Maserati’s new Levante Hybrid confirmed for SA
IT’S good to hear that Peugeot South Africa is on the up and up after a spell in the doldrums especially because they have a long history in the country.
And now that they are part of the Stellantis conglomerate, it seems that the support of a global motoring powerhouse is starting to pay off.
They have a new logo, new dealership corporate identity and are looking to a rosy future with a good sales performance after 2020’s disastrous lockdown, thanks largely to the introduction of the Peugeot 2008 and Opel Corsa which has seen a month-onmonth upward trend.
A short anecdote if you will. A few weeks ago a friend of mine called to ask for some new car buying advice. It’s one of those answers that you may live to regret if it turns out to be a lemon but I talked to her about the pros and cons of the usual suspects within her budget, one of which was the 2008. She obviously did research on line as well and whittled the shortlist down to three, one of which was the Peugeot. It was her last stop and two days later she was the proud owner of a 2008. She said the first thing that drew her attention was the styling followed by the quality of the interior, the solid thump when closing the door and the service she received from the dealership.
Which brings us to the facelifted Peugeot 3008 which the company sees as a trump card in the C SUV segment that continues to show a consistent 11% share in a volatile South African vehicle market.
If the styling of the 2008 is a winner, the nip and tuck on the 3008 makes it arguably the most attractive crossover SUV in its class and is likely to sway a few fence sitters.
A contemporary frameless grille with lines that extend with fins under the redesigned headlights and the bonnet nose displaying the Peugeot monogram makes it a looker to be sure.
The back end has upgraded lights with full LED technology that displays the 3D Peugeot claws for maximum effect and scrolling indicators round off a good looking backside.
The underpinnings
remain unchanged with the same 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine producing 121kw and 240Nm driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that also has wheel-mounted paddles should you want a bit more zip, especially on pull-aways.
The soft touch surfaces and toggle switches, 10-inch infotainment screen that’s Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatible and Nappa leather seats compare very favourably with more expensive German cars.
Peugeot haven’t skimped on the electronic aides and driving assist safety features either with an impressive list of standard features to keep you safe should things become awry.
The Peugeot 3008 combined with its smaller 2008 sibling represents a real alternative for South African consumers.
I think it’s safe to say that with French design flair and quality finishings more people are likely to venture from the usual choices.
FOLLOWING in the footsteps of the Ghibli Hybrid that was announced last year, Maserati has revealed the Hybrid version of the Levante SUV.
Like its Ghibli sibling, the Levante Hybrid has been confirmed for South Africa, although final timing has yet to be released.
Despite their names, these new models are actually “mild hybrids” but they do help to kickstart the Italian premium carmaker’s electrification plans. Fully electric cars are also in the pipeline, starting with the replacements for the Granturismo and Grancabrio, which are due later this year.
The Levante Hybrid follows the same recipe as the Ghibli, with power coming from a 2-litre, four-cylinder direct injection turbopetrol engine that’s paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system to recover energy during deceleration and braking. The powertrain produces 243kw and 450Nm, which should be enough to get this snazzy SUV from 0-100km/h in six seconds and on to a top speed of 240km/h.
Maserati has not provided a fuel consumption figure yet as it is pending certification in that regard, but the carmaker has listed CO2 emissions figures of between 231 and 252 g/km on the WLTP cycle.
Power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive system and the vehicle also features a limited slip self-locking mechanical rear diff. The Levante Hybrid’s weight distribution should also be an advantage in those twisty sections as the petrol engine upfront is lighter than the V6 found in other Levante models. The battery is placed below the boot.
This vehicle will be highly customisable too and if you bag a launch version you can also opt for a new metallic tri-coat colour called Azzurro Astro. South African pricing will be released closer to the launch.