Concept cars used to be fanciful models created by carmakers to dazzle visitors at motorshows. They had amazing technologies and features but a lot was also for show as it was either to complex or too expensive to put into production models. These days though, concept cars serve to preview the next generation of models and much of the technology shown is already under development.
With the Inception Concept presented by Peugeot at CES 2023 (the Consumer Electronics Show), the French carmaker is giving a preview of what its future models in the electric era will be like, and what advanced features they will have.
Following the appointment of Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) as the distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, the range of locally assembled models has been refreshed, starting with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 which were launched late last year.
Today, the third model from the Stellantis assembly plant in Kedah (formerly owned by the NAZA Group) was officially launched, this being the 2008 crossover SUV. The 2008 has been in Malaysia since 2014 when the first generation was launched by the previous distributors. The current second generation was launched in Europe in 2019 but due to Nasim’s sudden end to handling the French brand, it did not make its appearance as expected in 2021 (though the COVID-19 would also have upset plans).
So as it makes a fresh start with BAASB, Peugeot has a brand new model to introduce to the market with the new design language that includes a new brand logo and Lion as well. The new Peugeot logo (which has changed at least 8 times in over 200 years) has an all-new take on the iconic Peugeot lion.
Compared to the first generation, the second generation has a more striking profile with a set-back windscreen that emphasizes the streamlined and athletic design. The more horizontal bonnet sweeps back from a large grille that is flanked by the distinctive ‘3-claw’ daytime running lights that are the signature of the latest Peugeot models.
The overall design also shares elements with the 5008 and 3008, bringing to mind earlier generations of Peugeot models that had common styling elements and the only difference (at a glance) was that they were of different sizes.
In the 21st century, sharing is a necessity to spread development costs and the 2008 uses Peugeot’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) small car architecture which was originally developed with China’s Dongfeng. The platform has been used for sub-compact and compact models since 2019 and is also engineered to be suitable for electric powertrains.
Inside, the 2008 is the first Peugeot model to get the new 3D i-Cockpit technology, a world’s first. This is the next evolution of the i-Cockpit that first appeared in the 208 in 2012, giving the popular hatchback an iconic feature that would become an element in the brand’s DNA. With the i-Cockpit, key information is directly within the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to take the eyes off the road. It’s almost like the Head-Up Display (HUD) except that it does not project information on the windscreen ahead of the driver. It is therefore not as expensive to incorporate but at the same time differs from traditional instrument panel layout and positioning.
The new 3D version’s instrument cluster, fully digital and graphic, has advanced reflections that create the impressions of 3D graphics. Depending on the importance of information presented, the indications appear ‘closer’ to the eyes of the driver. The digital cluster displays.
The cluster is composed of a high-definition 10.25-inch ‘background’ thin-film transistor (TFT) and a 7-inch ‘foreground’ TFT projected on a semi-reflective blade. The leading-edge display creates a 3D projection of approximately 15 mm between the front and rear images. This projects information like a hologram and the information is dynamic and animated. It can get closer to the eye depending on the degree of importance or urgency, and potentially increasing driver reactivity by half a second.
The other elements of the i-Cockpit are the compact steering wheel, raised instrument display, and a series of piano keys (or toggle switches) allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions. There is a 3-level arrangement for efficient ergonomics and driving comfort. Like a HUD, the information falls within the driver’s line of sight so that he or she does not need to take their eyes off the road ahead, improving safety. With traditional layouts, the eyes usually have to be diverted downwards a bit to view the meters, momentarily drawing the driver’s vision away from the road.
The Allure version comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. As with many new models, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity. The system also responds to voice commands and Bluetooth can be used for handsfree telephony. Premium features include Automatic Climate Control, leather upholstery, mood lighting, electronic parking brake and cruise control.
Although having compact exterior dimensions, passenger accommodation has been maximised through intelligent packaging. The driver and front passenger have 6-way seat adjustment while the rear backrest is divided in a 60:40 ratio for variable layouts.
The boot is also pretty spacious with up to 434 litres of volume which can be expanded to 1,467 litres if you don’t have anyone in the back seats. There’s also another 80 litres in a compartment hidden under the floor which would be useful for valuable items although there is a removable tonneau cover to hide the contents of the boot.
All 2008s with petrol engines use the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder DOHC 12V turbocharged PureTech engine. This engine has been a category winner a few times in the ‘International Engine of the Year’ Awards. With direct injection, it produces 130 ps/230 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed ATS III automatic transmission from Aisin.
According to Stellantis Senior Vice-President ASEAN & General Distributors, Christophe Musy, much effort has been put into ensuring that the engine is suited to local conditions. Extensive testing has been carried out and the Peugeot people are now more aware of the fact that conditions in this region are significantly different. There is assurance that there won’t be issues like those which affected the engines in the old 308.
