More muscular visuals and a state-of-the-art cockpit are highlights of the new Peugeot 3008 SUV, on UK sale in January.
The second-generation model has been completely redesigned as the brand looks to capture a bigger slice of the growing SUV market. The 3008 will join the 2008 launched earlier in the year, and the 5008 unveiled at the Paris motor show and on sale next May, in a market that is now 2.5 times bigger than when the first 3008 launched in 2009.
The new model is described by its makers as the ‘3008 SUV’ rather than the ‘3008 Crossover’ title attached to its predecessor, and as a result gains more muscular styling, with a more upright grille, distinctive creases in the panels and a high ground clearance with sharp approach and departure angles.
It is in the cabin, however, where the changes are most obvious – while boasting much higher perceived quality of fit and finish, the interior is dominated by the latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, which combines an eight-inch centre-console mounted touchscreen with a 12-inch digital instrument panel. The panel graphics are already being praised as more up to date than current premium market offerings.
The new 3008 will be built in Peugeot’s factories in France and China. It sits on the PSA EMP2 platform and at 4450mm in length is 80mm longer than its predecessor with a 62mm longer wheelbase and a bigger boot, up by 100 litres to 591 litres.
Peugeot claims class-leading economy and emissions across the 3008 powertrain range, all of which are already existing units. Petrol buyers can choose from a 135hp 1.2-litre engine with six-speed manual or six-speed auto gearboxes, and a 165hp 1.6-litre unit combined with the auto ‘box.
Diesel engines are all of 1.6 litres, on offer in 100, 120, 150 and 180hp power outputs. The 120 can be specified with the auto transmission as an option, while it is the only option on the range-topping 180.
There will be no all-wheel-drive versions of the 3008 – according to Peugeot product manager Simon Broome less than two per cent of buyers chose AWD in the Mk1 3008. However the Grip Control electronic aid for driving on difficult surfaces is available as an option across the range.
The first 3008 models will arrive in showrooms on 28th January 2017 at prices starting from £21,795. Peugeot is also highlighting greatly reduced running costs, not least in terms of insurance. More safety features and significant cuts in repair costs – notably deleting the complex two-part tailgate of the previous version – have slashed insurance groups from 20A to 11E.
Keyword: Digital cockpit stars in new Peugeot 3008 SUV