That is the brand new Peugeot E-3008, an all-electric ‘fastback SUV’ that offers the French producer one of many largest fleets of distinct pure EV fashions of any producer. Following within the aesthetic footsteps of the bigger Peugeot 408, and foreshadowing the even bigger Peugeot E-5008, this new mannequin joins the swollen ranks of compact SUVs that now appear to make up the vast majority of European automobile gross sales.
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
First issues first. One way or the other, Peugeot has managed to eke a claimed 422-mile vary for this machine, a powerful achievement for any up to date electrical automobile, not to mention a mass market, non-luxury title. Within the Stellantis pantheon of manufacturers, Peugeot sits squarely within the center, leaving luxurious to Maserati, sports activities to Alfa Romeo and quirky mass market design to former sister firm Citroën.
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
Visually, the compact – or ‘city’ – SUV is without doubt one of the hardest typologies to whittle into a bit of well-proportioned design. Peugeot has had an honest stab at it, with the E-3008’s rakish rear display screen and the way in which physique panels fold and crease and dive beneath components just like the taillights.
The truth is, there are a loads of visible methods occurring to maintain the E-3008 evenly balanced, such because the blacked-out C-pillar, the darkish sill detailing that compresses the peak of the aspect elevations, and the multi-layered entrance finish with its mildly triskaphobia-triggering grille. Within the ‘Obsession Blue’ paintwork, seen right here, we detected a touch of Gallic Nineteen Eighties magnificence.
Contained in the Peugeot E-3008
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
Inside, it’s a distinct story. For the previous few years, Peugeot has been pushing what it calls the Panoramic i-Cockpit. This strategy to cabin structure locations the primary digital 21-inch show display screen above the primary physique of the sprint, a ribbon of data that may be irritatingly bisected by the small steering wheel. A separate touchscreen offers with key capabilities and favourites, whereas the gear and drive selector are set within the swooping uneven centre.
The trick is to decrease the wheel to simply above your legs to get an uninterrupted view of the sprint, an unconventional driving place that units the Peugeot aside from its friends and encourages you to drive with a distinct mindset. It’s much less car-like and extra futuristic, an impression aided by the punchy electrical motor.
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
The Electrical 230 Lengthy vary Single Motor mannequin, with its 98kWh battery, is the one specification that’ll get you that headline vary (on a heat day with a following wind), however each the Electrical 210 (with a single motor at 73kWh battery) and the Electrical 320 (with twin motors, all-wheel drive and 73kWh) supply a really respectable 326 miles. All fashions include steering wheel paddles to swap between three ranges of regenerative braking. Quick charging as much as 160kW is accessible for swift top-ups the place obtainable.
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
Though a petrol-hybrid mannequin can be provided later within the 12 months, Peugeot is issuing a powerful sign of intent by releasing the EV mannequin first. It’s a very simple automobile to stay with, comparatively compact at simply over 4.5m in size, with a cavernous inside aided by fold-flat rear seats.
Peugeots have historically been dynamically refined, and the E-3008 isn’t any totally different, with well-weighted steering that doesn’t really feel too mild and feathery. The inside is totally different however not distracting, and the palette and detailing all through have been pared again to cut back the variety of components and supplies required (over 500kg of the automobile’s mass is made up of ‘inexperienced’ supplies, together with recycled plastic).
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
Though the E-3008 isn’t the inexpensive EV of everybody’s desires – it represents a severe hike in costs from the model’s common vary – it does its factor in a different way, with confidence and with out compromise. The spectacular vary is the icing on a well-made cake.
(Picture credit score: Peugeot)
Peugeot E-3008, from £45,850, Peugeot.co.uk, @PeugeotUK
Supply: Wallpaper
