New Peugeot 3008 SUV unveiled in Paris

THE new Peugeot 3008 SUV was recently unveiled in Paris.

The French marque says the much-anticipated vehicle will take the C-SUV segment by storm, a segment which is fast expanding across the globe.

Aiming to assert itself as a major player in the category, the new 3008 SUV brings to market the spectacular second generation Peugeot i- Cockpit.

Boasting an inspired design, efficient engines and high-tech equipment, the new Peugeot 3008 SUV will be the star of the Peugeot stand at the next Paris Motor Show in September, ahead of its worldwide commercial launch in October. It arrives in Ireland in time for the 171-registration plate in January 2017.

Longer than the previous 3008 (4.45m / +8cm), the height is reduced to 1.62m (from 1.63m) whilst it retains its 1.84m width. It adopts all the characteristics of a true SUV silhouette: a vertical front end; a long flat bonnet; a high waist line; wide protective bands (bumper skirts, wheel arches, bottom of doors); large wheels; 22cm raised ground clearance; shaped roof bars. A wide chrome-trimmed grille houses the lion-badge in its centre.

A piercing feline look comes from narrow halogen headlamps, which sharpens further when full LED lamps are fitted, according to trim. There are numerous wide open air intakes. An optional gloss black roof is a key styling feature. A gloss black band incorporates the LED tail lamps, featuring the three claw-marks that make the Peugeot light signature so clearly identifiable.

Inside, a futuristic dashboard immediately catches the eye in the form of the latest generation Peugeot i- Cockpit®, which will be introduced on new 3008 SUV as standard. The steering wheel is even more compact than before, to afford maximum visibility and legroom.

A large 8” touch-screen is accompanied by six elegant piano-key toggle switches giving direct access to the main control functions: radio, climate control, navigation, vehicle parameters, telephone and mobile applications. The head-up instrument panel has morphed into a high-resolution 12.3” screen with futuristic graphics. It can be completely configured and personalised from five different display modes controlled from the steering wheel, bringing together all that the driver could want in his field of view. With a simple press of a switch, the new i- Cockpit® Amplify is activated and almost all the senses are immediately aroused: sight, by varying the brightness of the ambient lighting and the colour of the screens; hearing, via a premium FOCAL® Hi-Fi system; touch, via the multipoint massage seats with up to five programmes; smell, via a fragrance diffuser. Occupants have the immediate choice of two pre-set themes: the Boost theme satisfies a dynamic driving style, and the Relax theme is offered for gentler driving.

As in the Peugeot 308, the Driver Sport Pack offers a firmer and more responsive power steering and accelerator pedal mapping with enhanced engine and gearbox response. The engine sound is amplified with a sporty note via a digital amplifier which enhances the sound in the cabin and the colour display on the various screens changes to red.

A 2/3-1/3 split-folding rear seat produces a flat load-floor, whilst the unique split floor in the boot, offered in the first generation Peugeot 3008, is retained. The fold-flat passenger seat gives a load-space up to 3m long. The rear seat centre armrest is fitted with a ski-flap. A handsfree tailgate can be added, where with a simple movement of the foot beneath the rear bumper, the motorised tailgate can be opened or closed. The boot capacity is markedly improved over the previous generation (+90l). As well as a capacity of 520l - 1580l with rear seats folded, it also has one of the lowest loading heights in its class.

The new Peugeot 3008 has genuine off-road capability, thanks to its Advanced Grip Control. This enhanced traction system utilises a combination of equipment: optimised traction control with five grip levels (Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand, ESP OFF) controlled from a knob on the centre console; 18’’ Mud & Snow tyres; Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC).

Numerous driver aids are available: Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert; Active lane departure warning; Driver attention warning; Automatic adaptive headlamp main-beam; Speed limit sign recognition and recommendation; Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop function; Active blind-spot monitoring. For city driving, the driver is also assisted with certain manoeuvers, by Visio Park (360° all-around vision) and the latest generation Park Assist.

Thanks to Peugeot’s new EMP2 production platform, the new Peugeot 3008 achieves a perfect balance between comfort and road holding. As with the Peugeot 308, the EMP2 platform coupled with a range of Euro 6.1 petrol and diesel engines, contributes to improved fuel consumption and performance.

Peugeot is using the launch of the new Peugeot 3008 to offer its customers a new personal mobility solution: an electrically assisted folding scooter, e-Kick by MICRO and the e-Bike by Peugeot. Dock stations in the boot recharge the batteries whilst the vehicle is running.

Prices and equipment will be announced for the Irish market closer to launch, at the end of 2016.