Peugeot is a brand that has reached a higher league today. Although you will hardly meet the great 508 on the road – among crossovers and SUVs, this brand is the market leader with the 2008, 3008 and 5008 models, which are among the most popular in their categories. And it is the middle 3008 that comes with a rejuvenated face in the style of the brand's new design language. The front lights have a sharper shape and are complemented by daytime running lights in the shape of lion's fangs (or claws – it depends on your taste). The grille is also new and the rear lights are now all black with a 3D effect. After the facelift, this model fits into the current face of the brand. Design is simply good for the French, and the appearance of the exterior and interior is definitely one of the 3008's greatest assets.
Inside, everything focused primarily on digitization. The displays are bigger and better again. Of course, they also got a more powerful computing unit, so everything works much faster than before. The main display runs the improved PSA infotainment known from new models such as the 2008 and 508. The screen has a higher resolution and better black rendering. It is an even greater pity that the rejuvenation did not affect the parking camera, which for today's time already has a rather laughable resolution – which, somewhat paradoxically, the improved display highlights even more.
The new 12.3″ display can also be found in the instrument cluster. However, it didn't get the pseudo 3D effect that the 208 and 2008 have, for example. Its display is really top-notch, and the black is blacker than dark (Peugeot calls it "Normally Black"). A more powerful computer system also had a positive effect on the reactions of the entire system. And while we're talking about the device chapel, let's tackle the most frequent target of criticism for new models of this brand – iCockpit.
There are models where it is not solved perfectly (for example, the ending 308), but in the case of the 3008 it works great. Thanks to the higher seating position in the SUV, the French could fold the dashboard so that you could have the steering wheel at an ideal height and still see all the clocks. They work like a head-up display and the eyes don't have to keep moving up and down. However, it is still an individual matter and it is advisable to try this pose, as it may not suit everyone.
The position behind the wheel is pleasant. Thanks to the high edges of the windows, one feels pleasantly fit into the car, the seats hold the body well, and I can't complain about the space either. In the back, it is no longer ideal in terms of space, but with my height of 186 centimeters, I didn't expect anything else. As long as you are up to 180, you will definitely have nothing to complain about. The presence of two classic USB and 12V sockets will please. The trunk received protrusions to arrest the lower double bottom, otherwise it is unchanged.
The rest of the interior has not undergone any fundamental changes. The wide central tunnel clearly divides the space for the driver and passenger. The ergonomics are without major reservations – most functions are controlled via the keys below the main display, which are beautiful and functional at the same time. The quality of processing and the materials used are at a high level and Peugeot manages to create an almost premium impression.
After the first start, I immediately realized that the well-known three-cylinder 1.2 PureTech engine (1,199 cm3) with the highest output of 96 kW (130 hp), which is the weakest drive offered, is working under the hood. It drives the front wheels and the small SUV accelerates to a speed of 188 km/h. The torque of 230 Nm can be considered to be at most sufficient, moreover, it is already available at 1,750 rpm. You won't find all-wheel drive here, but Peugeot still allows you to drive on unpaved roads with the choice of driving modes, thanks to modes such as Sand and Mud. Driving modes for normal roads are Eco, Normal and Sport, and you can also shift gears manually by pressing the M button on the stick or using the paddles behind the steering wheel. However, who would want to keep changing the 8 degrees, right?
The running of this small three-cylinder is rough at certain revs, but that is its "character". You can also sometimes notice the hesitation of the 8-speed automatic transmission, which was not quite sure which gear to select a couple of times. Otherwise, it cooperates with the engine very well and the vehicle has quite a pleasant throttle response for its small engine volume. It's not for racers, but the dynamics of the 3008 with this motorization will be more than enough for most people for everyday living together.
Besides, the chassis is not tuned for racing either. It is French comfortable and swinging. In bends, the vehicle keeps the selected track quite willingly, and only when driving more vigorously does a slight understeer occur. Peugeot feels good in the city, where it resists pitfalls in the form of "cat heads" and overflowing channels. You sit in it higher above the road and this gives a good overview of what is happening in the surrounding area.
On the highway, the 3008 has no problem keeping a decent pace, and it doesn't run out of breath even on steep climbs. Thanks to the large number of gears, even at highway speed, the engine has a reasonable speed and does not bother the crew in any way with its noise.
The Peugeot 3008, like any modern car with a turbocharged gasoline engine, is very dependent on driving style and traffic in terms of consumption. I drove it around the city, depending on the traffic density, ranging from 6.5 to 9 liters per 100 km. The overall urban average was then 8.5 liters per 100 km. On county roads, the car performed a little better, and I averaged 5.8 liters when driving calmly. However, when I tried to drive a bit sportier, the consumption rose above the 6 liters per 100km limit. The brisk driving drains 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers from the tank. On the highway, at a constant speed of 130 km/h, I drove for an average of 6.7 liters. The total resulting consumption during the weekly test was an average of 7.2 liters per 100 km.
The modernized Peugeot 3008 with a 1.2 PureTech engine is a pleasant surprise. It adds beauty and preserves its original character. The interior of the vehicle provides enough space and comfort when traveling and has a design that has not been seen yet, thanks to which you will not mistake it for any other vehicle – perhaps except for the Peugeot 5008. In the Allure Pack equipment, it is such a golden middle ground, when for a promotional price of €33,190 you get all the necessary elements for a comfortable ride and something extra…
