What's the news?
Peugeot has launched the new 3008 crossover in Ireland today, with prices starting from a Tiguan-bothering €25,995. That price tag includes the all-digital 'i-Cockpit' dashboard with its 12.3-inch TFT instrument screen and eight-inch infotainment screen as standard, something that will most definitely put the equipment cat amongst its rivals' pricing pigeons.
Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland said: "A huge sales success in Europe already and with 17 international awards under its belt, demand for the new Peugeot 3008 is outstripping supply in every country where it has already been launched. Over 100,000 units have now been ordered in just 4 months, breaking records for the company. Furthermore, the brand's objective of moving upmarket is now clearly coming into fruition, with 86% of sales to date attributed to level three Allure, level four GT Line and the range-topping GT trims. Together with the new Peugeot 5008 SUV, arriving this summer, we now look forward to increasing our performance in the all-important C-SUV segment."
That basic €25,995 Access model includes multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, air conditioning, Electronic Stability Programme, 6 airbags, cruise control with speed Limiter, speed limit information with intelligent speed adaptation, Driver Attention Alert Level 1 and lane departure warning.
Allure versions, starting from €29,855 include Active Blind Spot Detection (ABSD), Active Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), and Advanced Driver Attention Alert (DAA3), and 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
There's also a GT-Line version, with a sporty bodykit, available from €33,225 and a range-topping GT version with the 180hp 2.0-litre BlueHDI diesel engine. The entry level engine is the 130hp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol, a surprisingly good choice in what is still a diesel-centric market (its Co2 emissions start from as low as 117g/km), as well as three other diesel options - a 1.6 BlueHDI in either 100hp or 120hp forms (with Co2 emissions starting from 103g/km) and a 150hp 2.0-litre BlueHDI diesel with Co2 starting from 114g/km.
You can also, depending on how good your natural balance is, equip the 3008 with a folding electric scooter in the boot. The e-KICK scooter has a small electric motor, which when you get it up to speed by pushing it along with your feet, can boost the scooter's speed and keep you going. It costs €1,375 as an option. Surely a pair of Heeleys might be cheaper?