A new Peugeot 3008 unveiled in Paris this week is set to be one of the most important new launches from the French manufacturer for some time.
It’s aimed squarely at the all-important C-SUV segment when it arrives in Ireland by the end of the year, in time for the 171 registration plate.
Unlike its predecessor which couldn’t quite decide if it was a Crossover or MPV, this 2nd generation 3008 is unapologetically targeting the SUV buyer. Bigger wheels, body mouldings around the wheel arches, bottom of doors and bumpers, and a long flat bonnet are all signature SUV styling features, and place the new car directly against rivals best selling rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar and Hyundai Tucson. Longer by 8 cm, but lower than before, it is much more dynamic looking than the outgoing car.
Sharing the same modular EMP2 platform as the 308 and some Citroens, a ground clearance of 22 cm is 6 cm higher than before. Like many of its rivals, the 3008 will be offered in front wheel drive only. However Advanced Grip Control, an enhanced traction system offering five grip levels controlled from a knob on the centre console will allow a reasonable degree of off-road capability, as will a new Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC) function
Perhaps the highlight of the 2nd generation 3008 is its interior, which features the launch of the second generation of i-Cockpit as a standard fitment. The all-digital display is one of the more futuristic seen to date with a range of Heads Up Display (HUD) information provided via a range of screen layouts on the driver’s dash.
An eight inch touchscreen gives access to all the main car controls while other neat features include Peugeot’s trademark small steering wheel, now with two flat areas, below which reside six stylish looking piano-key toggle switches. A comprehensive selection of choices for changing the ambient lighting, massage seat options, and a fragrance diffuser ensure the cabin of the 3008 will be quite the multi-sensory experience.
The boot is much more spacious than before – it now has a capacity of up to 1,580 litres with seats folded. That’s over 90 litres better than before.
Engine options are largely carried over from the current 3008 and include a 130bhp 1.2 PureTech and 165bhp 1.6 THP petrol engines with respective CO2 emissions of 115g/km and 129g/km. There are 100 and 120 bhp 1.6 litre, as well as 150 and 180 bhp 2.0 BlueHDi diesels. All engines feature stop-start technology and there’s a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
For people that take their car to work but have difficulty getting parking spaces nearby, Peugeot is offering an electrically assisted folding scooter (e-Kick) and an electrically assisted folding bicycle (e-Bike). They come with docking stations in the boot to recharge the batteries whilst the vehicle is running.
Prices won’t be revealed until nearer the launch date but Peugeot says the new 3008 is a step up-market so expect an increase on the current starting price of €23,395 for the 1.2 litre Access model.
On first looks at least, the new 3008 would appear to tick all the boxes necessary to compete strongly in the fastest growing car market segment.
Cathal Doyle
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