Peugeot 3008 2021 Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly intense. Consumers value both space practicality and have higher requirements for intelligent configurations and power performance. The 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure, as one of the popular models in this segment, attracts significant attention from family users with its well-balanced features, spacious interior, and iconic design style. In this test drive, we will focus on experiencing its daily driving comfort, the practical usability of its configurations, and whether its space can meet diverse needs to provide intuitive references for potential buyers.

From the exterior, the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure continues the brand's family design language, with an overall style leaning towards fashionable and dynamic. The front features a large-sized blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights are shaped like lion claws, making them highly recognizable. The side profile of the vehicle exhibits smooth lines, and the design of the 18-inch alloy wheels (tire specifications 225/55 R18) enhances the side’s muscular feel. At the rear, the lion claw-shaped LED taillights echo the headlights, providing a striking visual effect when illuminated. The silver skid plate under the rear bumper enhances the off-road vibe of the SUV. Overall, the exterior of the vehicle has a memorable design compared to other models in the same segment, ideal for users who value aesthetics.

Entering the cabin, the interior features black as the main color, paired with piano black panels and silver trims, creating a sense of sophistication. The center console is neatly arranged, with a 10-inch touchscreen positioned in the center that operates smoothly with a clear interface logic. The fully digital instrument cluster provides rich information and allows theme switching according to driving modes, offering strong practicality. In terms of materials, the upper part of the center console and the inside of the door panels are wrapped in soft materials, providing a pleasant tactile feel. For configurations, the front seats support 8-way electric adjustment (driver’s seat) and 6-way electric adjustment (passenger’s seat), offering a wide range of adjustments to easily find a comfortable seating position. The rear seats support 60:40 split folding, and when folded, the trunk capacity can expand from 591L to a larger space, making it sufficient for carrying large items daily. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, and 220V/230V power outlets are all well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of family users.

Regarding space performance, the vehicle’s dimensions are 4510mm×1850mm×1628mm, with a wheelbase of 2730mm, placing it at a mainstream level in its class. The front row offers ample seating space, with a 175cm tall tester able to maintain a fist’s width of headroom after seat adjustment. In the rear, space is also commendable, with about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The floor’s center bump is not prominent, making it comfortable even when three people sit in the back. Storage space is fairly generous, with door panel storage compartments, the central armrest console, and glovebox providing enough room for storing items like phones, water bottles, and other small essentials.

In terms of performance, it is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, generating a maximum horsepower of 167PS and a maximum torque of 240N·m (official data does not specify, but during actual driving, torque output is available from around 1400rpm). It is paired with a 6AT transmission. During everyday driving, the power response is brisk, with a smooth start and acceleration, and there is sufficient power reserve for mid to high-speed acceleration. Pressing the accelerator deeply while overtaking provides a good sense of thrust. The transmission has a clear shifting logic, with timely upshifts and downshifts and no noticeable jerking. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, catering to users who enjoy a spirited driving experience.

The handling and chassis performance are commendable, with a front MacPherson independent suspension paired with a rear multi-link independent suspension (a common configuration in the same class). The tuning leans towards comfort but retains a certain level of support. On smooth roads during daily driving, the shock absorption is good, effectively filtering out minor bumps. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations without noticeable residual shocks. The steering accuracy is high, the steering wheel feels moderate, the return force is linear, and the body roll is kept within a reasonable range when cornering. Overall, the handling is relatively agile.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the official combined fuel consumption is 7L/100km. During the actual test drive, urban road conditions (traffic congestion + slow driving) averaged about 8.5L/100km, while highway fuel consumption was about 6.5L/100km. Overall fuel efficiency performance is average, consistent with the expectations for a 1.6T model. Braking performance is stable, the brake pedal feel is linear, the braking force output is uniform, and during emergency braking, the vehicle maintains stability without significant forward pitching.

In terms of comfort, the seats have good wrapping and support, ensuring no fatigue during long rides. Noise control performance is excellent; wind and tire noise at high speeds are within an acceptable range and do not interfere with normal conversations inside the vehicle. Moreover, practical features like engine start-stop technology, automatic parking brake, and hill-start assist improve convenience during daily use.

Regarding safety features, the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure comes standard with 6 airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning systems, ensuring solid safety performance. Parking assistance features are comprehensive, including front sensors, rear parking sensors, and reversing cameras, making parking easier for beginners.

In conclusion, the core strengths of the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure lie in its balanced product capabilities, unique exterior design, refined interior, comprehensive configurations, ample space, and smooth power delivery, meeting most needs of family users. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it stands out with its design appeal and interior quality, as well as its richer configurations. However, it may be slightly lacking in brand influence and resale value. It's suitable for family users who value design, configurations, and comfort, while having certain space requirements, or for young consumers seeking individuality and driving experience. If your budget is around RM 160,000-170,000 and you're looking for a well-rounded C-Segment SUV, the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure is a choice worth considering.