After the Peugeot 308, the current-gen 3008 has been my absolute favourite since its launch in Mzansi in 2016.
It brings no question as to why it scooped the Europen Car of The Year Award in 2017 and even though South Africans are very reluctant when it comes to French cars, they have become better over the years.
For the 2021 model year, Peugeot has introduced its refreshed 3008 and we jotted to the Western Cape to put it through its paces.
The new Peugeot 3008 is available in three trim levels, Active, Allure and GT. We only sampled the latter.
Changes?
The new Peugeot 3008 GT comes fitted with a fresh new design that follows other Peugeot products within the range. Our weapon of choice for the day wore a specific grille with a scalable design pattern, redesigned front headlights that include stylish LED Daytime Running lights that extend all the way down to the bottom of the bumper.
The GT model comes fitted with full LED headlamps as well as a new Foggy Mode function that replaces the fog lights.
At the back, the new Peugeot 3008 lurks new, upgraded headlamps with full LED technology. The rear lights feature the now-familiar 3D claw light signature as well as sequential indicators.
The GT model rides on new 19-inch aluminium wheels as well as upgraded monograms (front wings and boot lid).
External colour hues include; Celebes Blue (new shade), Vertigo Blue (new shade), Pearl White, Artense Grey, Platinum Grey, Perla Nera Black and Ultimate Red.
Other features include front & rear parking aid + VisioPark 2 – 360 deg. Camera / Wireless Smartphone Charging / 10” HD Infotainment system with Navigation / FOCAL® Hifi / Massaging electric seats pack and Nappa Leather upholstery.
Inside?
Like the outgoing model, the interior of the new Peugeot 3008 is still upmarket and we honestly feel like it offers the best interior quality in the range.
It is solid and offers a very quiet drive. There is a 12.3-inch digital headset, which is fully customisable and configurable. The new central touch screen is 10 inches in size and can be operated via the piano keys on the dash.
Our unit was also fitted with the optional dual-pane sunroof.
Our GT test unit was fitted with the new optional Red Nappa Leather upholstery. A Black Nappa Leather can be had as standard. Other features in the GT include new Dark Lime Wood and window winder with chrome inserts and frameless rear-view mirror.
The drive
Powering the entire 3008 range is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 121 kW and 240 Nm. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
We did not test the 0-100km/h sprint time but Peugeot claims it does the sprint in 8.9 seconds and we have no grounds to dispute that claim.
Like most Peugeot models we have sampled, the 3008 GT delivers excellent shove with so much aplomb even when pushed to the max. It has strong pulling power in all six gears whilst cruising nicely on the open road.
Its ride is solid and does not jitter all over the road and it wins in this stable.
Pricing
- 3008 Active R514 900
- 3008 Allure R574 900
- 3008 GT R 644 900
For the record, the other two lesser models offer the following:
ACTIVE
17-inch Aluminium wheels / EcoLED lighting / Visibility Pack / Hands-free start / Dual-zone Automatic climate control / rear Parking aid / Roof Rails / 8” Infotainment system with Mirror screen / Cruise Control with Speed Limiter / Rear parking assistance
ALLURE
18-inch alloy wheels / Hands-free access and start / Hands-free tailgate / Ambient lighting / Tinted windows / Safety Plus package / electrically folding mirrors / Front & Rear parking aid + VisioPark 1 – 180deg. Camera / PET & Fabric upholstery.
