Peugeot’s all-new 3008 SUV is hitting our market at just the right time from the point of view of the new Australian importer.
Inchcape, best known here as the importer of Subarus, has taken over from the Sime Darby organisation which hadn’t been performing as well as had been anticipated in recent years downunder.
At the launch of the new 3008 the MD of Inchcape, Nick Senior, made it very clear his organisation is serious about doing well in the sales race with both Peugeot and its sister company Citroen. The earliest actions are to cut some lower cost models from the existing range and trim prices slightly.
Similarly, Peugeot 3008 is aimed at buyers looking in the mid and upper ranges and who aren’t particularly interested in prices, saying they want, “value for money, not the cheapest price … increasingly, Australian buyers are moving in the direction of premium brands”.
Buyers are moving to SUVs instead of passenger cars, probably because most potential buyers are looking to buy a station wagon rather than a 4WD. However they do want either a tough-looking SUV with 4WD looks – either that or a stylish wagon.
Peugeot 3008 is most definitely in the latter group, with a lovely shape that oozes French flair from every line inside both inside and out.
Interestingly, main colour choices and the wheelarch and lower-door trims are offered in different shades from model to model.
As a somewhat amusing side note: Peugeot is not allowed to call this car the three-double-oh-eight. After a protracted legal stoush with the owners of the 007 James Bond franchise the car maker has to refer to its 3008 as either three-thousand-eight, or three-thousand-and-eight. Great fun, isn’t it?
The new 2018 Peugeot 3008 has a fascinating latest-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit. This consists of a slim, programmable, 12.3-inch screen taking pride of place above the steering wheel. The wheel is tiny and features not only a flat bottom but a flat top. Very much in the manner of the latest racing car steering wheels it looks great and works well.
However, the wheel is likely to be controversial as it certainly takes a different tack. May we suggest you approach your local Peugeot dealer and request a longer than average test drive? There’s a strong chance early adopters will fall in love with the concept.
Above the centre of the dash is a more conventional 8.0-inch touchscreen providing information on the comprehensive infotainment system.
Four Peugeot 3008 model are being imported: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. Prices start at $36,990 and go through to $49,490. See the full price list attached.
Australian Peugeots are powered by either a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. Both sit beside a six-speed automatic transmission.
The THP 165 petrol unit develops 165 horsepower (121 kilowatts) of power at 6000 rpm, and 240 Nm of torque starting at a very low1400 rpm. The BlueHDi 180 diesel makes 180 horsepower (133 kW) at 3750rpm, and 400 Nm of torque from 2000 revs.
Peugeot 3008 doesn’t really pretend to be an all-wheel-drive vehicle – it only has two-wheel-drive, by way of the front wheels. However, added traction can be gained by using electronic five different modes that can be dialled up to sit conditions and drivers’ tastes.
DRIVING
We have carried out extensive drive programs on the new Peugeot 3008, however the importer has put an embargo on our findings, for a week after the media launch. We well get back to you with our driving impressions when the embargo lifts.
The complete 2017 Peugeot 3008 range is:
Active: $36,990
Allure: $39,490
GT Line: $43,490
GT: $49,490
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.
