Peugeot 3008 1.2 PureTech EAT8 Allure Premium (A) Facelift Review

Standing in front of the new Peugeot 3008, the first thing that strikes me was an overwhelming sense of familiarity. Like me, you have probably seen the second generation 3008 on the roads here. After all, they have been around for almost four years.

When we first reviewed this generation of the 3008 back in 2017, it was equipped with a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Peugeot went on to update the 3008, offering four different powertrain combinations in the following years. Meanwhile, the striking exterior with sleek curvaceous sheetmetal has remained relatively unchanged, and rightly so - its good looks has always set the 3008 apart from its competition. It got me thinking, can the design of this pretty crossover actually benefit from an update?

So, what's new this time around?

Just last year, the 3008 was updated with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Puretech engine, paired with an eight-speed EAT gearbox. This time, the biggest changes are where everyone can see, starting with three new colours - Pearl White, Celebes Blue and the stunning Vertigo blue that you see here.

While the familiar curves remains so, the 3008 has been refreshed with a new imposing front end featuring a new frameless grille, along with a pair of redesigned LED head lights.

Complementing the head light upgrade are the vertical daytime running lights that double as indicators, as well as the frameless grille that does quite the wonder in modernising the already futuristic design.

While the designers were at it, they traded the old taillights with a pair of full LED ones, featuring Peugeot's iconic three-claw light signature, and scrolling indicators.

The overall shape of the taillights, along with its smoked covers that extend across the boot lid, remains the same as before. But the three-claw light signature has somehow managed to result in a drastic visual appeal, making the car instantly recognisable.

Are the changes merely skin-deep?

Open the door and you are greeted by a familiar sight if you had been in the 3008 before. For the rest of us, you're likely to be as impressed as I was, by the futuristic and driver-centric interior. Get onto the driver seat and it shouldn't take long for one to notice the careful thoughts the designers had put in.

The first thing I noticed was the steering wheel, with the top and bottom lobbed off, resembling a pretzel to me. This isn't a bad thing because the flat top of the steering wheel provides an unfettered view of the Peugeot's digital i-Cockpit instrument panel.

The Allure Premium trim also includes a panoramic sunroof and Mistral Nappa leather seats, which offer a plush and comfortable ride.

While electric controls make adjusting the driver seat an ease, I did not have to fiddle much to achieve a comfortable seating position - the ergonomics are on point, even for a large guy like me.

So it looks better, but how does it drive?

The latest 3008 is powered by the same 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but before you knock it for its meagre capacity, you should take a gander at its specifications.

With 129bhp, the 3008 is at the edge of Singapore's Cat A COE's power limit, while the respectable 230Nm of torque is also available low down in the rev range at 1,750rpm. This translates to a crossover that is capable of getting to highway speeds without the need for pedal-to-the-metal actions.

Traditionally, larger steering wheels offer leverage in non-power steering vehicles, but they can be unwieldy and slow. With electric power steering, new cars can benefit from stronger steering assist, resulting in a lighter and quicker steering.

The small steering wheel is clearly designed to take advantage of the technology. Despite its size, the 3008's steering wheel manages to be light and highly manoeuvrable, whether you are prowling a multi-storey carpark looking for the perfect lot, or lane switching on the expressways.

The trade-off for all these comfort, is a rather muted steering wheel that will leave you desiring more feedback. Thankfully, the damping is adequate, keeping body roll in check while offering a comfortable ride. And comfortable, the 3008 surely is. The refined and quiet cabin is nothing short of impressive, keeping the music volume in single digits sufficed on highway speeds.

A comfortable family crossover for your daily needs

The facelifted Peugeot 3008 is a comfortable and practical crossover with a gorgeous sheetmetal. While the striking looks are clearly a notable point, there's every bit of pragmatism incorporated as well.

Its tall roofline offers plenty of headroom, and you wouldn't need to duck much just to enter the car. Plus, with a 520-litre boot that expands to 1,580 litres, you can go to town with those trips to IKEA or the supermarket!

It's clear the latest Peugeot 3008 is still the same great choice in terms of practicality and usability, and with this update Peugeot sure have proven that an excellent design can yet be further improved upon.


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