Review: CKD 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift – New face enough to tempt you from CR-V?

The newly appointed distributor for Peugeot brand in Malaysia, Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAuto), recently launched the 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift alongside the 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift. The two C-segment SUVs mark the first models to be launched by BAuto, going head-to-head against rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

To recap, the locally-assembled (CKD) 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift is priced at RM 161,616 (with SST exemption).

We had the opportunity to sample the 2021 Peugeot 3008 facelift to bring you our first impression of the car. After spending the day with the facelifted Peugeot 3008, we think it’s still as charming as ever.

Let’s start with the biggest change – the front fascia. The new frameless grille and the redesigned headlamps with fang-like DRLS bring the 3008 up to date with Peugeot’s current design theme. At the rear, new upgraded taillights feature Peugeot’s 3D-effect claw signature with scrolling indicator lights.

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the Peugeot 3008’s design, right up there with the Mazda CX-5, and still am.

Inside, it’s just as extravagant as it is on the outside. The overall layout, build quality, and selection of materials are among the best this segment has to offer.

The most notable update would be the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that freshens up the interior. The display itself is crisp with high resolution and operation is responsive. With additional screen real estate, the climate control settings are always displayed at the sides.

There’s also a wireless charging tray for Qi compatible devices. But the rest of the interior pretty much identical to before, which means its quirks are still very much present.

You get a strangely-small-for-an-SUV steering wheel and you have to sit up higher than usual to get a view of the instrument cluster. This may feel unusual at first but it’s fine once used to it.

Other quirks include the obstructed cruise control stalk and having to go through a sub-menu to tweak the climate settings.

On the move, it drives as well as it did before, with a dynamically capable chassis and a reactive steering that’s quick to respond to inputs.

Our brief stint with the Peugeot 3008 took us up to Genting Highlands and it performed admirably around the twisties. It would be a stretch to call it fun, but one shouldn’t expect that from an SUV.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged engine (167 PS, 240 Nm) that’s paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission is carried over from before, and its characteristics remain as well. In normal mode, it’s rather sedated in which the throttle response is slightly delayed and the transmission isn’t eager to kickdown.

Sport mode will smack the powertrain awake by sharpening the throttle response, adding weight to the steering, and pumping in artificial engine noise to the cabin.

It also rides as brilliantly as before, soaking up the worst of our Klang Valley roads with aplomb while maintaining control. In terms of suspension tuning, we would consider the Peugeot 3008 to be more accomplished than the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

Another quality that’s carried over from before is refinement. We didn't manage to bring along the sound level meter for an objective measurement but subjectively, it’s as quiet as before. All sources of noise are well-suppressed to give a serene driving experience.

Conclusion

The Peugeot 3008 will continue to be a left-field choice amongst C-segment SUV buyers. Its strongest selling point would be the design, both inside and out, followed by the comfort and refinement.

The facelift exercise hasn’t addressed any of the bugbears we had with the pre-facelift 3008 (it was a brief drive, stay tuned for a more in-depth review when we get our hands on it). But if you find them acceptable, then can we interest you in the Peugeot 3008?

Also read:

Review: CKD 2021 Peugeot 5008 facelift – The French mistress your family would approve

CKD 2021 Peugeot 3008 & 5008 facelift launched in Malaysia to rival Honda CR-V, from RM 161k