In November 2021, Peugeot Malaysia launched the updated Peugeot 3008 under the new distributorship. The Peugeot 3008 is Peugeot’s C-segment SUV, which received quite a good response from Malaysians. With the updated 3008, it will come with a new look and new technology to make Peugeot’s most popular SUV even more attractive.

From the exterior, the recognizable shape of the 3008 has been retained. But Peugeot has blessed the SUV with a brand new look that fits it’s brand identity. This new look comes with a set of redesigned headlights, 3d looking front grille, and a new bumper. For me, I really like the way the daytime running lights blend into the front bumper, which looks like lion fangs. The turn signal at the front has also been Incorporated into the LED daytime running lights, which is a nice touch.

Apart from that, the rear of the SUV also received newly redesigned tail lights that look like a jewelry case. When the tail lights lit up, it gives me the feeling that I’m looking at something precious. Overall, I do like the updates that Peugeot has done to the facelifted 3008, which give the already handsome looking SUV a more modern and sophisticated look.

Coming to the interior, generally, it’s a familiar place for those who have seen the pre-facelift 3008’s interior. For the latest update, Peugeot has increased the infotainment screen size to a large 12.3″ floating touch screen. With the updated screen, the internal graphics have been slightly tweaked to suit the larger screen. Since the pre-facelift vehicle, the climate controls for the 3008 are integrated inside the infotainment system. I’m not really a fan of this configuration, if let’s say, the infotainment software glitched out, it might affect the functions of the climate system.

Being a SUV, storage compartments are one of the main selling points for relevant buyers. For the 3008, Peugeot have given it an ample storage compartment around the SUV, and I really like what they have done to the center storage compartment. The center storage compartment is located under the center armrest, and it’s unique features are that it’s deep and it’s chilled. It has the ability to swallow up a 2L bottle with extra room to spare, and it’s also being chilled by the cold air that flows to the rear AC vents. Smart move.

Getting behind the wheel, I would consider the driver seat comfortable, but I think the seat could use some additional side bolster to keep me in place. While the small and squared off steering wheel is designed to suit the i-cockpit, I sometimes miss having a familiar full round steering wheel to hold on to, especially when doing 3 point turns. Moving to the rear seats, there is sufficient legroom for me when the front seats are in my seating position, and the rear seats are a great place to be in when traveling long distance.

No changes have been done for the powertrain of the updated 3008, the 1.6L turbocharged engine and 6 speed automatic transmission soldiers on. The 1.6L turbocharged engine has the ability to produce around 165bhp at 6,000rpm and 240Nm of torque from 1,400rpm. On paper, the 3008 can hit the 100km/h mark from standstill in 8.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 205km/h.

Just as I’ve mentioned during the media drive, I do find that the 1.6L turbocharged engine has ample mid-band torque to handle the daily driving task. On the flip side, this engine tends to run out of puff when reaching higher rpm. On acceleration, I noticed that the engine sounded quite good for a 4 cylinder engine. Due to the strong mid-band torque, I barely touch paddle shifters as the transmission does a good job in choosing the right gear at the right moment.

Since the French are famous for making vehicles with superb ride quality, the 3008 definitely shows it when the SUV goes over bumps and uneven roads. The ride is soft with an added layer of sophistication, while still providing good body control in most driving conditions. Having a soft suspension, body roll is going to be there, but the 3008 stays planted when going through the corners. The steering wheel is light and direct most of the time, but it does weight up nicely when sports mode is turned on.

As for the brakes, the 3008 has strong braking performance when slowing down the vehicle, while the brake pedal is easy to modulate. For the updated 3008, Peugeot has added certain driver assistant features to give the driver an added peace of mind when driving. The new advanced driver assistance systems are the Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Keeping Assist,and Driver Attention Warning. These systems is an add on to the standard safety equipment such as the 6 airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC),  Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), Advanced Grip Control, Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), and Hill Start Assist.

To conclude, I would say that Peugeot has done a great job in updating the 3008. Selling at RM 161,616.00, the 3008 is definitely a great SUV to drive daily. Overall, I think the 3008 strikes a good balance between practicality and drivability. Would definitely recommend those who are on the market for a SUV to go for a test drive.

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