"Sleek yet rounded. It feels like encountering a large lion." This was my first impression of the Peugeot All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid. The striking blue body resembles a giant beetle, with sharp lines that complete the lion shape emblematic of Peugeot.
On September 25, I drove the All-New 3008 Smart Hybrid GT model from Seoul to Sokcho, covering approximately 500 kilometers.
Upon sitting in the driver's seat, the first thing that caught my eye was the compact steering wheel. Initially, the combination of a small steering wheel with a relatively large SUV felt unusual, but I quickly adapted once I started driving.
A long 21-inch panoramic curved display stretched across the dashboard. The small steering wheel and driver-centered display created an enveloping feel in the driver's seat. This model features the next-generation 'Panoramic i-Cockpit.'
After connecting my smartphone, the familiar Kakao Navi screen appeared on the panoramic display. The All-New 3008 supports wireless mirroring through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I set my destination to Sokcho and headed towards the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway via regular roads in Seoul.
On regular roads, the vehicle's quiet and smooth driving experience was impressive for a compact SUV. It absorbed road shocks gently, providing a ride quality akin to that of a sedan. The power to propel the vehicle was also adequate, allowing for speed on hilly and winding roads.
The All-New 3008 is built on Stellantis's next-generation electrification platform, 'STLA Medium.' It combines a 1.2-liter three-cylinder PureTech gasoline engine with a 48V lithium-ion battery and an electric motor, paired with a hybrid-specific six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (e-DCS6).
During the drive, the 'Charge-Eco-Power' indicator at the bottom of the instrument panel frequently shifted, showing the status of the hybrid system. It was common to see the indicator move into the 'Charge' zone when I lifted my foot off the accelerator or reduced speed.
This process involves regenerative braking, which captures energy generated during driving and stores it back in the battery. When starting or driving at low speeds, the electric motor actively engaged using the stored power. At times, when the engine noise disappeared, it felt as if I were driving an electric vehicle. Stellantis Korea explained that in typical urban environments, the electric motor can operate without engine involvement for about 50% of the total driving time.
In practice, I experienced high fuel efficiency. The instantaneous fuel economy displayed on the instrument panel reached up to 18 km/l, exceeding the official combined fuel economy of 14.6 km/l by about 23%. The 55-liter fuel tank, which was full at the start, showed half full after completing the test drive. The vehicle has received a Class 2 low-emission vehicle certification, allowing for benefits such as reduced public parking fees.
Once on the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, I appreciated the driving assistance features. Setting the adaptive cruise control on a congested road during the holiday allowed the vehicle to adjust its speed according to the movements of the car in front.
By maintaining lane position with my hands on the steering wheel, I significantly reduced the fatigue of long-distance driving, which often involves stop-and-go traffic. Once the road cleared, I set the speed according to the speed limit, making the drive much more comfortable. The GT trim includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and a lane-keeping assist system.
The All-New 3008, while classified as a compact SUV, stands out with its distinctive French design. Its dimensions have also increased, with a length that is 90 mm longer and both width and wheelbase extended by 55 mm compared to the previous model. It is comparable in size to rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
From the side, the fastback roofline smoothly descends towards the rear. The front features a new Peugeot emblem, a gradient grille, and daytime running lights shaped like lion claws. This unique design, combined with high fuel efficiency, makes it an attractive option for drivers seeking both style and practicality.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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