PROUDLY PRESTIGE
SUV’s attention to detail reiterates concerted effort to take French brand upmarket
GRANT & KEL EDWARDS
Demand is outstripping supply across new car showrooms. Many buyers are waiting months, some are queuing for more than a year, to take delivery of the vehicle they have been coveting. The used car market is providing little sanctuary for those desperate for a new set of wheels – with some models selling for more than their initial drive-away price.
French brand Peugeot has sat within an interesting niche during the recent past, but since this time last year there has been a decisive move towards the upper automotive echelons. There is a new badge with a lion featured on a coat of arms as Peuegot undertakes a proud prestige trajectory.
Last year’s most popular Pug was the 3008 compact SUV, and stock is “readily available” in Australia.
There are some discounted deals on the 3008 MY21 variants, including the rangetopping GT Sport, which our family put to an extended test.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: Serious “wow” factor inside and out. You keep telling me how everyone seems to have an SUV nowadays, but the 3008 is distinctive within a crowded market.
GRANT: Many modern designs lack personality whereas the 3008 has an air of prestige. Driving the GT Sport, it comes with the contrasting black roof and the bigger 19inch alloys which fill out the wheel arches. KEL: I really like that grille. It’s like a classy version of a disco mirror ball.
GRANT: That frameless design is a groovy new inclusion, along with “3D lion claw” rear lights and scrolling indicators. Our test model comes with a “black pack” which darkens the grille, front and rear badging, along with various trims around the base of the vehicle.
KEL: Given Peugeot is moving up in the world, how much for this one?
GRANT: With all on-roads settled it’s about $64,400. Although there are a few demonstrators around with low kilometres closer to $60k.
KEL: That sounds expensive, but not crazy given the current market.
GRANT: The Mitsubishi Outlander we drove the other week was $51,500 and a top-notch Mazda CX-5 Akera is about $55k. But Peugeot has aligned itself against the luxury big guns, you might be lucky to get a Lexus NX for less than $70k, but more than likely it would be over $80,000 and you’d pay at least that for a BMW X3 and closer to $90,000 for a MercedesBenz GLC.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Interesting design, there is nothing quite like a Peugeot cabin.
GRANT: There’s a small flat-bottom steering wheel, the driver sits low and the instruments are fitted higher to the dash, which eliminates the need for a head-up display. It’s what Peugeot calls the i-Cockpit and i-like-it.
KEL: After a couple of weeks I found it really comfortable. The fit and finish was great, like the external design it felt upmarket.
GRANT: The concave door features, blue ambient lighting, nappa leather trim, pumping stereo and those slick looking aluminium toggles, which provide shortcuts to the touchscreen menus ooze quality.
KEL: I found those shortcuts and having the aircon controls on the touchscreen cumbersome on occasions.
GRANT: Initially it can be a challenge, and some manufacturers have gone to a similar minimalist design but forgot about ease of operation. I liked having the aircon controls flanking the main screen for quicker access. The digital driver display enables various configurations, and once radio stations were programmed I could easily switch via a toggle on the steering wheel.
KEL: Radio is dead to me, so I liked accessing Spotify via Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is also standard). It’s handy having a spot for your phone in front of the gear shifter.
GRANT: Plus there are dual cup holders in the console capable of handling takeaway coffees or larger bottles. One of the best inclusions was the massage function for the driver.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: Reasonably responsive, the acceleration is predictable without throwing you into the seat.
GRANT: Being the GT Sport this gains some extra firepower from the turbocharged fourcylinder compared with the base petrol model. An extra 12kW and 10Nm makes the 0-100km/h sprint slightly quicker, but there is no need for a neck brace.
KEL: The 3008 sits nicely on the road and it was easy to speak on the phone without road noise intrusion.
GRANT: Key safety tech is also included, like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping to look after the acceleration, braking and steering if required. It’s best used in heavy traffic when attention tends to wander.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Boot space is great, ample for the weekly grocery load, and the tailgate is powered, but there’s no rear cross traffic warning to let you know if vehicles are approaching when you reverse.
GRANT: Front and rear parking sensors are standard, but that safety function is an omission.
KEL: Getting into narrow parks was easy courtesy of a tight turning circle.
GRANT: Having the boot levers has become a must-have for any vehicle I buy in the future. Regularly loading bikes, boards and other awkward-size gear into the back, it’s awesome to be able to drop the seats quickly and easily. KEL: It also has the 12-volt plug in the boot, which we use regularly for blow-up mattresses. GRANT: On each side of the boot are handy nooks for small items, particularly useful for wet clothes after beach trips.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: This was one of the best SUVs we’ve driven. It felt confident changing direction. GRANT: Sitting flat in the corners, the 3008 is one of the most dynamic performers in the genre. High torque levels get things moving and it trims through the eight gears easily.
KEL: I didn’t find the need to use the steering wheel shifters.
GRANT: They come in handy if you want to push harder up hills but it’s truly a polished allround performer. Average fuel consumption was just over seven litres for every 100km using premium unleaded.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Rear seat space isn’t massive, although most growing families wouldn’t have an issue. GRANT: Some rivals have grown in stature and would be better for three kids across the back, but the 3008 has reasonable space and two USB points along with air vents in the back.
KEL: Being a European model I’d be concerned about ongoing costs.
GRANT: Warranty coverage is five years, and maintenance for five years is about $2930. Servicing is required annually or every 20,000km, and the capped price plan alternates between about $430 and just over $800.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Wearing the Peugeot badge has designer appeal. The 3008 GT Sport looks high-end inside and out.
GRANT: With a refined blend of luxury and performance, it’s enticing to step away from the mainstream brands. Attention to detail is impressive where the little thoughtful extras combine for strong value.