is not the lightest; it’s 1,587 kg. However, the most positive point is its sprint, which is quite vigorous, with the maximum torque delivered at 1,400 pm. In the retakes, the answers are very light.
The automatic transmission stretches the gears to give breath to the SUV of more than 1.5 tons, but the engine’s noise doesn’t affect the cabin’s acoustics. Except in the Sport function, where the engine works at very high revs.
An alternative to contain the noisier engine a little is to carry out manual changes for the throttles. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is done in 8.9 seconds, according to the manufacturer.
Continental 235/50 R19 tires provide a lot of riding comfort, and the suspension holds the role of the body, especially in corners, leaving the SUV in hand. One downside is the lack of visibility of column C to the rear, partially offset by the technologies.
The functionality of the multimedia center is good and very intuitive, especially when setting the driving parameters. However, for the price, the connectivity of the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems could be wireless.
Is it worth buying the new Peugeot 3008?
The 3008’s 1.6 THP engine isn’t new, but it’s excellent. Its 165 hp is higher than the 150 hp of the Taos, but the Corolla Cross 2.0 aspirated and the Jeep Compass 1.3 turbo deliver more power, with 177 hp and 180 hp, respectively.
In terms of equipment, the 3008 is very well served by modernity, technology, and semi-autonomous systems, Taos and Compass, and is ahead of the Corolla Cross.
The space for occupants is also expected for the segment. The design, in my opinion, is nicer than the ones mentioned.
So what’s the problem with the 3008? The price, of course. Below is a table with the price of the top-of-the-line versions of the main competitors, which shows a considerable difference between the French SUV and the others.
The 3008 is a great car, but choosing to have one in the garage will depend on the customer’s pocket, as the price is way above the competition. Anyway, whoever buys it will have a nice SUV at their disposal.
