Peugeot 3008 2021 review

I always thought the Peugeot 3008 deserved to be seen on more Australian porches than it actually is. The high-slung French model isn't just an impressive midsize SUV. It has always been a practical, comfortable and intriguing alternative to popular brands.

And for the 2021 Peugeot 3008, which has been updated with new, even more eye-catching styling, the brand has also improved performance and safety features to make it arguably even more attractive.

But will the high price and dubious cost of ownership count against it? Or does this semi-premium brand offer a product that is premium enough to justify its high cost compared to mainstream brand competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester?

Peugeot 3008 2021: GT 1.6 TNR
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.6 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	7l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$40,600

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 6/10

The Peugeot 3008 range is expensive. There. I said it.

Okay, now let's look at Peugeot as a brand. Is it a premium player that can be seen in the background of Audi, Volvo and the company? According to the brand it is. But it's playing a weird game because it's not exactly premium priced to the point where it will sell compared to those manufacturers.

Think of it this way: The Peugeot 3008, while close in size to a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, or Volkswagen Tiguan, costs like a small luxury SUV; like the Audi Q2 or the Volvo XC40.

So it's too expensive to compete with mainstream manufacturers, with a MSRP/MLP starting price of $44,990 (not including travel expenses) for a base Allure model. The lineup also has a $47,990 GT petrol model, $50,990 GT diesel, and the flagship GT Sport costs $54,990.

The Peugeot 3008 range is expensive. (GT variant in the photo)

All models are front-wheel drive, there are no hybrids yet. By comparison, the best-in-class Toyota RAV4 ranges in price from $32,695 to $46,415, with all-wheel drive and hybrid models to choose from. 

Does the installed equipment help justify the costs? Here is a breakdown of the specifications of all four classes.

The 3008 Allure ($44,990) comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights with integrated LED fog lights, LED taillights, roof rails, body-color rear spoiler, automatic headlights and wipers, fabric interior trim with faux leather accents. , manual seat adjustment, 12.3" digital driver information display, 10.0" touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, DAB and Bluetooth digital radio, ambient lighting, wireless phone charger, leather steering wheel and grip shifter, electric parking brake, push-button start and keyless entry, and a compact spare tire.

Upgrade to the petrol GT ($47,990) or diesel ($50,990K) and you get a few different things to justify the extra expense. 18-inch wheels of a different design, LED headlights are adaptive (i.e. turn with the car), the rearview mirror is frameless, the steering wheel is perforated leather, the roof lining is black (not gray), and you get a black roof and mirror housings on the outside.

In addition, the cabin has Alcantara door and dashboard trim, sports pedals and vegan leather seat trim with Alcantara elements and copper stitching.

Then the GT Sport model ($54,990) essentially adds an exterior black package with 19-inch black alloy wheels, duck trim on the grille, badges, bumper covers, side doors and front fenders, and window surrounds. It also includes a leather interior package, which is optional on other trims, as well as a Focal audio system with 10 speakers and laminated front door glass. This variety also has a Lime Wood interior finish.

GT-class models can be purchased with a sunroof for $1990. Gasoline and diesel variants of the 3008 GT can be fitted with leather seat trim, standard on the GT Sport, which includes Nappa leather, heated front seats, power driver's seat adjustment and massage - this package costs $3590.

Picky about colors? The only free option is Celebes Blue, while the metallic options ($690) consist of Artense Grey, Platinum Grey, and Perla Nera Black, and there is also a choice of premium paint finishes ($1050): Pearl White, Ultimate Red, and Vertigo Blue . Orange, yellow, brown or green coloration not available. 

I repeat - for a non-luxury brand selling a front-wheel drive SUV, no matter how good or well-equipped it is, the 3008 is way too expensive.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

It's close to 10/10 for the design. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it's also beautifully packaged and thoughtfully configured. And, in the opinion of me and everyone I've spoken to, it doesn't look like a midsize SUV. He is almost small.

This is even taking into account its length of 4447 mm (with a wheelbase of 2675 mm), width of 1871 mm and height of 1624 mm. That means it's shorter than the VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, and even the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and really manages to fit the level of a midsize SUV into a more compact SUV.

More on interior practicality coming soon, but let's just enjoy the beauty of this updated front end. The old model was already attractive, but this updated version ups the ante. 

The 3008 is simply beautiful to look at. (GT variant in the photo)

It has a new front end design that gives the impression that the car is moving even when it is parked. The way the grille diverges and the lines get wider towards the outer edges is reminiscent of what you see in a space movie when a captain reaches warp speed.

These little lines can be hard to clear on a bug-splattered summer road. But redesigned headlights with huge, sharp DRLs help the front of the car stand out even more. 

Upgraded headlights and sharp DRLs highlight the front of the car. (GT variant in the photo) 

There are 18- or 19-inch wheels in the side profile, and depending on the model, you'll see chrome around the lower edges or a heavily blackened GT Sport look. The side design hasn't changed much, which is a good thing. I just wish the wheels were a little more interesting.

