Another sign that crossover SUVs are taking over the automotive landscape is the fact that the French have fully embraced the concept of rugged-looking, car-based tall vehicles as evidenced by the launch of the 2017 Peugeot 3008. The new 3008 emphasizes its sporty character by incorporating a faux front brushguard, chromed rocker panels, larger wheels and roof rails in its design.
Positioned in the heart of the compact crossover SUV market against competitors that equate to the U.S. market Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue and VW Tiguan, the 3008 is a 5-passenger 2-row vehicle powered by a choice of turbocharged gas and diesel 4-cylinder engines. Like similar sport utes, it can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations.
Upscale aura
Where it differs from its rivals is the more upscale approach Peugeot takes to the vehicle, offering an interior that looks more akin to the Mercedes GLA and BMW X1. While Peugeot exited the U.S. market in 1994, there have been rumors of its return. While most of that talk has focused around a return predicated on autonomous vehicles tied to some sort of ride hailing scheme, there’s a strong bet that a crossover SUV may actually be more of its ticket back to the lucrative U.S. market.
There are no immediate plans for such a move, but Peugeot is growing its portfolio of crossovers and the 3008 and larger 5008 SUVs could form the core of a new lineup more in line with the current tastes of American consumers.
