Peugeot 3008 1.2 PureTech EAT8 Allure Premium 2021 : Claw Marque

By jaytee, 26 April 2022

Peugeot 3008 1.2 PureTech EAT8 Allure Premium 2021 : Claw Marque

Singapore - The Peugeot 3008 has been around for 5 years now. And in the years since it entered production, Peugeot has produced over a million units of the lauded C-Segment crossover. So clearly, the 3008 has done well for itself. Well enough to undergo two facelifts in the 5 years since the car entered production.

So what does this second facelift bring to the 3008? It’s fresher and bolder looking, which is an improvement over the pre-facelift car. And like most Peugeots, it comes with a dose of feline traits.

Peugeot 3008 - Exterior

For starters, the front end looks like it’s been artfully mauled by a cat with numerous strakes beneath the LED headlamps that emanate from the now frameless grille. Vertical “sabre tooth” DRLs (like we’ve seen on the 508 fastback and 2008 SUV) descend from the headlight down to the bumper, which now incorporates more gloss black and satin metal inserts.

Elsewhere, the side profile and rear end have been left relatively untouched, save for some additional strips of chrome on the doors and reworked LED tail lamps that have 3D elements for a "clawed" effect. Not much of a difference between this and the older car, but the rear quarter wasn’t exactly a point of contention before, so it stands to reason that Peugeot wouldn’t change the formula if it works.

Buyers also get flashier rim options, ranging from a base 17-inch alloy rim (in the "Active Premium" spec), the two-toned diamond-cut 18s on our Allure Premium test car all the way up to optional 19-inch rims. Not too shabby.

Peugeot 3008 - Interior

In the cabin, the new 3008 would be familiar to anyone who’s driven a Peugeot, and 3008 owners would be hard pressed to spot the visual differences between their car and this new one. The semi-octagonal steering wheel is identical to the pre-facelift car, down to the indicator stalks and paddle shifters. The car’s infotainment functions are still controlled through the chromed Kalimba tine toggle switches mounted above the row of HVAC controls and central locking button.

In this Allure Premium trim however, you do get a few more creature comforts than the base Active Premium spec car. These include a new 10-inch infotainment screen that supports screen mirroring, electronically adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof and an automatic tailgate that ensures easy access to the 520-litre boot. At least Peugeot has done away with the faux carbon fibre textured panels on the dashboard.

Despite the unorthodox appearance of the cabin, the 3008 is a pleasant space to be in. The driver-centric layout of the cabin ensures that all controls fall to hand easily, though the front passenger may have to stretch a little to adjust the climate controls. Thanks to the car’s 1,623mm high shell, rear headroom is generous to say the least, and the fabric/leather seats are supremely comfortable with a steep recline that allows back seat occupants to kick back and relax.

Peugeot 3008 - Performance

Under the hood, changes are kept to a minimal as well. Powering the 3008 is a PSA sourced 1.2-litre engine mated to an Aisin EAT8 8-speed transmission. It’s a powertrain that sees applications in Peugeot’s other crossovers here in Singapore, namely the 2008 and 5008. In this guise, the turbocharged three-cylinder produces a surprisingly gutsy 129 horsepower and 230Nm of torque. Figures that allow it to slip under the Category B COE limit, unlike earlier iterations of the 3008 (and by extension, the 5008) that used the non CAT A compliant turbo 1.6-litre.

0-100km/h happens in 10.9 seconds, and the 3008 will go on to hit a top speed of 188km/h. Modest numbers for a modest car that weighs in at over 1.3 tons. But don’t let those sedate figures fool you, the 3008 can haul its heft rather well and it isn’t afraid to brandish its claws when you’re in the mood for mild hijinks.

Peugeot 3008 - Driving

On a multitude of road surfaces, ranging from rougher road works to highways, the ride is supple and composed. The 3008’s soft languid suspension soaks up road indentations and imperfections remarkably well.

During normal driving duties, the three-pot engine purrs away softly. But under heavier throttle input, the car’s languid, relaxed persona is quickly replaced by a rather peppy power band that makes full use of the low-end torque that the PSA engine has on tap.

The turbocharged 1.2-litre’s torque comes in full at just 1750rpm, which makes the car feel modestly quick low in the rev range. Almost akin to the response of a turbocharged COE Cat B vehicle. That responsiveness and the raised crossover seating position makes it a rather good runabout for the daily grind.

However, there are several niggles that hamper the otherwise impeccable driving experience. The electronic steering rack is well-weighted but it isn’t as quick or sharp as one might hope. The car’s high steering ratio requires too much steering angle lock to lock, which makes U-turning or navigating tighter carparks a bit fussy. The gauge cluster, while slick and stylish, would cut off by the rim of the steering wheel if you’re someone who sits low to the floor. It’s a minor design foible that’s shared with the 508 that Clifford reviewed.

Perhaps the biggest shortcoming of the car is the finicky pseudo-360-degree camera that stitches a composite image of the car’s surroundings. Sure, it’s a nifty trick, but not exactly a safe option. Our recommendation, stick with the traditional rearview reverse camera. And your wing mirrors of course.

All said and done, the Peugeot 3008 hits all the right marks and ticks all the right boxes for a comfortable and stylish crossover. Especially in our crossover-saturated market, it does remarkably well for itself as a 5-seater family-friendly option. I'm not alone in thinking that this car would be a great chariot for trips up north into Malaysia.

But if your family is a little on the larger side, perhaps the 7-seater 5008 may be up your alley.

PHOTOS Jay Tee & Clifford Chow