Peugeot 3008 Review

In recent years, competition in the C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Consumers not only pursue distinctive design but also value practical configurations and driving comfort. The 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure has become one of the popular choices in this segment. It is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, a 10-inch central control screen, and L2-level advanced driving assistance features. Its key selling points focus on advanced technology configurations and precise French-style driving dynamics. This test drive will provide a comprehensive evaluation from static experience to dynamic performance to see whether it can meet the dual needs of family users and young consumers.

The exterior of the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure continues Peugeot’s signature family design, characterized by a sharp and layered overall style. The front features a large blacked-out grille complemented by the iconic lion-claw LED daytime running lights on both sides, offering high recognizability. The side profile showcases smooth lines extending from the front fender to the rear, enhancing the three-dimensional feel, while the 18-inch alloy wheels appear dynamic and perfectly proportioned with the body. The rear design is simple, with lion-claw LED taillights that stand out when illuminated, and a silver skid plate at the lower part of the rear bumper adds a touch of SUV ruggedness. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights and automatic headlight functions, providing uniform illumination and sufficient visibility for nighttime mountain roads.

Inside the car, the interior adopts Peugeot’s i-Cockpit cabin design, focusing on the driver with a clear operational logic. The upper part of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, complemented by piano black trim and metal accents, offering better quality compared to some competitors in the same price range. The 10-inch touchscreen central control display features high resolution, smooth response speed, and supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone mirroring, a significant improvement over the 8-inch screen of the 2019 model. The fully digital instrument cluster offers three display modes and can show navigation, RPM, and fuel consumption information in real-time, enhancing practicality. Configuration-wise, the front seats are equipped with 8-way power adjustable seats for the driver and 6-way power adjustable seats for the passenger, providing good support and wrapping. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning comes with rear independent air outlets, while rear passengers can also use a 220V power outlet, demonstrating well-thought-out details.

The vehicle dimensions are 4510mm×1850mm×1628mm, with a wheelbase of 2730mm, meeting the standards for the C-Segment SUV class. The front seating area is spacious, with a 180cm tall passenger having one fist of headroom remaining after adjusting the seat. Rear legroom measures about two fists, and headroom is about one fist. The slightly raised middle floor is not overly intrusive, making it comfortable for three passengers in the rear. The trunk has a standard capacity of 591 liters, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the rear seats, accommodating strollers and multiple suitcases to meet family travel needs. For storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box is moderately sized, and the front row is equipped with a wireless charging pad and USB port, offering convenience for daily use.

In terms of performance, it is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum power of 167PS and a maximum torque of 245N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In normal mode, acceleration is smooth, with maximum torque available at 1400rpm, providing quick power response during city driving and overtaking. Switching to sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity, maintaining the RPM above 2000rpm, offering a noticeable pushback sensation during acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 8.9 seconds, and real-world testing aligns closely with the official data. Gear shifts are seamless, with clear upshift and downshift logic, and the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters cater to occasional driving excitement.

The handling is one of the highlights of the 3008 Allure, with precise steering that has minimal play and clear directionality when cornering; the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned towards sportiness, providing excellent body roll control in bends and strong stability at high speeds; when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters vibrations, making rear passengers feel little discomfort. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7L/100km, with actual urban driving around 8.5L/100km and highway driving approximately 6.8L/100km, meeting the expected level for a 1.6T engine. The braking system performs steadily, with a 100-0km/h braking distance of about 38 meters, and there is no significant heat fade after continuous braking.

In terms of driving comfort, the NVH control is commendable. Wind and tire noise are well-suppressed at speeds under 80km/h, while at 120km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not hinder in-car conversations. The seat padding is moderately soft, ensuring that the lower back does not feel fatigued during long drives. The automatic start-stop function has a reasonable logic, with minimal engine restart vibrations when waiting at red lights, which does not impact the riding experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure focus on three points: first is its high design recognition, with the claw-shaped light group and the i-Cockpit cabin embodying unique French style; second is its class-surpassing configurations, such as the 10-inch central control screen, fully digital instrument panel, and L2-level assisted driving functionality, which are more competitive compared to similarly priced CR-V 240 Turbo or RAV4 2.0L models; third is the balance between handling and comfort, catering to both daily family use and providing a certain level of driving pleasure. However, the back middle seat cushion is relatively hard, making long-term seating comfort average, and the warranty policy of 5 years/100,000km is slightly shorter compared to the 5 years/120,000km on the 2019 model.

This car is suitable for two types of users: first, those focused on practicality for family purposes, as its spacious interior and abundant storage solutions meet daily travel needs; secondly, young consumers who prioritize design and handling, as its unique interior layout and precise steering calibration align with their preferences. Compared to competitors in the same class, the 3008 Allure stands out with its technological configurations and driving quality. If your budget is around RM160,000 and you desire an SUV that balances functionality with individuality, it will be a good option.

Overall, the 2021 Peugeot 3008 Allure is a "well-rounded and standout" C-Segment SUV. Its French design and handling refinement are its core competitive strengths, and it is capable of meeting the comprehensive needs of most consumers.