Experiencing Paris in the Peugeot 3008

The last decade has seen a boom in travel, with bucket lists rapidly being ticked off as globetrotters hopped on and off planes to go where their hearts desired (and budgets allowed).  

For many would-be travelers, Paris will be among the top of their lists. Who wouldn’t want to go to the City of Lights and climb up the Eiffel Tower, marvel at the Louvre, or walk along the beautiful Seine River in the world’s most romantic city? 

Unfortunately, in this pandemic age, travel has practically stood still. But one can still experience the wonders of French culture from the safety of one’s locale by either of two things: popping open a bottle of vintage Chardonnay and dining on fine French foo—or driving a quintessentially French car like a Peugeot.    

Peugeot might not be a popular name and might not roll of the tongue—like most French words—but it’s a household name and a bestseller in its native France and in the rest of Western Europe. But, more recently, France has trained its sights on the rest of the world—automotively speaking—and is dramatically showcasing the beauty and elegance of French automotive design and technology. 

Case in point is the current 3008. It’s straightforward enough to design and roll out an all-new model, but to create a new one and have it result in winning the coveted and extremely competitive European Car of the Year one year after its launch is an achievement of epic proportions. And Peugeot did just that with the 3008 when it was launched in 2017.  

Regarded as a game-changer for Peugeot, the new 3008 (prices start at P1,890,000) boasts of groundbreaking technology and design never before seen in its previous iterations. But perhaps the biggest paradigm shift is the change from a humble and generic-looking large hatchback (or small wagon, depending on how you look at it) to a very stylish and distinctive crossover. 

Artfully French design

Boasting sleek and ultra-modern sheetmetal, the 3008 is a head-turner. A wide checkered grille underscores the compelling look of the vehicle, while its signature feline LED headlamps and cat’s claws LED taillamps, long hood, large alloy wheels, and high ground clearance denote a confident SUV-like stance. 

I particularly like the execution of the very complex D-pillar, which combines three triangular shapes in matte black and matte silver in one pillar in a spectacular automotive rendition of abstract art. Delicate chrome trim on the lower edge of the doors and on the rear bumper adds an even more upscale feel to the vehicle while dual chrome tailpipes add a hint of sportiness to the rear end. 

The distinct look is completed by a black diamond roof that suggests an air of sophistication, as it appears to float through the aid of tasteful chrome highlights. Generously sized 225/55R18 tires on handsome alloy wheels round out the SUV elements.

Smooth power and high fuel economy from turbo petrol or turbodiesel engines

Unlike most crossovers and SUVs which only come with either a gasoline or a diesel engine, the 3008 offers a choice between a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine (167hp/240Nm) or a 2.0-liter common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel motor (150hp/370Nm)—both mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. 

The 3008 delivers an engaging drive, both in city and highway driving. The smooth and highly refined drivetrain provides even more involvement with its paddle shifters. While I’ve always been a fan of steering paddles, I have to admit to a certain fixation with the 3008’s novel gearshift lever, which looks unlike anything you’ve seen before.  

High-tech lightweight construction

Complementing the new 3008 is a body that is 100kg lighter than its predecessor (even if the new car is larger than the old one)—a body lightening process made possible by Peugeot’s Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) technology. Combining greater power with a lighter body results in a complete turnaround in dynamic performance and fuel efficiency.  

Cutting-edge iCockpit

Inside, the driving experience is immediately amplified through Peugeot’s next-generation driver-centric iCockpit with elegant LED lighting. With its advanced ergonomics, modern display panel, and interactive touchscreen, drivers and passengers are immersed in a modern digital world. (A piece de resistance work of art is the bank of satin silver switches arrayed in a row in the center of the dashboard.) 

The driver and front passenger luxuriate in 8-way and 6-way power-adjustable leather seats. My favorite interior element, however, is the unique leather steering wheel, which features a flattened top and bottom, and which is probably the smallest steering wheel you’ll ever see this side of a Formula One car’s. It’s a veritable eye candy that feels even more wonderful in one’s hands. Diminutive size aside, it’s still a highly functional piece with buttons for audio and info controls.   

In addition to the aforementioned shift lever and jewel-like switches, another striking feature of the 3008’s iCockpit is the configurable 12.3-inch instrument panel, which is a visual delight, especially at night. The superb-sounding 6-speaker 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, meanwhile, boasts Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The 3008 offers no less than four USB ports and three 12V outlets. 

Other features include automatic rain-sensing wipers; power-folding side mirrors; beautifully integrated dual chrome tailpipes; rear spoiler; 60:40-split “Magic-flat” folding rear seats; leather steering wheel; automatic electric parking brake; dual-zone climate control system with rear diffuser; keyless smart entry system; butterfly wing-opening center console with chiller compartment; stainless steel pedals and footrest. 

Safety features include 6 airbags; Electronic Stability System; Rear Ultrasonic Park Assist and VisioPrak 1 (with rear camera); 180-degree rearview camera; the aforementioned Advanced Grip Control; Hill Start Assist; Hill Descent Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring System; cruise control with programmable speed limiter; and no less than three ISOFIX child-seat mounts.

Advanced chassis control system

Elevating the 3008 above its compact crossover competition is its Advanced Grip Control system that automatically adjusts the driving dynamics based on five driving modes: Normal, Mud, Sand, Snow, and ESP Off. This provides an efficient alternative to traditional off-road systems, despite the 3008 having only front-wheel drive. Like most French cars, the 3008 delivers a delectable blend of supple ride and confident handling.

VERDICT

The Peugeot 3008 astutely occupies its own niche in the otherwise crowded crossover/SUV segment. It appeals to those who want to stand out from the sea of Asian-made crossovers and desire the premium feel, exclusivity and snob appeal of European SUVs—but without the European luxury-car price. Besides, if you were to choose between going to Tokyo, Seoul, L.A., Frankfurt, or Paris, I think it would be obvious where you’d want to go. One drive in the Peugeot 3008 and you’ll be exclaiming, “Vive la France!”