Peugeot 3008 2019 Review

Nowadays, the C-Segment SUV market faces fierce competition, with consumers emphasizing both space practicality and a balance of features and driving quality. The 2019 Peugeot 3008 THP Plus Allure, positioned as a mid-to-high trim level in its lineup, highlights its distinctive French design and premium features as core selling points. Through static evaluations and dynamic test drives, we aim to determine whether it can stand out in its segment.

From an exterior perspective, the 2019 3008 Allure maintains Peugeot's signature "lion claw" design language. The front features a large grille with chrome accents, flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights seamlessly connected, offering high recognition when illuminated. The side profile of the car boasts smooth lines, dynamic 18-inch alloy wheels, and slightly pronounced wheel arches that enhance the SUV's rugged appeal. At the rear, the "lion claw" LED tail lights mirror the front design, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds to the layered visual effect, leading to an overall design that is stylish yet steady.

Inside the cabin, the materials used in the Allure version are noticeably superior to the Active variant. The dashboard and door panels utilize soft-touch materials, complemented by metallic trim to exude exceptional quality. The center console layout is streamlined, with an 8-inch touchscreen positioned at an ergonomic height, offering smooth operation and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel is fully digital and offers three theme modes, which, along with the HUD (head-up display), allow drivers to access key information without looking down. For features, the front seats are electrically adjustable in 8 directions and include lumbar support, with a memory function for the driver's seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, a 220V power outlet, and other practical configurations are comprehensive, ensuring convenience in everyday use.

In terms of space, the 4510mm length and 2730mm wheelbase place it at a mainstream level among its peers. The front row provides ample space, with about a fist of headroom remaining for a 180cm passenger. The rear row offers roughly two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring that even three adults seated simultaneously will not feel cramped. The regular trunk capacity is 591L, expandable to 1670L by folding down the rear seats. This capacity comfortably accommodates strollers or large suitcases, meeting the needs of family outings. Additionally, the car offers abundant storage spaces, such as the central armrest box and door panel storage slots, which are sufficient for daily items.

The powertrain features a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 167PS and achieving peak torque from as low as 1400rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response is brisk at startup, and a slight press on the accelerator results in a noticeable push-back sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.9 seconds, making overtaking effortless in daily driving. Gear shifts are smooth with almost no perceptible jerks. Switching to Sport mode makes the gear shifting logic more aggressive, and the paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide an added layer of driving enjoyment.

Handling and chassis performance are among the highlights of the 3008. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned on the firmer side without sacrificing comfort. When navigating speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations, maintaining the stability of the vehicle. During cornering, body roll is well contained, with precise steering and minimal slack in the steering wheel, instilling confidence in the driver. The braking system is linear in performance, with a moderate pedal travel, ensuring the vehicle remains stable without noticeable forward pitching during emergency braking.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7L/100km. During actual test drives, the city fuel consumption is about 8.5L/100km, and the highway fuel consumption is about 6.5L/100km, which meets expectations. Noise control performs excellently, with wind noise and tire noise barely noticeable below a speed of 80km/h. At 120km/h, wind noise slightly increases but remains within an acceptable range. The seat wrapping is good, and long-duration driving does not cause fatigue, resulting in high overall driving and riding comfort.

In terms of safety features, the Allure version comes standard with 6 airbags, lane-keeping assist, active braking, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree panoramic camera, making its safety performance leading in its class. Compared to the Active version, the Allure version upgrades to full LED headlights, a single sunroof, and a 6-speaker audio system. Although it costs RM13,000 more, the enhanced features make it more cost-effective.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2019 Peugeot 3008 THP Plus Allure lie in its stylish exterior design, rich configuration, balanced performance in power and handling, and spacious interior. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it stands out with its distinctive features in configuration and design, making it suitable for families that value quality of life, or young consumers seeking a balance of individuality and practicality. If you are looking for a C-Segment SUV that combines aesthetics, features, and driving quality, the 3008 Allure is worth considering.