Peugeot 3008 – second-gen SUV debuts in Paris

Peugeot has taken the wraps off its new 3008, debuting the second-generation SUV in Paris. It arrives on the scene wearing an all-new platform, all-new design and new drivetrains.

The new 3008 – which sits on an EMP2 platform – has ditched the outgoing car‘s odd pseudo MPV shape for a more conventional SUV look, as displayed by the vertical front end, long flat bonnet and high waist line. The lights with LED ‘eyebrows’ look like those on the Peugeot 308 hatchback, and the grille is a lot smaller than the first-gen’s.

It measures in at 4.45 metres long (eight centimetres longer than outgoing car), 1.84 metres wide (identical) and 1.62 metres tall. The new vehicle’s wheelbase measures in a 2,675 mm, an increase of 62 mm over the old 3008.

Inside, the automaker says all key passenger dimensions have been improved over the previous generation. Rear legroom has been increased by 24 mm, front elbow room by 17 mm, rear elbow room by four millimetres and rear headroom by 36 mm. Boot space has also been improved on, with 520 litres, it’s almost 90 litres larger than that on the previous generation (432 litres).

A number of engine options have been announced for the Continent, and the range is made up of three petrol and five diesel variants. Petrol versions are the 1.2L PureTech 130 S&S in six-speed manual and six-speed auto forms as well as a 1.6L THP 165 S&S six-speed auto.

For diesels, there’s a 1.6L BlueHDi 100 S&S BVM5, 1.6L BlueHDi 120 S&S (available in both six-speed manual and auto), a 2.0L BlueHDi 150 S&S six-speed manual and a 2.0L BlueHDi 180 S&S six-speed auto. A number of wheel choices abound too – the 3008 can be had with 17- and 18-inch units shod with ultra low rolling resistance tyres or a 19-inch wheel with specially-developed 205/55 Michelin rubbers.

The SUV comes equipped with Advanced Grip Control, an enhanced traction system offering five modes (Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand, ESP OFF). Also on, hill assist descent control (HADC) as well as a raft of driver assistance and safety systems, including active lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop function, active safety brake and distance alert, park assist and auto adaptive headlights.

The interior features an evolution of the brand’s i-Cockpit dashboard design. It’s more cockpit-like than ever, with a deeply carved out centre console and a row of toggle switches for the aircraft feel. Unlike earlier designs in the 208 and 308, the central screen has moved up a tier to the instrument cluster’s level.

The cabin gets dressed in new materials and trim, with elements including full hide leather, chrome inserts and gloss black trim. There’s also a more compact steering wheel, which has been redesigned with two flats to make it easier to grip and to afford the driver maximum visibility and legroom.

Other bits include a centrally-mounted eight-inch touchscreen, six elegant piano-key toggle switches, which offer direct and access to the main control functions (radio, climate control, navigation, vehicle parameters, telephone and mobile applications).

The new 3008 also features a HUD with a high-resolution 12.3-inch display screen, and this can be completely configured and personalised – five different display modes, all controllable via a knob on the steering wheel, allow the driver to configure the instrument unit to preference.

A Focal Premium hi-fi system is also available as an option, and ticking the box adds the 10-speaker system, which features a 515 watt, 12-channel amplifier. Not just sight and sound, because scent is also given focus, this through an i-Cockpit Amplify system, which offers active in-cabin perfumery, with three specially-developed fragances to pick from.

Other cabin novelties include a large panoramic sunroof, a two-position sliding floor and 2/3-1/3 split-folding Magic Flat rear seats, which can be folded to offer a flat load-floor. There’s also a hands-free tailgate in the mix.

A Driver Sport Pack is also available, and the package offers a firmer and more responsive power steering, a more responsive accelerator pedal mapping and enhanced engine/gearbox response. The SUV’s engine sound is also amplified into the cabin, accomplished with the aid of a digital amplifier.

Plenty of connectivity on call as well in the new 3008. Aside from 3D connected navigation, the 3008 also features Mirror Screen, which is compatible with MirrorLink protocols (Android smartphones), Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and there’s also Qi-compatible induction smartphone recharging to round off the list.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.