We have already established that Lucky Motors is about to launch the French automobile brand Peugeot 2008, however, the recent reports suggest that the LMC is not going to stop there.
According to Pakwheels, Lucky Motors has imported two more Peugeot SUVs to Pakistan for trial and testing. The company reportedly has imported CBUs of Peugeot 3008, and Peugeot 5008.
Both 3008 and 5008 are C-segment compact crossovers from the company that look similar, except for 5008 being bigger. 5008 would compete with the likes of MG Gloster, KIA Sorento, while 3008 would be competing with Hyundai’s Tucson, KIA Sportage, MG HS type vehicles.
The price of both cars’ CBUs would be around Rs 12-13 million, according to Pakwheels. This is because of the high customs duty of the cars, thus, if the company wants to compete in the country, it has to assemble locally. However, even then, the price of the CKD units would be high as well.
Let us cover their features in the international market briefly for now.
Peugeot 3008-2nd gen
Famous car reviewer, Top Gear wrote in February 2021, saying, “Tangibly more practical and interesting than a 308, this is SUVs done properly.”
The original 3008 is known for being a failure, and a clumsy vehicle. Top Gear wrote that it, “categorically failed at winning the attention of anyone who cared one iota about their car possessing any dynamic or technological nous.”
After hedging its bets with the crossover/MPV looks of the Mk1, the current Peugeot 3008 is a genuine front-runner in the crossover class. This is because of its top-notch interior, up-to-date in-car tech, refined drive, and competitive engine range.
In the international market, petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models exist.
Petrol units include a 1.2 PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol and the four-cylinder 1.6-liter PureTech 180 petrol. In the test, Auto Express found the 1.2 PureTech to be a surprisingly good performer considering its size, and it’s the engine we’d choose.
Diesel power was updated in 2018 with a new 1.5 BlueHDi 130 diesel, which replaced the 1.6 BlueHDi 120; the top of the range is powered by the potent 2.0 BlueHDi 180.
There are also two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models to choose from – the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 and Hybrid 300 e-EAT8. The former uses one electric motor alongside its 1.6-liter petrol engine, while the latter uses two – one for each axle. Both use a 13.2kWh battery that can be charged in a claimed one hour and 45 minutes via an optional onboard charger, Auto Express wrote.
The new model has made some noise in being very good on the inside, with a luxury feel, and ‘high-tech feels thanks to Peugeot’s i-Cockpit digital dashboard set-up”. A lot of reviewers felt that the staring is small, like every other Peugeot out there, but one can get used to it.
Read More: Peugeot 2008 all set to hit Pakistan: Features, expected price
Numerous reviews suggest that as a town car, 3008’s comfort stands out, and makes up for a great town car.
Second Gen Peugeot 5008
Like its smaller sibling 3008, the second generation 5008 is also a major update from the first generation models.
What Car wrote that while, “there are plenty of desirable, seven-seat SUVs to choose from if you have a far-reaching budget, but the Peugeot 5008 proves that you don’t necessarily need deep pockets to bag yourself a good one.”
At 50 per cent of the price of other luxury SUVs out there, this one compares to them in its drive, smart interior, and advanced safety options.
From a big hatchback to becoming an SUV, the 5d008 is dubbed as a 7-seater Peugeot 3008, with the same engine options and trim lines, with 7-seater being a major difference.
If the 5008 sounds appealing, then you can get behind the wheel for around £30,000. This is for the entry-level 1.2 PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol in Active Premium guise.
If the thought of a 128bhp 1.2-liter engine hauling a 7-seat SUV doesn’t appeal, don’t worry, because the unit is a torquey performer, although it might struggle with a full load.
Other engines include a 1.6 PureTech petrol with 178bhp, a 1.5 BlueHDi diesel with 129bhp (this replaced the earlier 1.6 BlueHDi), plus a 2.0 BlueHDi with 175bhp.
The 1.2 PureTech and 1.5 BlueHDi are available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed EAT8 auto gearboxes, Auto Express wrote.
All versions of the Peugeot 5008 come with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel. This provides enough tailoring to get comfortable, but that’s enhanced from Allure trim up with manually adjustable lumbar support to make life even more agreeable.
Again, the 5008 carries the small steering wheel as a part of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit Dashboard. The infotainment system in the car is one of the negatives. According to reviews, it is not very intuitive to navigate and, icons are too small, among other issues. A blog wrote, “Most rivals’ systems are considerably less infuriating to use.”
However, the quality of the interior is not that bad, with soft interior surfaces, robust insides compared to its rivals.
The car is reportedly isn’t too sharp to drive, but is comfortable on roads, due to softer suspension. The small steering wheel might be uncomfortable to some, as all reviews mentioned that it was too quick to turn, and upset the car’s balance. The prices start at £27,995 for the car.
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Note: No detail about its prices or specs is available in Pakistan, and features are for the international models.