Peugeot 3008 2021: facelift brings new design and upgraded tech across the range

Over in Europe, the Peugeot 3008 is the third best-selling car in its segment but it has struggle to find its footing in Australia, a situation the French automaker is confident it will change with its most recent facelift.

The facelifted version of the 2021 Peugeot 3008 midsize SUV has finally landed in Australia with a freshly-redesigned exterior and some seriously clever tech, with an entry price of $44,990 before on-road costs

The Peugeot 3008 has landed in Australia alongside the facelifted 5008 large SUV and new 2008 small SUV as the marque aims to build momentum in our SUV-hungry market.

Peugeot 3008 2021 GT Sport front driving — Peugeot has given the 3008 a facelift with a new ‘frameless grille design’ sitting centre stage

What’s new on the facelifted 2021 Peugeot 3008?

Featuring prominently at the front is what Peugeot calls a ‘frameless grille design’ that uses a patchwork effect to blend the front bumper and centre grille in what we think is a very stylish design that will help the French car stand out in a very crowded segment.

Sitting on either side are the redesigned LED headlights that connect to the daytime running lights that run down the car. Instead of integrating fog lights separately, Peugeot has created a special ‘Fog Mode’ that dims the LED headlights to increase visibility.

Peugeot 3008 2021 GT Sport rear — LED lights have been fitted all-round with the ability to act as fog lights when needed

Peugeot has also upgraded the tail lights to LED units that are contained in a smoked glass housing that leads to a black strip along the boot, in a uniform design that has also been seen on the recently-unveiled 308 hatch.

Climb into the cockpit and you’ll find a new 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster that has increased its visibility in more conditions with a higher contrast collaborating with an additional 10-inch touchscreen that has also had a bump in quality.

Peugeot has fitted wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard which links up to the 10-speaker FOCAL premium audio system if you select the top grade 3008 GT Sport. Additionally, two USB ports are now fitted in the rear to help keep passengers happy.

Peugeot 3008 2021 GT Sport interior — The interior features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster along with an additional 10-inch touchscreen display

What does the 3008’s revised range look like?

The Peugeot 3008 range opens with the Allure base model that starts at $44,990 before on-road costs which features 18-inch ‘Los Angeles’ alloy wheels which curiously allow it to be the only variant with all-terrain modes and hill descent control.

According to Peugeot, this is due to larger wheels and change in tyres on other grades that are not compatible with the off-road features.

On the inside the 3008 Allure wears a fabric interior with a synthetic leather material appointed within the seats and tinted windows which should make things bearable during our hot Australian summers.

Peugeot 3008 2021 range GT Sport, 3008 GT and 3008 Allure — The 3008 range has now expanded with the GT Sport (left), joining the 3008 GT (centre) and 3008 Allure (right)

Fitted to the 3008 Allure and GT Petrol is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder making 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque which is sent through a six-speed torque converter automatic to the front wheels only.

The safety suite is largely standard across the range with blind-spot monitoring, upgraded AEB that can now detect pedestrians in low light, driver attention monitoring, speed sign recognition and adaptive cruise control. The only notable safety omission from purchasing the base 3008 Allure is the lack of lane keep assist, which is fitted across the rest of the range.

Stepping up to the 3008 GT grade adds niceties such as a perforated leather steering wheel, Alcantara on the door cards and dashboard along with a sportier body kit and two-tone 18-inch alloys.

Peugeot 3008 2021 GT front — The standard 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine makes 121kW of power and 240Nm of torque

Peugeot offers the 3008 GT in petrol for $47,990 (before on-road costs) or you can choose the diesel for $50,990 (before on-road costs), which uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making 131kW/400Nm paired to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

New to the lineup is the new 3008 GT Sport ($54,990 before on-roads) which sits at the top of the tree with 19-inch black alloys wheels, and a black pack that gives it a more moody appearance.

Wood inlay also appears in the dashboard along with full-grain Nappa leather upholstery. Front passengers also gain heated front seats with a massage function and eight-way electric adjustability for the driver.

The 3008 GT Sport is fitted with a more special version of the 1.6-litre engine, with a revised turbocharger and other engine tweak allowing it to squeeze out slightly more grunt at 133kW/250Nm, which is paired to the eight-speed torque converter automatic.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 2021 inappropriate splash — A plug-in hybrid version of the Peugeot 3008 could arrive in all-wheel-drive form at the end of the year

What about the plug-in hybrid 3008?

As we have previously reported there will be a plug-in hybrid 3008 coming to Australia before the end of 2021, with the exact specification yet to be announced.

Over in Europe, two versions are offered with the more affordable Hybrid 225 e combining 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 (WLTP) 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 conservative WLTP testing.