PRODUCT UPDATE PEUGEOT 3008
The innovation continues
- Contemporary styling emphasised by totally redesigned front-end styling
- Cutting-edge light signatures front and rear add to distinctive presence
- Interior focussed on tactile quality, and uncompromising comfort
- Three drivetrains: frugal petrol, turbo petrol and turbodiesel options
- Five-year full maintenance offers class-leading peace of mind
- New Access model brings unique 3008 experience to a wider audience
Peugeot South Africa has released a new, thoroughly updated version of its popular 3008 crossover vehicle. The changes are far-reaching and include a fresher styling package reflecting Peugeot’s latest design language, linked to an upgraded interior, and a revised choice of drivetrains.
The 3008 range has also been extended, and now consists of three models – Access, Active and Allure – offering a choice of three specification levels, and three drivetrains.
Vitally, the latest 3008 retains all the key attributes that have made it a favourite among motorists seeking a versatile, practical, comfortable and stylish solution to their motoring needs.
Versatility is the key
“In a market increasingly focussed on value and flexibility, the comprehensively updated Peugeot 3008 offers a compelling mix of style, space, efficiency and value,” says Francis Harnie, managing director of Peugeot South Africa.
“It is a true crossover in the sense that it will tackle tar and smooth gravel with equal vigour, while cosseting its occupants in luxury, and providing generous and flexible cargo carrying options.”
He adds that Peugeot’s Premium Plan, a five-year full maintenance plan offered as standard across the 3008 range, is an attraction that should not be overlooked. “It offers superior motoring peace of mind, and represents exceptional value.”
Harnie points out that while the 3008 offers the elevated seating and space of an MPV, it never feels large or cumbersome to. “It shares many of its underpinnings with the compact 308 hatchback, and it shows in the vehicle’s car-like ride and handling.”
“We believe the new, updated range makes owning a 3008 easier and more appealing than ever. Be it family transport, urban commuter, lifestyle vehicle or luxurious limo, the 3008’s overall competence shines through in every application,” `Harnie concluded.
Fresh, contemporary styling
While the streamlined silhouette of the Peugeot 3008 remains instantly recognisable, the front end has been completely redesigned, while detail updates also contribute to an altogether more contemporary appearance.
The 3008’s fresh frontal appearance starts with an all-new floating grille that replaces the wide-open, ‘egg crate’ design of its predecessor with a smart trapezoidal grille featuring a polished metal surround, slim horizontal bars, and a new, recessed position for the Peugeot Lion logo.
The new grille is a 3008-specific interpretation of the design first seen on the 508 sedan and the 208 compact hatchback, and that has since been introduced to the entire Peugeot passenger car family.
The visual impact of the floating grille is augmented by the presence of the new, technologically advanced headlights. Their tapered, fluid design integrates a black mask, a chrome surround and signature daytime running lights for a striking overall effect. Top-end models employ high-intensity Xenon lighting elements.
The headlights are complemented by separate, low-mounted fog lamps that are highlighted by crescent-shaped chrome trims. A brushed metal scuff plate emphasises the 3008’s crossover character.
In profile, the Peugeot’s smooth lines and sloping roofline have remained unchanged, but are further emphasised by a chrome accent strip running the length of the roofline, at the upper edge of the glass area. The exterior mirror housings also feature a chrome finish.
This latest 3008 retains the crossover’s sculpted flanks, bold body protection panels and prominent wheel arches, while handsome alloy wheels and metal sill trims add both lustre and visual interest.
At the rear, new dark-tinted tail light clusters feature LED elements to create Peugeot’s characteristic three-dimensional lighting effect. A repositioned Peugeot Lion mascot and marque script are also new, while the rear scuff plate continues the crossover theme introduced up front.
The tailgate retains its two-piece configuration, with the upper section opening upwards, while the lower part hinges down to form a useful loading platform that can support up to 200kg when folded down.
Smart, ergonomic interior
The interior of the updated 3008 combines the original model’s spacious execution, versatile seating and loading options, with updated fabrics and smarter finishes. The ergonomics remain focussed on intuitive control and occupant comfort, while the head-up display on the Allure version now features colour-coded graphics.
Intelligent grouping of controls and switchgear benefits ease of use and safe operation, while the elevated seating position affords excellent all-round vision. Even so, the driving position and steering wheel angle remain car-like, underscoring the nimble and agile character of the 3008.
Standard features vary according to the actual model derivative, but even the most affordable Access version is comprehensively equipped, while featuring a new, luxurious fabric trim with a lustrous finish that creates the illusion of changing hue and texture, depending on the angle of the light.
At the other end of the scale, Allure models come with leather upholstery as standard, while also featuring a panoramic glass roof, complete with motorised blind, which creates a bright and airy cabin atmosphere. Adjustable ambient strip lighting continues the theme of innovative lighting after dark.
A specific focus on safety
Common to all 3008 models is the close attention that’s been paid to active and passive safety.
With its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the Peugeot crossover boasts an extensive list of passive safety features, including six airbags, inertia reel seatbelts and head restraints for all seating positions, and deformable, energy-absorbing crumple zones in the case of a collision.
Active safety measures are both far-reaching and advanced. Electronic stability control, advanced ABS anti-lock control for the all-disc braking system, hill assist and, on Allure models, a head-up display and distance alert are just some of the advanced systems on offer.
Safety and convenience converge with systems such as an electric parking brake, auto-activating headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, again dependent on the actual 3008 derivative chosen.
All three 3008 models are fitted with 17-inch wheels (steel for the Access and alloy for the Active and Allure).
Storage galore
However, there’s more to the 3008’s spacious interior than comfort, ergonomics and safety. It also offers a plethora of useful and convenient storage compartments, combined with a spacious and configurable cargo area.
A large, cooled compartment with a 13,5-litre capacity in the centre armrest is a particular welcome and useful feature, especially on extended trips, while each front door is fitted with a 7,0-litre storage tray. The glove compartment accounts for a further 4,1 litres, while a lockable binnacle below the steering column adds another 3,7-litres of storage.
At the rear, two underfloor, lidded spaces will swallow more than 3,0-litres each, while the rear door trays boost the storage space tally by another 2,5 litres each. Combined, these spaces, compartments and binnacles account for more than 50 litres of stowage – and that’s without taking the generous boot space into account.
The innovative boot features a so-called Multiflex design with a cargo floor that can be positioned at three different levels, thereby dividing the boot space into upper and lower sections. Total cargo space is 512 litres under the parcel shelf.
By folding down the rear seats, the 3008 is transformed into a cavernous cargo carrier with a load capacity of up to 1 604 litres which will accommodate objects up to 2,62 metres long.
Three drivetrains to choose from
The updated Peugeot 3008 range offers a choice of three drivetrains – two petrol, and one turbodiesel.
The new entry-level 3008 1.6 VTi Access makes the style, space and versatility of the 3008 accessible to a wider audience than ever before. The drivetrain links Peugeot’s proven and popular 1,6-litre engine with variable valve timing to a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.
The compact and frugal four-cylinder unit is credited with a maximum output of 88 kW at 6 000 r/min, accompanied by 160 Nm of torque at 4 250 r/min. The result is brisk performance and frugal operation.
The 1.6 Access consumes just 6,7 litres/100 km/h in the combined cycle, improving to an even more impressive 5,3 litres/100 km at open-road, highway speeds. Performance is brisk, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 13,3 seconds. This new model will become available in April.
Combining turbocharged petrol power with a step up in standard specification, the 3008 1.6 THP Active benefits from a significant hike in output, compared the normally aspirated 1.6 Access. Maximum power increases to 115 kW, but the gain in torque is even more impressive.
With 240 Nm already on tap from must 1 400 r/min, the 3008 always feels sprightly, and it will accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 8,9 sec. The broad, flat torque curve also benefits fuel consumption, with a sub-7,0-litre combined cycle figure.
The flagship of the updated range is the 3008 2.0 HDi Allure, and it’s still powered by Peugeot’s proven and popular 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine. Maximum output is 120 kW, linked to a generous 340 Nm, all fed to the front wheels via a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox.
Not surprisingly, the 2.0 HDi is also the most economical member of the 3008 range. It will sip diesel fuel at a rate of 6,1 litres/100 km in mixed conditions, dropping to 5,0 litres at constant speeds on then open road.
Comprehensive after-sales support and customer service
The new Peugeot 3008 is sold with a five-year/100 000 Premium Plan maintenance contract included as standard, thus adding impressive peace of mind to the 3008’s extensive list of attributes. The Premium Plan is offered in addition to the standard three-year/100 000 km warranty, and a three-year/100 000 km roadside assistance package.
PRICING:
- 3008 Active 1.6 THP = R309 900
- 3008 Allure 2.0 HDi = R380 750
