Updated Peugeot 3008 breaks cover

FRENCH car-maker Peugeot has debuted its updated 3008 medium SUV overnight, revealing significant design changes as well as upgrades to equipment and technology features.

Set for a local arrival in the first quarter of next year, the new 3008 wears a new and different face compared to its predecessor, headlined by its new frameless grille that bleeds into the corners of the front fascia, giving the car a wide and commanding look.

The LED headlights have been reshaped for a more aggressive look, with a vertical daytime running light (DRL) strip flowing downwards into the bumper.

GT grades score full LED beams with cornering function, while the foglights have now been integrated in to the headlamps with a new ‘Foggy Mode’ function.

At the rear, the tail-lights have a 3D, claw-like effect and are covered by clear, smoked glass and separated by a black boot lid, while a floating C-pillar and roof rails give the car a sense of length.

Alloy wheels vary up to 19 inches in size, while a ‘Black Pack’ is available that brings a number of darkened elements to the exterior trim and wheels.

Inside, Peugeot’s futuristic i-Cockpit layout has been updated with the 12.3-inch high-set digital instrument cluster now featuring ‘Normally Black’ tech helps improve rendering for better readability and contrast.

The old 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been replaced by a larger 10-inch unit with an upgraded operating system, accessed by the same ‘piano key’ toggle switches as before.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging come as standard, while a 515-watt Focal audio system can be had as an option. 

As for engines, the new 3008 is available with two hybrid, three petrol and two diesel engines globally, with Peugeot Citroen Australia (PCA) confirming that the updated range will carry over the current engine line-up. 

The existing 3008 can be had with the choice of either the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine developing 121kW/240Nm, or the larger 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-pot good for 133kW/400Nm.

Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and drive the front wheels, with all updated grades treated to a drive mode selector.

Two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) grades are available overseas, with PCA saying it is considering bringing a hybrid version Down Under in the second quarter of next year.

The first PHEV teams a 147kW/300Nm petrol engine to a pair of electric motors (81kW front/83kW rear) for a combined 224kW output, with the motors powered by a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery capable of 59km of electric-only range.

The other hybrid set-up uses a slightly less potent petrol engine (133kW) and a single motor on the front axle for a combined 165kW.

A full recharge takes one hour and 45 minutes using a 7.4kW wall box, up to 7h on a standard socket.

New active safety equipment includes animal and pedestrian night vision cameras, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring function, extended traffic sign recognition and an upgraded autonomous emergency braking set-up.

This is in addition to the existing suite of active safety tech.

More local details on the new 3008 including pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the new model’s arrival in the first quarter of 2021.