From its introduction to our market in 2017, the Peugeot 3008 has been one of the most desirable mid-sized, mainstream SUVs available in SA. With a winning formula of practicality, elegant good looks and great value, the French family car has had to do battle with a number of equally talented rivals, like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Arguably the most distinctive vehicle in its class, the tastefully styled Peugeot recently received a facelift, bringing with it a host of revisions.
Certainly a highlight, the gorgeous styling of the 3008 turned the heads of many passers-by, all straining their necks for a second glimpse of the classy 3008. The Peugeot really does stand out from the crowd – it’s contemporary, elegant and unique without being over-styled or flashy.
The facelift has kept it fresh; the front end being the recipient of the most obvious changes. A new, frameless radiator grille is flanked by restyled light clusters, now featuring Matrix LED headlamps (and daytime running lights). On the GT model, static directional lighting – which improves lighting in bends – is standard.
At the rear, updated LED taillamps with smoked lenses give the 3008 an even cleaner look from behind. The ‘lion claw’ design now boasts scrolling indicators, a feature made popular by various Audi and VW models. Lastly, the GT also gets a new wheel design – 19-inch diamond cut ‘San Francisco’ alloys.
Like the exterior, style plays a big role in the cabin of the 3008. It is very avantgarde, with a swooping design. Personally, it reminded me of a cockpit, with a wide centre console that separates driver and passenger. Neat touches, like the toggle switches, look exquisite and feel of a high quality. Most of the cabin finishes feel expensive and premium, with most surfaces being a tactile delight.
The GT model is packed to the hilt with standard features, including a FOCAL hi-fi sound system, ambient interior lighting, adaptive cruise control and a comprehensive touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth and satellite navigation. Feature-rich it may be, but it’s not as user-friendly as the system found in the VW Tiguan. Simple tasks (like adjusting the fan speed, for example) have been relegated to the touchscreen. I got used to it over time – but it’s overly complicated and a designated set of physical dials/buttons would be a more sensible solution.
Aside from the luxury features, safety remains a top priority for the Paris-based brand. Aside from six airbags, ABS with EBD and stability control, the 3008 GT has forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and active blind spot detection. A 360-degree camera system is standard too, making tricky parking situations less stressful. However, when raining, the rear-facing camera is rendered unusable, as droplets of water gather over the lens.
It’s very easy to find your preferred driving position , courtesy of the electrically operated driver’s seat. The Nappa leather upholstery is supple and soft, giving a really rich feel to the already classy cabin. What’s more, the driver’s pew features a massage function – an absolute boon on long trips. Both front seats offer heating.
Where the 3008 also excels is interior space. It’s vast inside, with oodles of room on offer for up to five passengers. Those up front are happiest, while passengers in the rear have ample amounts of head and legroom. An armrest and two USB ports make life more comfortable if you’re sitting in the back, while ISOFIX mountings will come as a welcome relief for those needing to fit child seats. The electrically operated boot lid releases itself to reveal 591 litres of packing space. Impressive, considering the full-size spare wheel under the flat floor. Small storage compartments for odds and ends really add to the practicality of the 3008. The seats fold down with ease – pull the levers (found in the boot area) and the plush seats fold down by themselves, revealing a sizeable 1,670 litres of cargo space.
Called into action with push-button start, the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol keeps to itself. The powertrain is nicely refined and hushed, only making itself audible when pushed. With 121 kW and 240 Nm of torque, it’s certainly not rapid, but it makes for dignified progress. 0-100 km/h is dispatched in a claimed 8.9 seconds, while claimed fuel consumption is rated at an ambitious 7.0 L/100 km. Over my time with the car, I managed to average 10.3 L/100 km.Â
The six-speed automatic transmission is wonderful, with smooth and seamless shifts. If you’re in the mood, a manual mode with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles is available for sportier driving. It sits at odds with the laid back, refined character of the car though. While it handles with confidence, it’s not an entertaining car to push through bends – and that’s no bad thing. Instead, it floats across the road with a creamy smoothness. Certainly, none of its rivals (maybe the C5 Aircross) can match its ride quality. Even with the 19-inch alloys, it shrugs off bumps and potholes like they’re conspiracy theories.
The @PeugeotZA 3008 is a handsome brute, turning heads as people try to catch a glimpse of the distinctive mid-size SUV. Fabulous cabin insulates from the stresses of traffic. Ride is cosseting, too. pic.twitter.com/UEcL0CUAQe
— Jarryd Neves (@JarrydNeves) August 28, 2021
Cumbersome infotainment system aside, the 3008 is one of the most complete cars I’ve driven. Oozing class and sophistication, it rides like a true luxury car, pampering you into a relaxed state with its myriad standard features. What’s more, the comfort on offer is superb. Paired with the interior and luggage space, the safety tech makes the mid-sized Peugeot ideal for family duty. So what does all of this luxury, tech and refinement cost?
At R644 900, the 3008 GT represents stupendous value. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but consider this – a similarly sized (and equipped) SUV from a German luxury brand could easily set you back over R1 million. Add to that a five-year/100 000 km service plan and warranty (with roadside assistance) and the 3008 GT is a purchase you can make with both your head and your heart.
Fast Facts:
Peugeot 3008 1.6T GT
Price: R644,900
Power: 121 kW/240 Nm
Fuel consumption: 7.0 L/100km (claimed)
Top speed: 201Â km/h
Rivals: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI, Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD
Read more:
- The lion’s got its roar back – Peugeot 2008 GT 1.2 96 kW EAT6
- Style and substance: Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro
- Volkswagen T-Roc 1.4TSI 110 kW Design: Better than a Golf?
