Peugeot confirms plug-in 3008 coming to NZ

Wednesday, 2 September 2020

Peugeot’s best-selling 3008 SUV will be the platform to launch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) efficiency to the New Zealand market next year.

Launch timing for the new 3008 GT Hybrid4 will be the first-quarter of 2021 with specification details and pricing to be confirmed closer to arrival.

Around the same time the petrol and diesel versions of the 3008 SUV will also gain mid-life facelift upgrades.

The powertrain for the plug-in version combines the 1.6-litre PureTech four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors and the eight-speed e-EAT8 automatic transmission.

The new infotainment screen shows how the car is asking for energy from its two sources.

* Ford shows off new SUV and electrified additions

* Ford working on plug-in Ranger

* Road test review: Peugeot 208 GT

Peugeot promises up to 60km of pure-electric range from the plug-in 3008.

Power output for the turbocharged petrol engine is 147kW while the front e-motor delivers 81kW. The rear e-motor, which also provides the all-wheel-drive capability, is rated at 83kW.

Combined powertrain output is rated at 220kW and the PHEV model can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.2secs. The 13.2kWh battery will allow an EV driving range of about 60km and the combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 1.9L/100km under the WLTP test protocol.

Last year Peugeot sold 419 units of the 3008, just over half of its annual New Zealand passenger vehicle volume.

“The 3008 SUV achieved international acclaim when it was recognised as the European Car of the Year in 2017, so it’s not surprising that it is the top-selling Peugeot model globally as well as locally,’’ said the CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand, Chris Brown.

Further enhancements to the 3008 cabin include new red nappa leather upholstery trim on the GT variant.

“The new model offers revised technology and the latest-generation of driving aids, which will undoubtedly reaffirm the 3008 SUV’s position as the most popular model in our line-up.

“However, what we’re incredibly excited about is the arrival of the new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) with four-wheel drive.’’

The innovative PHEV powertrain allows the driver to select from sport, hybrid, pure (electric) and four-wheel drive modes.

Along with the new PHEV model the other engine options for the 3008 GT include a new PureTech 180 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol or a BlueHDi 180 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature a driving mode selector as standard, enabling normal, sport and eco settings.

Irrespective of powertrain, all GT-level 3008 models will receive the same update of specification with advancements made in many areas.

Adaptive cruise control with stop and go function (provided courtesy of the EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox) has been added along with lane position assist, latest-generation automatic emergency braking (detecting pedestrians and cyclists during both the day and night) with collision risk warning and extended recognition of traffic signs.

The new 3008 SUV includes the Peugeot i-Cockpit with a new display headset and a new 10-inch high-definition touchscreen.

The central screen is controlled from seven “toggle switch’’ piano keys allowing access to the radio, air conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and hazard warning light functions. The PHEV has a specific button which provides access to the electrical function menu.

Further enhancements to the 3008 cabin include new red nappa leather upholstery trim on the GT while subtle changes to the exterior include redesigned front headlamps resulting in a more aggressive appearance further accentuated with LED technology.

At the rear, new, upgraded headlamps include full LED technology (including the reversing light), displaying the 3D claws for a punchy light signature and new 19-inch alloy wheels adorn the GT.

Two new colours will be available for the 3008 GT range, Celebes Blue and Vertigo Blue, taking the total palette to seven colours.

Launching the 3008 GT Hybrid4 will be the second time the Peugeot brand has explored the hybrid segment of the New Zealand market. A few diesel-electric hybrids based on the previous generation 508 and 3008 models were sold from 2013-2016.