Diesel seems to be the more travelled route by local dealerships, thanks to the revamped diesel tax and Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS), which put this breed of cars in better light.
Peugeot, for instance, has assembled a strong lineup of diesel cars. From the newly hatched 208 supermini (which is available only in diesel in Singapore) to the flagship 508, it is safe to say that the French carries a strong liking for these oil burners.
Thus, offering a diesel variant of the 3008 is perhaps the next right move to further boost the Pug's presence in this segment of the market.Exterior
This may be a bold statement, but Peugeot of late has switched sides - from being relatively unheard of to becoming a brand that sparks numerous discussions. This is no easy feat, but the Pug has managed to effectively capture our eyeballs with a number of visually stunning offerings.
The most memorable, perhaps, is the RCZ coupe. And if we may add a few more to substantiate our point, the 208 and 508 are just as delightful to look at.
Peugeot, for instance, has assembled a strong lineup of diesel cars. From the newly hatched 208 supermini (which is available only in diesel in Singapore) to the flagship 508, it is safe to say that the French carries a strong liking for these oil burners.
Thus, offering a diesel variant of the 3008 is perhaps the next right move to further boost the Pug's presence in this segment of the market.Exterior
This may be a bold statement, but Peugeot of late has switched sides - from being relatively unheard of to becoming a brand that sparks numerous discussions. This is no easy feat, but the Pug has managed to effectively capture our eyeballs with a number of visually stunning offerings.
The most memorable, perhaps, is the RCZ coupe. And if we may add a few more to substantiate our point, the 208 and 508 are just as delightful to look at.
But we can't bring about the same kind of judgement for the 3008.
Standing at arm's length, it is hard to negate the sheer size of the car. Indeed, one would easily be misled into thinking that the 3008 is a seven-seater.
Size, however, does have its merits. The on-road presence, for starters, will leave rivals in its trail.
As a whole, the tall parcel manages to look elegant, without giving off an overtly bulbous, clumsy image that boring bread vans are famous for. That said, the 3008 isn't meant to be one in the first place. And yes, when it can't be fitted properly in either of the conventional body styles - it is a crossover alright.
Standing at arm's length, it is hard to negate the sheer size of the car. Indeed, one would easily be misled into thinking that the 3008 is a seven-seater.
Size, however, does have its merits. The on-road presence, for starters, will leave rivals in its trail.
As a whole, the tall parcel manages to look elegant, without giving off an overtly bulbous, clumsy image that boring bread vans are famous for. That said, the 3008 isn't meant to be one in the first place. And yes, when it can't be fitted properly in either of the conventional body styles - it is a crossover alright.
Interior
While the exterior may not be to everyone's taste, the 3008's cabin does better justice to the French people. It is easily one of the more appealing among the lot in the market. Even with the choice of dark colours for the upholstery and trims, the 3008 doesn't look bland or boring at all.
For those who are more closely affiliated with Japanese and German offerings, the 3008's driving position is one that will immediately surprise.
While the exterior may not be to everyone's taste, the 3008's cabin does better justice to the French people. It is easily one of the more appealing among the lot in the market. Even with the choice of dark colours for the upholstery and trims, the 3008 doesn't look bland or boring at all.
For those who are more closely affiliated with Japanese and German offerings, the 3008's driving position is one that will immediately surprise.
Seated far from the windscreen, you may feel a little obscured from the front view. But the high arched centre console does make one feel in command of the vehicle.
With all the space on board, you would expect the 3008 to offer generous room throughout the cabin. But what the car does is instil a sense of cosiness rather than outright spaciousness, with credits to the plush cushions and thick door cards.
With all the space on board, you would expect the 3008 to offer generous room throughout the cabin. But what the car does is instil a sense of cosiness rather than outright spaciousness, with credits to the plush cushions and thick door cards.
The Drive
The diesel 3008 receives an identical 1.6-litre engine as its 5008 counterpart. But being close to 100kg lighter means it has a clear advantage in most, if not all areas of driving dynamics.
The four pot turbo diesel feels more than up to the job for daily despatches - a nod to the French's know-how in engine craftsmanship.
In our sardine-packed traffic, the 3008 will gain respectable pace and perform overtaking manoeuvres in a relatively fuss-free manner. Whilst being engaged in occasional sprints, the oil burner will also manage close to 16km/L - an impressive figure for a vehicle of this breed and size.
While the EGC clutchless manual still appeals to the French, we could certainly do with better linearity. In most cases, the potent engine feels undermined by the transmission, especially in spirited runs on the first few gears.
The steering, on the other hand, is an area worth mentioning. While cars of its breed often do with feather light steering, the 3008's carries a nicely weighted feel which makes for a more delightful drive.
The diesel 3008 receives an identical 1.6-litre engine as its 5008 counterpart. But being close to 100kg lighter means it has a clear advantage in most, if not all areas of driving dynamics.
The four pot turbo diesel feels more than up to the job for daily despatches - a nod to the French's know-how in engine craftsmanship.
In our sardine-packed traffic, the 3008 will gain respectable pace and perform overtaking manoeuvres in a relatively fuss-free manner. Whilst being engaged in occasional sprints, the oil burner will also manage close to 16km/L - an impressive figure for a vehicle of this breed and size.
While the EGC clutchless manual still appeals to the French, we could certainly do with better linearity. In most cases, the potent engine feels undermined by the transmission, especially in spirited runs on the first few gears.
The steering, on the other hand, is an area worth mentioning. While cars of its breed often do with feather light steering, the 3008's carries a nicely weighted feel which makes for a more delightful drive.
On imperfect tarmac, the Pug's slightly firmer setup will help it retain its composure. It does so without compromising too much on occupant's comfort, with a ride worthy for long haul commutes.
The interior panels, however, will require a better fit, as jitters on the road will often result in ratters in the cabin.
Conclusion
At $131,800 (as of 29th May), the diesel cost a snub $13k less than the equivalent petrol variant. The diesel is also the 'greener' of the twin, garnering a $15,000 CEVS rebate. Considering the fuel savings, the diesel is clearly more 'wallet friendly'.
As a whole, the 3008's unique blend of stance and composure will make it stand out from the crowd. And we reckon the 3008 will strike the right notes for those raring to be different.
The interior panels, however, will require a better fit, as jitters on the road will often result in ratters in the cabin.
Conclusion
At $131,800 (as of 29th May), the diesel cost a snub $13k less than the equivalent petrol variant. The diesel is also the 'greener' of the twin, garnering a $15,000 CEVS rebate. Considering the fuel savings, the diesel is clearly more 'wallet friendly'.
As a whole, the 3008's unique blend of stance and composure will make it stand out from the crowd. And we reckon the 3008 will strike the right notes for those raring to be different.
