Peugeot 3008 Plus: Same price other options

It was in August 2019 that Peugeot Malaysia launched the 3008 THP Plus along with 5008 THP Plus in the country. Both the vehicles are offered in two variant options - Activ and Allure and they are locally assembled at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing facility in Gurun (a joint venture between PSA Group and Naza Group).

Peugeot 3008 is today's focal point, so before we start discussing its alternatives let us first get to know the five-seater SUV a little better.

The Malaysia-spec 3008 is based on the 4008 sold in the Chinese market, both sharing the same design language with the only difference being their dimensions. The car measures 4,510 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,662 mm in height. Its wheelbase reads 2,730 mm.

The SUV is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol mill generating maximum power of 165 hp at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 240 Nm at 1,400 rpm. The Turbo HighPressure engine sends the drive to the front wheels via a 6-speed Quick Shift automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Enhancing the drive is the Advanced Grip Control with five selectable modes, including - Normal, Snow, Sand, Mud, and ESP off.

On the performance front, the SUV completes the century sprint in just 8.9 seconds after hitting a top speed of 205 kmph.

On the outside it gets the base 3008 Active trim gets - automatic halogen headlights with LED sequential indicators, front & rear fog lamps, LED 'claw effect', automatic wipers, reverse camera, and rear parking sensors, and 18-inch 'Detroit' alloys. Allure variant instead gets full-LED headlights and LED front fog lamps.

The cabin, on the other hand, comes equipped with Peugeot i-Cockpit that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display along with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The later units support Apple CarPlay connectivity and navigation function. Also, part of the kit is an Arkamys 3D sound system, dual-zone climate control system with rear vents, black 'Claudio' leather upholstery, keyless entry & start, cruise control with speed limiter, and powered front seat. The Allure trim adds front parking sensors, ambient lighting, a powered panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

The safety is taken care of by a bunch of active and passive features. The list includes - six airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, ABS with EBD & BA, tyre pressure monitor, Electronic Stability Programme, Dynamic Stability Control, and Anti-Skid Regulation. Over and above these features the Allure trim includes active lane-keeping assist, speed limiter information system, driver attention alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a blind-spot monitor.

Price?

The 3008 Active retails for RM 150,888, while the Allure is dearer at RM 163,888.

Now that we know so much about the 3008, let's check out all the other options available in the market for the same price.

Honda CR-V

In Malaysia, the CR-V is offered in three trim levels - CR-V 2.0 2WD, CR-V 1.5 TC 2WD, and C-RV 1.5 TC-P 4WD. It was only in November last year that the car got a facelift. While the base trim is powered by a 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated petrol mill, the other two variants get a 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC turbo unit. CVT is the standard transmission.

Its standard equipment list includes - automatic LED headlights, LED fog lamps, LED DRLs, keyless entry and engine start, paddle shifters, a multi-view reverse camera, a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, and dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with rear vents.

Furthermore, the automaker is also offering a 7-inch Advanced Display Audio head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, leather upholstery, an 8-speaker audio system, power-operated front seats, and new rear seatbelt reminder as standard features.

Mazda CX-5

It has been a while since Mazda CX-5 landed on Malaysian soil, i.e., in October 2019. So, it's high time the automaker introduces some upgrades, anyways, the Malaysian-spec model is offered in five variants - base 2.0 2WD Mild, 2.0 2WD High, 2.5 2WD High, 2.2D 2WD High, and 2.5 4WD High. All the variants are locally assembled at the Inokom manufacturing unit in Kulim, Kedah.

As can be known from the trim name, the CX-5 is offered in three engine options - a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol mill, 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit, and a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol unit. All three engines are mated to a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic gearbox with i-Activ all-wheel-drive system.

Standard equipment bag includes - an automatic LED headlight, LED fog lamps, LED combination tail lights, LED DRLs, electronic parking brake with brake hold, Mazda Connect infotainment system (with a 7-inch touch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and multi-function steering wheel.

Safety is pretty much identical across the CX-5 range.

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail is offered in four variant options - the entry-level 2.0L 2WD, 2.0L 2WD Mid, 2.5L 4WD, and range-topping 2.0 Hybrid 2WD.

The first two trims are powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, paired to an Xtronic CVT with manual mode. The next one gets a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol mill, and lastly, the hybrid trim features an electric motor with 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery under the boot floor.

The SUVs standard kit includes - Boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, V-Motion radiator grille, rectangular fog lamps, keyless entry, 17-inch twin-five spoke silver alloys, silver roof rails, smoked LED combination tail lights, powered side mirror. It also includes a 5-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an electro-mechanical parking brake with hold function, and dual-zone climate control with rear vents.

The base model's safety kit is generous too, so no complaints here.

 Mazda CX-30

We sure have saved the best for the last. However, it is yet to be launched, but when it does it will be a tough competitor in the segment In the global market the CX-30 is offered in three petrol variants - entry-level 2.0G, mid-spec 2.0G High, and range-topping 2.0G High AWD. Its price would range from RM 114,759 to RM 170,459.

Conclusion

Well, all the cars seem to be perfect alternatives for the Peugeot 3008. However, each one comes with its own set of pros and cons leaving the buyer to make a decision solely based on his needs for the vehicle.

Also Read: Mazda unveiled the all-electric CX-30 in China