It’s possible that this release is reminding you of what Nissan did with its compact hatchback also a few months ago: after reaching the current generation as the same car, this time March and Micra went to different clients and ended receiving slightly different facelifts. Despite going on the opposite way of the latest trend of unifying the automaker’s lineup, this strategy can result more convenient specially when there are important differences between each public’s needs. 3008’s Chinese facelift was simpler because the only way to stay attractive at such a crowded market after some years is to have competitive prices.
The European model, on the other hand, had to adapt to PSA’s new corporate strategy for the rest of the world: Citroën will increase the gap between C and DS lines in order to suit better each group of customers, leaving that space to be filled by Peugeot. This means the feline sister will be responsible of the “medium” range, far from both low-cost and high-luxury markets. 3008’s updates express that by adapting the original concept to the new directions, instead of already investing on a new generation. The intention is to offer the same crossover, but improving which brought heavy criticism to its first years, and leaving almost untouched what didn’t take long to turn all those complaints into intense approval.
The pictures show Peugeot’s new design language was applied once again with success. The front fascia features much more elegant shapes, which take advantage of the crossover’s size without exaggerating it like before. The redesigned grilles make a nice combination with the headlights, whose new cut manages to match what has been used on the latest Peugeots (like 2008 and 308) at the same time it connects with the rear set’s irregular shape – these had only an internal redesign, but it was enough to make them one of the most attractive sets ever used by this automaker.
There will be new 16” or 18” wheels, according to the trim level, but the interior stayed almost the same: 3008 received more chrome accents and a new, more stylish gear stick. When it comes to the engine options, the diesel line repeats the HDi 115-hp 1.6L and 150-hp 2.0L units, while the gasoline options include a 120-hp VTi 1.6 and THP 1.6L with 156 hp or 163 hp. Not to mention the Hybrid4 version, which made this car the world’s first mass-production diesel-electric hybrid: it brings the diesel 2.0L engine at the front axle, while a 37-hp electric engine powers the rear wheels. The updated 3008 will be officially released at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show.
Lançamento no Brasil (21/05/2014)
Agora é o crossover que se adere à mais nova linguagem de estilo da marca francesa, caracterizada por exaltar as formas felinas com mais enfoque na elegância. O 3008 redesenhado chega ao Brasil por R$ 99.990, somente na versão Griffe THP – antes ele também oferecia a Allure. As melhorias de estilo externas e internas são combinadas a uma lista de itens completa, que inclui ar-condicionado automático bizona, assistente de partida em rampa, bancos revestidos em couro e tecido, farois e lanternas com LEDs, head-up display, piloto automático e teto solar panorâmico. O trem-de-força continua formado pelo 1.6 turbo, que gera 165 cv e 24,5 kgfm e usa câmbio automático de seis marchas.