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A head turner when it launched in 2016, the PEUGEOT 3008 has taken the design lead in the compact SUV market, achieved outstanding accolades and sales in Europe and internationally, scooping the Car of The Year award in 2017.

As of 2021 the facelifted 3008 has arrived. Fresh design updates set the tone for modern styling, with the front redesigned, full LED rear lights and new body colour options as was seen the new 2008 launched in 2020.

A new frameless grille symbolises the move to more contemporary styling, yet maintains fluid lines, which extend with fins under the headlamps to connect all the elements. Lastly, in line with the entire Peugeot range, the bonnet nose now proudly displays the model's monogram.

Emphasising sportiness, shiny black side scoops and a painted tread plate have been included into the new bumper from the original trim level.

There is a specific grille on the GT model with a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of this version.

The front headlamps have also been redesigned to be more aggressive and include LED technology extended by hook-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with chrome tips – a light signature perfectly in line with current Peugeot style and identifiable at first glance.

Full LED headlamps on the GT offer a high-tech, distinctive look, creating an extended light signature further optimised by the bend lighting function (EVS), which enhances visibility at speeds of up to 90 km/h.

The rear of the vehicle features new, upgraded headlamps with full LED technology (including reversing light), and displays the 3D claws for a punchy light signature. The indicators are sequential.

The success of the PEUGEOT 3008 is also partly due to its unique interior.  In the new PEUGEOT 3008 the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® is more modern than ever:

The 12.3-inch digital headset, which is fully customisable and configurable, features a digital panel with "Normally Black" technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.

The new central touch screen is 10 inches in size. The screen is high definition and comes with a series of seven elegant piano keys - the "toggle switches" - allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions: radio, air conditioning, navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications, and hazard warning lights.

To underscore the modernisation of the i-Cockpit®, the upgrade is reflected in the interior with new trims, which add to the cabin’s allure and perceived level of quality:

On the GT, new Red Nappa Leather upholstery is available as an option over the standard Black Nappa Leather.

New mid-PET and textile upholstery are also available on ALLURE.

Embellished with the range of new exclusive decors: new Dark Lime Wood and window winder with chrome inserts on the GT and new "Frameless" rear-view mirror on the GT.

The new PEUGEOT 3008 includes all the latest generation driving aids as part of its range of on-board technologies: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function on the GT, and it automatically restarts the vehicle if the stop was less than 3 seconds. Otherwise, a simple press action by the driver will restart the function. This forms part of the Drive Assist package.

Lane Keep assist, the system monitors road marking and road edge to actively assist in keeping the vehicle in the lane should it unintentionally drift across without the indicator being put on. Part of the Safety Plus package. Latest-generation automatic emergency braking (detects pedestrians and cyclists, day and night, from 5 km/h to 140 km/h depending on version) with collision risk warning, Extended recognition of traffic signs (stop, one-way, no overtaking, etc.).

Of course, the new PEUGEOT 3008 still offers a complete range of driving assistance equipment:

• Visiopark 1 with 180° rear view camera
• Visiopark 2 with 360° front and rear cameras
• Park Assist, sensors to assist in parking
• Active warning of unintentional lane (or roadside) departure with trajectory correction
• Driver Warning Alert, to detect driver alertness over long driving times and at speeds above 65 km/h by analysing steering wheel micro-movements
• Automatic switching to and from high beam
• Speed sign recognition and recommendation
• Active blind spot monitoring system (with trajectory correction). This function is available from 12 km/h
• Hands-free tailgate
• Dual-pane sunroof (optional on GT)
• Multi-point massage driver’s seat
• Electric parking brake

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, much as they have for the new PEUGEOT 3008. Information is integrated into the central screen thanks to Mirror Screen compatibility including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connection protocols. To recharge the devices, in addition to the wireless smartphone recharge, there is a USB socket in row 1 and on GT there are two new USB sockets in row 2.

The new PEUGEOT 3008 GT is equipped with a 515 Watt FOCAL® high-end Hifi system, with French-style high-fidelity sound for the enjoyment of the passengers and stylized new loudspeaker grilles (tweeters and centre channel), that now come in Belem bronze.

Locally, the new PEUGEOT 3008 is available with the 1.6-litre THP petrol engine (121kW/240Nm). Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission across the range. Expect to dash to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds. Peugeot claims 7 l/100km on the combined cycle. I got a figure closer to 9.5 l/100km.

In a sea of highly competent competition the 3008 is a breath of fresh air. Out of a dozen competitors the 3008 is arguably in the top 3 best options.

The Competition

Audi Q3, BMW X1, Citroën C5 Aircross, Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai, Opel Grandland X, Renault Koleos, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen

Pricing

PEUGEOT 3008 Active                                  R 514 900

PEUGEOT 3008 Allure                                   R 574 900

PEUGEOT 3008 GT                                       R 644 900

Service and Warranty

The 3008 is sold with a 5-year 100 000km maintenance plan.

www.peugeot.co.za