Peugeot Australia to drop 3008 PHEV, ICE

BY PETER BARNWELL | 24th Sep 2024

DRIVEN by underwhelming sales, Peugeot Australia is changing tack on its “electric journey” moving from plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to hybrid (HEV) powertrains.

For its 3008 mid-sized SUV, Peugeot will now offer Allure (from $52,990) and GT Premium (from $64,990) grades only, now available to order with expected delivery in early 2025.

The decision means plug-in hybrid and internal combustion powered 3008s will be removed from the local Peugeot line-up.

The 3008 will now compete against a swag of hybridised rivals, including the Honda CR-V (from $60,400), Hyundai Tucson (from $45,100), Kia Sportage (from $45,950), and Nissan X-Trail (from $50,490).

Hybrid variants of the 308, 408, 2008 and 5008 will join the local range in 2025, in response, Peugeot says, to changing consumer preferences.

The Peugeot 508 will be retired from the local range.

The E-Expert and E-Partner electric vans remain available, while Peugeot plans to expand its 100 per cent electric (BEV) range in 2025.

“Peugeot Australia is committed to bringing a comprehensive range of new-generation vehicles to the Australian market with the allure and technological innovation that make Peugeot stand out,” said Peugeot Australia general manager David Owen.

“With the new 3008, Peugeot is ushering in a new era of design where allure seamlessly meets efficiency.

“Its fastback SUV styling epitomises elegance, aerodynamic prowess, and spaciousness. Powered by an efficient hybrid powertrain, the next-level 3008 represents a leap forward in both creative design and driving pleasure, redefining what our customers can expect.

“With the 100 per cent electric E-Partner and E-Expert vans already on-sale in Australia, and a range of efficient hybrid vehicles arriving soon, we’re looking forward to continuing our electrification journey by further expanding Peugeot Australia’s 100 per cent electric range in 2025.”

The new 3008 Hybrid is powered by a new generation of PureTech petrol engine specially developed for optimal integration with hybridisation.

It combines a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 100kW of power at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 1750rpm. It is coupled with a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox that incorporates an electric motor.

Regenerative battery recharging is utilised helping to provide extra torque at low engine speeds and lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 32 per cent when compared with previous (existing) generation 3008 petrol.

Peugeot says the new 3008 Hybrid range has a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 111grams per kilometre.

Standard across the 3008 Hybrid range is the Peugeot i-Cockpit dash that “takes driving pleasure to the next level, with the revised layout improving accessibility and visibility of information, featuring a 21.0-inch HD curved display, compact steering wheel with flush controls, and digital i-Toggles with up to 10 widgets”.

The head-up display and the large central touch screen are now integrated into a curved panoramic screen made up of a single 21.0-inch high-definition panel, which extends from the right-hand end of the dashboard to the centre console.

Styling changes to the 3008 Hhybrid focus on the three-claw light signature with a fresh design for the headlights and grille and other minor detail changes.

A rear spoiler complements the “fastback” silhouette while optimising aerodynamics.

VFACTS figures show Peugeot Australia has sold just 338 examples of the 3008 to the end of August this year. Only the SsangYong Korando (333) and now defunct Citroen C5 Aircross (30) have sold fewer units than the 3008.

The tally places the French import well behind segment rivals, including the Toyota RAV4 (38,050 unit sales YTD), Mitsubishi Outlander (18,741), and Mazda CX-5 (15,878).

2025 Peugeot 3008 Hybrid pricing*: