It's Peugeot three thousand and eight, not Peugeot three oh-oh eight or three double-oh eight. Everyone had better get it right because the 3008 just might be the car that propels Peugeot back into the limelight.
The first-generation Peugeot 3008 premiered in 2008. It could have been the starting pistol for Peugeot's success in the medium SUV segment, yet many felt that the 3008 design left a little more to be desired. So in spite of being somewhat different, the first generation didn't quite hit the mark.
In 2016, Peugeot 3008 got a significant overhaul, followed shortly by the second-generation model in early 2017. The new 3008 came with fresh good looks and distinctive high-end design as well as refined engines, excellent handling, and enhanced usability.
The new Peugeot 3008 has already defined itself as an exceptional benchmark. With several accolades under its belt, including the 2017 European Car of the Year, the new model has been a runaway success in more ways than one.
The First-Generation Peugeot 3008 (2008-2016)
One might say that Peugeot came into the compact crossover market rather late. For instance, by the end of 2006, Nissan was already well-established in this niche with its big-selling Qashqai.
Meanwhile, Peugeot 3008 was unveiled in May 2008 and made its public debut in April 2009.
Overview
The 3008 had several boundaries to cross. At its inception, this car was part-hatchback, part-SUV, part-estate, and part-MPV! The first 3008 was, in fact, a tall car with some aspects of the rugged 505, 504 and 404 about it.
Not many people would boldly call the 3008 a beautiful car. Some critics found fault in its styling. Regardless, the first-generation Peugeot 3008 is a great car to drive, and many automobile magazines did love the first-generation 3008. The British motoring magazine 'What Car?' named it 2010's Car of the Year. In that same year, Peugeot 3008 was also the Semperit Irish Car of the Year.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet, the original Peugeot 3008 offered a range of petrol and diesel engines.
1.6 VTi Engine
At the bottom of its engine range is the 88 kW, 1.6-litre petrol VTi unit. This 4-cylinder engine was the only 5-speed manual variant in the first-generation lineup. It has a maximum torque of 160 N⋅m and a top speed of 185km/h (115mph).
1.6 THP & 1.6 HDi 110 Engines
Next, there was the 115 kW, 1.6-litre petrol THP turbo engine, which didn’t quite win the favour of buyers, most of whom opted for a diesel engine - the 81 kW, 1.6-litre HDi 110. Both of these engines are rated at 240 N⋅m peak torque and come with an option of either stick or automatic transmission.
2.0 HDi 150 & 2.0 HDi 163 Engines
At the top of this first-gen range were the 2.0-litre HDi 150 diesel engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and the 2.0-litre HDi 163 with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
With a maximum power of 110 kW and torque of 340 N⋅m, the HDi 150 could accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds and hit a top speed of over 196km/h. In comparison, the HDi 163 has a rated power of 120 kW and torque of 340 N⋅m. Its claimed top speed is 190km/h and acceleration time of 10.2s from 0-100km/h.
Engine Upgrades
The first-gen Peugeot 3008 had its engine range revised in 2015. The diesel models had their HDi engines replaced with BlueHDi units that were not only cleaner and more frugal but also Euro6-compatible.
The petrol variants, on the other hand, were replaced with 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, 96 kW, e-THP engines.
The first-gen 3008 wasn't much of an off-roader. Most variants were indeed 2-wheel drive cars. Peugeot did, however, offer original 3008 buyers a 'GRIP CONTROL' system as an optional package that came with special snow and mud tyres.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4
Technically, all first-generation 3008s were 2WD. However, in 2012, a 6-speed automatic Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 was launched.
A 2.0-litre 120kW HDi diesel engine powered the front wheels of the 3008 Hybrid 4. A 27kW AC electric motor powered the rear wheels.
Consequently, Hybrid4 was the only four-wheel-drive variant in the first-gen 3008 range.
Design and Styling
The first Peugeot 3008 conveyed a credible pseudo-SUX ruggedness. There were some spicy design elements, as well. Its butch stance, arrowhead-like taillights, and the fake rear and front skid plates are just a few examples.
The original 3008 design has an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.296.
There were many ways to configure the interior of the 3008, earning it the multi-flex description. It allowed the backrests of the rear seats to fold flat. The boot had a fake floor that could be adjusted to three positions to create a convenient storage area beneath.
The first 3008 was a roomy car all round with ample room for arms, legs, and heads. The interior was comfortable and well equipped.
The Allure and Exclusive models even had a HUD (Heads Up Display) on the main windscreen area in front of the driver.
Face-Lifting
In 2014, Peugeot released a revamped, facelifted version of the 3008. The model featured revised headlights, taillights, bumper, and grille.
Other aspects of the facelift included new chrome strips at the car's front and LED detailing in the head- and taillights.
The facelifted models also had additional features and equipment such as Bluetooth and new colour elements on their HUD.
Second-Generation Peugeot 3008 (2016- present)
In 2016, Peugeot 3008 received significant remodelling, which gave it renewed modern looks, more equipment, and better engines, thus making it look and feel more like an SUV.
The vehicle was designed to crash the C-SUV party and take the segment by storm. So far, it has managed to do that quite well.
The new 3008 features:
- A more chiselled exterior with a long flat hood, a vertical front end, wide protective bands, and shaped roof bars.
- Raised ground clearance (220mm), larger wheels and a higher waistline
- New colour combinations including Nera black, Amazonite Grey, Ultimate Red, and Magnetic Blue colours
- Peugeot i-Cockpit that includes a new flat-topped steering wheel, compact gear lever, 8-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- New technological additions, including various driver-assist tech.
- Redesigned seats trimmed in fabric and leather with massage and heating options
The new Peugeot 3008 isn’t just a looker; it also has plenty of unique little touches that distinguish it from other SUVs in its class.
For instance, it comes with a button for choosing fragrances, 4G SIM card, Satellite Navigation, and Peugeot CONNECT, which provides access to fuel pricing, weather updates, roadside assistance, and traffic updates.
Peugeot 3008 Trim Levels
The new Peugeot 3008 is available in four trim levels. Each level comes with its unique accessories.
Active - the entry-level Peugeot 3008 model with a 1.6 four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Allure - the next trim in the lineup, featuring a Safety Plus pack for blind-spot detection, driver attention alert, and lane-keeping assistance, among other things.
GT-Line - the mid-level trim comes with i-Cockpit Amplify and sportier bodywork, among many other competitive features.
GT - the top-ranging model comes packed with such features as the Open-and-Go keyless car start system, active cruise control, and a panoramic glass roof
Peugeot also unveiled the new 3008 Hybrid4, which is expected to launch in Europe beginning October 2019.
Awards
- European Car of the Year (2017)
- New Car of the Year (2019) - annual Auto Trader New Car Awards, London
- CarBuyer Car of the Year Best Car Awards (2017)
- Carbuyer Best Medium SUV Best Car Awards (2017, 2018, 2019)
- Car Magazine Car of the Year (2017)
- Car of the Year 16th Driver Power survey Mid-Size SUV awards (2018)
- Gold Winner - 16th Driver Power survey Mid-Size SUV awards (2018)
Conclusion
Peugeot 3008 is a unique combination of robustness and elegance. It may have started as a curious-looking crossover SUV, but Peugeot has invested big time in building a quality 3008 SUV and offering it at a persuasive price.
The new Peugeot 3008 is bold, fashionable, and powerful, and should be in the top-3 wish list of anyone thinking of buying an SUV right now.
Author: Matthew Macharia