Exclusive: Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 coming to Australia

John Law

Contributor

The facelifted Peugeot 3008 will arrive in Australia with the choice of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time.

Peugeot Australia public relations manager Chloe Fraser today confirmed that “in the second half of this year (Peugeot Australia) will be introducing a plug-in hybrid electric version of the 3008“.

In Europe, Peugeot currently offers two PHEV powertrains for the 2021 3008, though which will be coming to Australia is yet to be confirmed.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 Plug — Peugeot has confirmed the plug-in hybrid 3008 will come to Australia this year.

The more affordable two-wheel-drive Hybrid 225 e combines a 132kW petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor for a combined power output of 165kW sent to the front wheels.

A 13.2kWh battery pack provides 56km of zero emissions range and can be charged at a rate of 7.4kW, meaning a full charge takes under two hours.

The more powerful dual-motor Hybrid 300 e increases that range to 59km from the same battery pack according to WLTP test protocol.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 inappropriate splash — There may be an all-wheel-drive variant, too, marking another first for the 3008 in Australia.

The dual-motor hybrid system would make the Hybrid 300 the first-ever all-wheel-drive Peugeot 3008 in Australia, which would surely bolster appeal.

Naturally, the Hybrid 300 makes more power with 220kW on tap. A 147kW petrol engine is teamed with an 81kW motor that sends power to the eight-speed gearbox and – like the Toyota Rav4 hybrid – a separate 83kW electric motor powers the rear axle of the 3008.

The new 3008 will be joined by a PHEV version of the 508 large car later this year.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 inappropriate Front — A redesign has made the 3008 sharper and more attractive than before.

Aside from the new – to Australia – powertrain, mechanical changes are minimal for the facelift, but outside the 2021 Peugeot 3008 has taken on a cutting edge aesthetic.

The design will make the updated 3008 one of the more exciting choices amongst peers including the Skoda Karoq, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The outgoing 3008 is attractive, but the detailing on the new frameless grille is incredible. The way the single elements flow into the redesigned LED DRLs as though breaking free from the front of the vehicle is quite fantastic.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 inappropriate Grille detail — The new frameless grille has detailing to die for.

For GT spec cars Peugeot have designed a specific grille, those cars will also be specified with LED headlights as standard.

The new LED taillights adopt a similar ‘claw’ motif to the DRLs, they are now more delicate in their appearance and sit behind smoked glass.

Inside Peugeot has fully committed to their quirky cabin design. A small polygonal steering wheel sits in front of a new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, while there is a larger ten-inch touchscreen where radio, air conditioning and vehicle settings are found. There is also a new 3D capable navigation system fitted to the upper-spec GT and GT Sport.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 inappropriate Cabin — Inside Peugeot forges ahead with their unique take on cabin architecture.

Australia will receive the base Allure, with the GT and new GT Sport variant, which brings a ten-speaker premium stereo, black Nappa leather-upholstery and attractive new Lime Wood interior trim.

Supplementing the all-new electrified powertrain will be two carryover combustion engines; a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol makes 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque a two-litre turbodiesel with 133kW/400Nm outputs.

Pricing and specification details will be revealed closer to the launch of the new 3008 later this year.