Peugeot is coming back to the U.S. market, and its newest models are a sign of what the company has done to improve its reliability and brand identity. The 2020 Peugeot 3008 is a compact SUV that slides right in between the Toyota RAV4 and C-HR in terms of size, and the upscale design and sharp interior of the top-spec model had us wondering whether this is a traditional SUV or a luxury crossover. During a recent trip to Mexico City, I had the chance to drive Peugeot’s updated SUV, which marks a new era for the French automaker.
Sit in the driver’s seat, and you’ll get a feeling that this Peugeot was designed with sport appeal in mind. The steering wheel with a flat top and bottom feels like it came from the Ford GT, and the vehicle’s infotainment controls, influenced by airplane switches, add to this sportier ambiance. Then there’s the all-digital instrument panel with its 12.3-inch screen and graphics that can be tailored to the driver’s preferences—from a sportier tach and speedo, to a more traditional look. And the quilted leather seats and premium cloth found on the door panels and dashboard make the cabin feel more premium. I also dig the shift-by-wire lever, which has a longer shape but blends well with the interior design.
We sampled the top-spec GT Line powered by a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder gas engine that makes 165 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Although Peugeot says that the 3008 can go from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.9 seconds, the SUV feels quicker than that. Its engine feels peppy, especially when trying to pass slower moving vehicles. The transmission takes a bit of time to downshift, but switch to sport mode and the throttle, gearbox, and steering settings will change to deliver more spirited driving. Sport mode is the only driving mode available, but when used with the paddle shifters, you get a better experience at the wheel. On curvy roads, its low profile helps with its low body roll, but I wish its handling was better, as some of the bumps were quickly felt inside the cabin.
Although the 3008 is smaller than its direct competition in Mexico, there is still plenty of room inside. The flat floor in the rear should make it more comfortable in terms of legroom for adults, and the air vents, center armrest, and panoramic sunroof should also provide a more enjoyable ride for those seated in the back.
Although its 8.0-inch touchscreen came with nice graphics and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it took a little while to get used to it. The lack of a home button means you have to dig through menus, and even for the AC controls, you have to go through the infotainment system to adjust its settings.
Like most of the SUVs this size, the Peugeot 3008 has a pretty big cargo area, and should you need more space, the rear seats fold completely flat.
Given the weak safety regulations that Mexico has—and the fact that automakers don’t embrace safety technologies like in the U.S.—it’s unusual to see full safety suite systems in vehicles. (Even brands like Honda and Toyota don’t offer their safety technologies there). But the 3008 came with emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, and driver alert.
With SUVs selling like hotcakes in America, it makes sense for Peugeot to bring the 3008 stateside as one of its first models. The size, packaging, and design should be attractive to American buyers.
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Source: WORLD NEWS