Although the 2008 doesn’t have a suite of active safety systems like what you find in many new models, it nevertheless has a number of the systems that you find in such suites. These include Lane-Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Warning and an Active Safety Brake. Also included as standard is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, which should make regular checks unnecessary.
There are also front, side and curtain airbags, along with ABS, stability control, anti-skid control and hillstart-assist. Parents with small children don’t have to break the law as they can install childseats on the ISOFIX points securely, while warnings will remind everyone to use seatbelts.
Priced from RM126,753 (without insurance and without sales tax until June 30, 2022), the 2008 comes with a choice of 4 colours and a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 100,000 kms. Customers also enjoy free scheduled servicing for the first 3 years (or maximum of 60,000 kms.
Along with the 3008 update, Peugeot has also revealed an updated 5008 which also shares the new ‘design codes’ of the brand. Like the 3008, it too is still in its second generation, having been added to the range in 2009. The current second generation has been around since 2017 and was reclassified as a SUV where before it was a MPV.
New styling elements can be seen in the grille which is now frameless, spread sideways with fins under the headlamps providing the visual connection. The Lion has moved into the grille, sized prominently, while the leading edge of the bonnet had the model identifier ‘5008’, as does the entire Peugeot range moving forward. The headlamps of all versions now use LED technology, with hook-shaped DRLs.
Shiny black side scoops and a painted treadplate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level. For the GT/GT Pack, there is a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of the GT versions. The GT/GT Pack versions also have Full LED headlamps for extra distinction as well as better illumination. With the extended light signature and the bend lighting function, visibility at night is said to be improved at speeds of up to 90 km/h.
At the rear too, there are new, upgraded headlamps with Full LED technology (including the reversing lights). Drivers behind will immediately recognise the model, if not the brand, by the ‘3D claws’ light signature, while the driver’s intentions to turn are conveyed by sequential indicators. 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 car.
Depending on the market, the 5008 will have a new ‘Black Pack’ option which has darker design elements. These include satin black roof bars, black rubber wipers and blackened wheels.
Although Peugeot doesn’t mention it, there seem to be tiny differences in overall length and width, with the new version being 29 mm shorter and 11 mm narrower. However, this could be due to differences in body trim and the all-important wheelbase remains the same at 2,840 mm.
A new i-Cockpit
The i-Cockpit is one of the strong selling points of Peugeot models and the designers have improved upon it. The 12.3-inch digital headset, fully customisable and configurable, has a digital panel with ‘Normally Black’ technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.
The central touchscreen is now 10 inches in viewing size, with a high definition display. Seven elegant piano keys, operating as toggle switches, are lined up across the centre of the dashboard. They provide quick and direct operation to main functions – radio, air-conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and hazard warning lights.
Raising perceived level of quality
Together with the revision of the i-Cockpit®, the interior has been given new trims. These are intended to raise the perceived level of quality with the provision of Red Nappa leather upholstery, Mistral Black PET/Alcantara lining and Mistral Nappa Leather upholstery with Tramontane stitching. Customers can also opt for new exclusive décor such as Dark Lime Wood and window winders with chrome inserts as well as a frameless rearview mirror.
As with other SUVs, the 5008 has a variable cabin layout with individual seats in the second and third rows being foldable. It also possible to tip the front passenger seat forward to maximise available length which can be up to 3.2 metres. With the third row in use, the boot volume is 780 litres and can be expanded to 1,940 litres.
Enhanced technologies
Besides refreshing the looks, Peugeot has also updated and enhanced the technologies, some of which have been introduced during the 4 years this generation has been on sale. Driving aids are the big thing nowadays and for the 5008, there’s Night Vision to detect pedestrians/animals ahead at night or in reduced visibility. The system’s range guarantees detection up to 200 – 250 metres, beyond the range of the high beam. An infrared view will also appear on the instrument panel.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Lane Position Assist make driving more relaxed and safer, while automatic emergency braking is active from 5 km/h to 140 km/h. In some countries, it will also be possible to recognise traffic signs and the driver will be alerted accordingly.
Smartphone functionality can be transferred to the dashboard with MirrorScreen compatibility that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection protocols. Additionally, besides USB sockets, there is also a pad for wireless recharging of compatible smartphones.
Engine choices
The range of engines for the 5008 are similar to those available with the 3008. There are Puretech petrol engines with displacement of 1.2-litres (3 cylinders) and 1.6 litres (4 cylinders) with BlueHDi diesel engines having 1.5 litre and 2.0-litre displacements.