The rear has a new LED taillight design with blacked out trim, while the rear bumper has been redesigned. All trims have a foot-operated electric tailgate, and it actually worked in testing.

The 3008 wheels could have been a bit more interesting. (GT variant in the photo)

The interior design of the 3008 is another talking point, and there may be completely wrong reasons for this. A recent slew of the brand's models use what the brand calls the i-Cockpit, where the steering wheel (which is tiny) sits low and you look over it at the digital driver information screen (which isn't tiny). ). 

Inside is a 12.3-inch Peugeot i-Cockpit display. (GT variant in the photo)

I love it. I can easily find the right position for me and I like its novelty. But there are a lot of people who struggle to come to terms with the idea of ​​a low steering wheel position - they want it to be high since they're used to it - and that means they might not be able to see the dashboard. .

Take a look at the images of the interiors and share your thoughts in the comments below.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

This is a place of special sensations, interior 3008.

I mentioned above that it may not be to everyone's taste in terms of seating arrangements, but the comfort and convenience is up to the mark. Yes, excellent convenience and a surprising amount of thoughtfulness went into the interior here.

And it's superbly finished, with a very high standard of perceived quality - all materials look and feel chic, including the door and dashboard trim, which is soft and inviting. There is some hard plastic under the dash belt line, but it's better quality than some of the competition. 

The interior of the 3008 seems special. (GT variant in the photo)

Let's talk about storing cups and bottles. Lots of French cars don't have enough space to store drinks, but the 3008 has good-sized cup holders between the front seats, large bottle holders in all four doors, and a fold-down center armrest with cup storage in the back.

In addition, there is a huge basket on the center console between the front seats, which is much deeper than it looks. There's also a handy glove box, large door recesses, and a storage compartment in front of the gear selector that doubles as a cordless phone charger.

The front also features a new, larger 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in sat-nav. However, the usability of the multimedia screen is not as easy as it could be.

Inside is a new and larger infotainment system with a 10.0-inch touchscreen. (GT variant in the photo)

All of the ventilation controls are done through the screen, and while some of the phone's mirroring takes up the middle of the monitor and the temperature controls are on both sides, it still means you need to get away from what you're doing on the screen. smartphone mirroring, go to the HVAC menu, make the necessary changes, and then return to the smartphone screen. It's just too picky.

At least there's a volume knob and a set of hotkeys below the screen so you can switch between menus, and the processor used seems a little more powerful in the last 3008 I drove because the screen is a bit faster.

But one thing that hasn't improved is the rear camera display, which is still very low-res and also requires you to fill in the gaps with the 360-degree camera. It appears with gray boxes on either side of the car, and when you're backing up, it records an image that collects rather than just showing you what's on the outside of the car, as you might see in most cars with surround view camera systems. It's not really that useful and I found that I just needed a better resolution rear camera because there are parking sensors around the car.

The rear view camera is still very low resolution. (GT variant in the photo)

There is enough room in the back seat for a person of my height - I am 182cm or 6ft 0in and I could fit behind my seat behind the wheel and have enough room to feel comfortable. Knee room is the main limitation, while headroom is good, as is toe room. The flat floor at the rear makes it a little more suitable for three, though the center console eats up the middle seat's knee room and it's not the widest cabin in the business.

There is enough space in the back for a person who is 182 cm or 6 feet tall. (GT variant in the photo)

There are rear directional vents, two USB charging ports, and a pair of card pockets. And if you have younger children, there are two ISOFIX anchor points and three anchor points for top-tether child seats.

The luggage compartment of the 3008 is exceptional. Peugeot claims that somehow this fairly compact midsize SUV can fit 591 liters of cargo in the back, and that's a measurement to the window line, not the roof.

In practice, with the boot floor set to the lowest of the two positions above the spare tire, there was plenty of space for the spare wheel. Cars Guide luggage set (hard case 134 l, 95 l and 36 l) with space for another set on top. It's a huge boot, and a good fit too. 

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

The Peugeot 3008 lineup has a complex lineup of engines. Many brands are taking a one-engine-fits approach to their standard lineup, and this is likely to only increase as the world moves towards electrification.

But still, the 2021 version of 3008 has three engines available at launch, with more to come!

The Allure and GT petrol models are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (known as the Puretech 165), producing 121 kW at 6000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. It's only available with a six-speed automatic and is front-wheel drive like all 3008s. The claimed acceleration time to 0 km/h is 100 seconds.

Next on the list of engine specifications is the petrol GT Sport, which also has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, but with slightly more power - as the name Puretech 180 would suggest. rpm). This engine uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, FWD/133WD, and has engine start and stop technology. It can accelerate to 5500 km/h in a claimed 250 seconds.

