When a model has been a success – to the extent of being ‘European Car of the Year’ in 2017 – it is a bigger challenge for the product team to come out with a successor. How to make it better than what has already been regarded as a superior product in all respects would have been on the minds of the team.

Well, a full model change is not quite due yet but with the market being so competitive these days, an update has to be significant, especially with the brisk pace of technological advances. So the new 3008 revealed today refreshes the French carmaker’s successful SUV to maintain it as a leading choice for buyers.

Evolutionary changes
The appearance has, predictably, evolutionary changes with ‘an inspired design’ setting the codes for the next phase of modernity, while enhancing refinement and vibrancy. A new frameless grille symbolises the increasingly modern style, while maintaining a fluid design. It  extends with fins under the headlamps to connect all of the elements.

To emphasise the sportiness, shiny black side scoops and a painted tread plate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level. There is also a specific grille on the GT/GT Pack versions, with a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of those versions.

The front headlamps have also been redesigned to be more aggressive, standing out with their unique shapes. LED technology is used across the whole range and extended by hook-shaped DRLs with a chrome tip. This light signature is perfectly in line with the current Peugeot style and is identifiable at first glance.

On the GT/GT Pack versions, Full LED headlamps offer an even more high-tech and distinctive look, thanks to the extended light signature and the bend lighting function which optimises visibility at speeds of up to 90 km/h.

Of particular note is the new ‘Foggy Mode’ function which has replaced the foglights. It is integrated into the Full LED headlamps, and switches on the low beam headlamps with reduced intensity when the rear fog lamps are activated.

At the rear, new, upgraded lighting units include Full LED technology (including the reversing light), displaying the 3D ‘claws’ for a distinctive light signature. The indicators are sequential now and the LED lighting units are also installed across the whole range.

The lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass, extending the black boot lid on each side of the vehicle, which helps to visually widen the rear of the vehicle.

Depending on the market and the requirements of the distributor, there are also variable design elements, including a new ‘Black Pack’ option. This has darker elements such as the grille, roof bars, tread plates and wheels.

The new i-Cockpit
One of the features that has won the 3008 high marks is its i-Cockpit and for the latest version, this has changed to be even more modern. The 12.3-inch digital display, fully customisable and configurable, features a panel with ‘Normally Black’ technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.

The new central touchscreen is 10 inches in viewing size and, as before, the screen has high definition comparable to what you have on a smartphone these days. Below it are a series of 7  piano keys – operated in toggle fashion – allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions.

To complement the update of the i-Cockpit, the interior has new trim with higher perceived levels of quality. High-end versions will have Nappa leather upholstery and Alcantara lining and also available is a range of new exclusive decor such as New Dark Lime Wood and window winders with chrome inserts. The rearview mirror is also frameless now, adding a touch of elegance.

New smart technology
Since this generation of the 3008 was launched, new and more advanced driving aids have been introduced into the market. The new 3008 gets many of these systems which include Night Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Lane position assist, Active warning of unintentional lane (or roadside) departure, and the latest-generation automatic emergency braking (AEB) which can detect pedestrians and cyclists.

Night Vision is unique in the compact SUV segment as it detects living beings (pedestrians/animals) in front of the vehicle at night or in reduced visibility. The system’s range guarantees detection up to 200 – 250 metres – beyond the range of the high beam – with a central display of the infrared view within the digital meter, and therefore in the driver’s field of vision.

With smartphones an integral part of daily life, the 3008 now integrates information and apps from the device onto the central screen. MirrorScreen compatibility including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection protocols make this possible.

Powertrain choices
Peugeot, like other carmakers, has an electrification program for its models as the decade progresses. Besides petrol and turbodiesel engines, there are also hybrid powerplants, along with all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive variants. The PureTech petrol engines are in two displacements – 1.2 litres (3 cylinders) and 1.6 litres (4 cylinders), while the turbodiesel is available with only a 1.5-litre displacement.

The hybrid powertrain for the AWD variant has a 200-bhp PureTech engine working with two electric motors, one at the front and the second positioned on the rear axle. The 2WD variant uses a hybrid powertrain of a 180-bhp PureTech engine with an 80 kW electric motor located at the front.

The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 13.2 kWh and two types of on-board chargers are available – a 3.7 kW single-phase charger as standard and a 7.4 kW single-phase charger as an option. Estimated recharging times range from around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 7 hours.

Revealed today, on sale in 2021
The global online event today has only provided an overview of the new model and the sales launch will take place towards the end of the year in Europe. The Malaysian market should see it some time in 2021, perhaps faster than usual since the PSA Group now has the Naza factory in Kedah that serves as a regional production hub, supplying the 3008 and 5008 to ASEAN markets.

Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit continues to evolve after 10 years in the market