French carmaker Peugeot has unveiled what it calls its "most advanced vehicle" to date. The new 3008 SUV is bigger, lighter and a better performer than its predecessor. It is also the first Peugeot to feature the firm's new i-Cockpit with Amplify and has a number of connectivity and driver assistance features.
There are four petrol models to choose from, ranging from 1.2 - 1.6 l, and five diesel options, ranging from 1.6 - 2 l. By shedding 100 kg (220 lb) of weight from the current generation (making the lightest variant 1,325 kg/2,921 lb), the new 3008 is also said to have improved efficiency and performance.
The 3008 has been stretched by 80 mm (3.1 in) so that it is now 4,450-mm (175.2-in) long, the biggest beneficiaries of which are its rear-seat passengers. In addition, 90-l (3 cu ft) of luggage capacity has been added, giving it 520 l (18 cu ft) in total and, by removing the luggage cover and folding down the rear seats, this can be increased to 1,580 l (55 cu ft). Loading luggage into all that space is made easier by way of a hands-free tailgate that can be opened or closed by waving a foot underneath the rear bumper.
Peugeot has been making a bit of a fuss about its i-Cockpit, but as we pointed out last month it's really just a driver-centric cabin with digital technology. To recap, it allows drivers to enhance the driving experience at the push of a button. They can adjust the lighting ambience, change audio settings, control seat massagers and even adjust the aroma in the car via a "fragrance diffuser." In the 3008, the i-Cockpit is joined by Amplify, which simply offers three extra fragrances from perfumer Scentys and Antoine Lie.
More practically, there's a 3D navigation system that displays images of buildings, monuments and terrain contours. With TomTom Traffic, it gives real-time journey information, such as local weather, car-parks, service stations.
Mirror Screen, meanwhile, allows a user's smartphone screen to be displayed on the car's in-car touchscreen display. The phone's voice recognition function can then be used to make calls, send text messages, get route information and choose music. That music is played over a 515-W, 10-speaker sound-system, with audio technology from French audio firm Focal.
Among the driver assistance features are Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert, which notifies drivers of potential collisions and reduces speed automatically if required, and Active Involuntary Crossing Line, which keeps the vehicle in lane. A Driver Alert Warning function provides speed alerts and reminders to take a break from driving every two hours.
Visiopark 1 & 2 uses cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle and there is also Automatic High Beam Assistance for automatically switching between high beam and low beam for the benefit of oncoming traffic. Elsewhere, there are Speed Sign Detection and Recommendation, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Blind Spot Monitoring System and Park Assist features.
The new Peugeot 3008 will debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, with pricing to be announced.
Source: Peugeot