The Allure and GT models use a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 121 kW/240 Nm. (GT variant in the photo)

Then there's the diesel model - GT Diesel's Blue HDi 180 - a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with 131kW (at 3750rpm) and a whopping 400Nm (at 2000rpm) of torque. Again, there's an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD, and it looks like it's struggling to get that crap on the road at 0-100 in 9.0 seconds.

The 3008 range will be expanded with plug-in hybrid versions in the second half of 2021. 

A 225WD Hybrid 2 model is expected with a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 13.2 kWh battery, with a range of 56 km.

The Hybrid4 300 has slightly more power and torque, and also includes all-wheel drive with a rear-mounted electric motor in addition to a front-mounted electric motor and a 13.2 kWh battery. good for 59 km electric range.

We look forward to trying out PHEV versions later in 2021. Follow the news.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Official combined cycle fuel consumption figures vary by engine range. In fact, it even varies depending on the variant!

For example, the 1.6-liter Puretech 165 four-cylinder engine in the Allure and GT petrol models is not identical. The official figure is 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers for the Allure, while the GT petrol consumes 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers, which may be due to tires and some aerodynamic differences.

Then there is the GT Sport, the most powerful petrol (Puretech 180), which has an official consumption of 5.6 l/100 km. It's a lot lower because it has start-stop technology that the other 1.6-liter doesn't have.

The Blue HDi 180 engine has the lowest official fuel consumption of 5.0 l/100 km. It also has start-stop technology, but without AdBlue after treatment.

I filled up after a few hundred miles of testing and the actual pump consumption was 8.5 l/100 km on GT petrol. 

Both petrol models require 95 octane premium unleaded petrol. 

The fuel tank capacity for all models is 53 liters, so the theoretical range for a diesel is very good.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The Peugeot 3008 lineup received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2016, and although that was half a century ago (can you believe it?!), the updated model is even better equipped with technology and safety features.

All models come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, including in low light conditions, and all classes come with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and intervention, 360-degree surround view camera, front and rear parking sensors. , semi-autonomous self-parking technology, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control with speed limiter.

The 3008 is equipped with two ISOFIX anchorages and three child seat anchorage points. (GT variant in the photo)

All GT models are equipped with Lane Keeping Assist technology, which will also help you stay in your lane at high speeds. Where the Allure has Peugeot's Advanced Grip Control adding off-road driving modes with mud, sand and snow modes - remember, though, this is a front-wheel drive SUV.

The 3008 is equipped with six airbags (dual front, front side and full-length curtain), as well as dual ISOFIX and three anchorage points for child seats.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

The Peugeot 3008 range is offered with a class-competitive five-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes five years of roadside assistance at no extra charge.

There is also a five-year fixed price service plan. Maintenance intervals are every 12 months/20,000 km which is generous.

But the cost of services is high. The average annual service charge for Allure and GT gasoline models, calculated on a five-year plan, is $553.60; for the GT diesel it's $568.20; and for the GT Sport it's $527.80.

Worried about Peugeot 3008 issues, reliability, issues or reviews? Visit our Peugeot 3008 issues page.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

The petrol Peugeot 3008 GT I drove was nice and comfortable. Not amazing in any way, but a really good balance of things you might want in your midsize SUV.

The ride is especially well sorted, with a good level of control and composure over most bumps at most speeds. There may be a slight side to side swaying of the body from time to time, but it is never too fragile a sensation.

The steering is quick and the small handlebar makes it worse. You don't have to make a lot of hand movements to get a quick response, though there isn't much feel to it, so it's not a lot of fun in the traditional sense, despite being easy to control.

You can look at the engine specs and think, "1.6-liter engine is not enough for such a family SUV!". But you're wrong, because as it turns out, this engine is a savory little proposition.

It pulls hard from a standstill and also delivers a nice boost in power across the rev range. The engine is snappy enough in its response and acceleration when spinning, but the transmission has a real appetite for eating away at the pleasure you're trying to have by constantly upshifting in an attempt to save fuel. 

There are paddle shifters if you want to put it in manual mode, and there's also a sport driving mode - but it's not really that SUV. This is a really competent and comfortable family option that is very easy to manage and will certainly be easy to live with.

Another really nice thing about the 3008 is that it's pretty quiet. Road noise or wind noise isn't much of a problem, and I barely heard tire roar from the Michelin rubber on my test car.

The GT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels. (GT variant in the photo)

The engine start button bothered me the most. It seems to require a lot of pressure on the brake pedal and a pretty good push on the button to start the engine, and I also found the shift lever can be a little annoying when shifting between drive and reverse.

However, this hardly violates the terms of the deal. This is a very nice car.

Verdict

The 3008 Peugeot 2021 lineup offers some alternatives to mainstream SUVs, even as prices move closer to the realm of luxury SUVs.

Contrary to the brand's approach is that our pick in the lineup is actually the base Allure model, which is the most affordable (though hardly the cheapest) but has a lot of equipment we think you'll appreciate and the driving experience. , which is on par with the more expensive GT gasoline.