27th January, 2009

• A new concept
• Group’s first Hybrid vehicle
• Launches a number of innovative technologies
• Australian release possible in 2010

First seen as a concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show – Prologue Hybrid 4 – Peugeot’s new 3008 cross-over vehicle can now be revealed in all its glory.

This new, compact and spacious cross-over represents a totally new offering in the world's car market. It is aimed at sport-loving couples, modern families, senior citizens and active young people who desire a type of car which does not fall into existing categories, such as hatchbacks and MPVs. Due to this positioning, it was perfectly natural that the project originally code named T84 should be called 3008.

• 3:        places the car in Peugeot’s compact medium range
• 00:     the double zero designates a different and original design
• 8:        specifies the generation within the current range

The 3008 is based on Peugeot’s short wheelbase platform 2, which was chosen due to its exceptional rigidity and excellent acoustic and vibration properties.

The 3008 structure has been carefully designed to provide maximum secondary safety as well as provide a structure with the same level of rigidity as that of a saloon. To reduce emissions and, therefore fuel consumption and running costs, the weight of the vehicle was kept to a minimum.

To help reduce the vehicle’s weight, laser welding was used instead of normal spot welding, the front overhang was kept to a minimum by the introduction of an innovative new type of impact absorber, a number of light weight materials were used and the thickness of the panoramic glass roof has also reduced to just 5 mm, while still retaining the same levels of safety as current roofs fitted to the 308 SW.

Hybrid 4 Technology

This name describes the hybridisation of a traditional engine with an electric motor, in an original lay out in engineering terms that also allows the possibility of four-wheel drive.

While the traditional engine is located, as usual, under the bonnet and drives the front wheels, the electric motor is located under the load area floor adjacent to the rear suspension. This technology not only represents a real breakthrough in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (a reduction of around 35%), but also in terms of four-wheel drive.

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At the Paris Motor Show, the Prologue Hybrid 4 concept car was presented with a 2.0 litre HDi FAP engine with a power of 163 bhp and an electric motor with a maximum capacity of 37 bhp providing a maximum torque of 300 Nm at the front and 200 Nm at the rear. Despite this performance, its fuel consumption in the combined cycle is only 4.1 litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km!

This technology makes it possible to combine dynamic performance with respect for the environment, while at the same time maintaining the benefits of a spacious vehicle.

Another important benefit is that there are no mechanical connections between the front diesel engine and the rear electric motor, everything is controlled electronically “by-wire”. This avoids any architectural constraints affecting the interior space and style of the passenger compartment.

The Hybrid 4 technology, which is still under development, was incorporated into the T84 programme from the very outset, since it is fully consistent with the approach adopted for the vehicle. In accordance with the announcement made at the Paris Motor Show, the Peugeot 3008 will be the Group’s first vehicle to be equipped with Hybrid 4 technology. The commercial launch of this four-wheel drive hybrid cross-over is planned between now and 2011.

Styling

At the front, the Peugeot design genes have evolved to match the car’s generous volumes while still setting it apart from what has gone before. The streamlined headlamps are expressive in a new and original way, both dynamic and reassuring. The single front grille helps provide the effect of a luxury off-roader, with a look reminiscent of the world of the SUV.  At the rear, the guards with their structured curves blend smoothly with the ruby coloured rear lights with their hi-tech finish, indicating the presence of light emitting diodes. The use of a split rear tailgate as on the 4007, further illustrates the “Outdoor” spirit of the Peugeot 3008.

Dimensions (mm)

Inside the Peugeot 3008

The driving position of the 3008 resembles, in many ways, that of an aircraft’s cockpit, as it is truly designed for the user in mind. The fascia is uncluttered and elegant allowing a particularly good view of the outside.

The use of high quality materials throughout the interior provides an undisputable high level of perceived quality, both visually and to the touch. According to the particular version, above the centre console incorporating the air conditioning and audio or telematics controls, the driver could have at their disposal a series of toggle switches that control two new systems. The “Head Up Display” and “Distance Alert” system both further contribute to the aeronautical feel of the driving position.

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The roomy passenger compartment ensures comfort for every occupant. The passenger, like the driver, benefits from a raised seating position. In addition, rear passengers have ample leg room, helped by the interior passenger compartment length of 1,690 mm and rear headroom of 876 mm.

By day, occupants also benefit from the light coming from the large glazed area, including 1.70 m2 from the front windscreen. An optional or standard glass panoramic roof is also available with a surface area of 1.60 m2, virtually equivalent to that of the Peugeot 308 SW.

The 3008 benefits from the most efficient air conditioning unit fitted to a platform two vehicle. The high volume air flow is distributed by four individual vents mounted in the fascia panel, heating ducts for the feet of the front rear occupants, and two adjustable vents for the rear passengers. Two levels of air conditioning are available: manual or automatic.  The latter can be adjusted individually by each of the front occupants and benefits from a new feature, the Air Quality Sensor (AQS). This function, linked to an air quality sensor located upstream of the passenger compartment air intake, automatically controls the closure of the air recirculation flap if a high level of outside pollution is detected.

Inside, the Peugeot 3008 offers occupants nearly 50 litres of storage space, three 12V power connections and according to the version, the rear occupants can also benefit from side sun-blinds and/or dark tinted windows.

The 3008 benefits from an accessible and intelligent load space. Access is made easy by the split tailgate of which the lower tailgate flap can become a seat or be used to support a weight of 200 kg. Inside the load area floor can easily be compartmentalised thanks to the cleverly designed floor with its three adjustable positions. The load area has a constant width of 1,030 mm and a capacity of 512 litres or 1,604 litres with the rear seats folded. On certain models the load area interior light is also a rechargeable portable torch as in the 308 SW.

To assist the driver the 3008 can be equipped with a “Head Up Display” which communicates all essential information such as vehicle speed, cruise control/speed limiter and distance alert information. The Distance Alert coupled with the “Head Up Display” uses a special radar to help the driver maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Available as standard on all engines, the 3008 is fitted with an electric parking brake enabling additional storage space to be provided in the centre console. Combined with the electronic handbrake the 3008 is also available with Hill Assist for greater convenience and safety.

Directional bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear parking assistance, variable speed limiter/cruise control, tyre under-inflation detection, electric folding door mirrors, automatic headlamps/wipers and the full range of Peugeot’s in-car entertainment and telematics systems are all available on the 3008.

Suspension

Front suspension consists of an inverted pseudo MacPherson design with a linked anti-roll bar, a technology that provides rigorous control and a good level of vibration filtering. The rear suspension consists of a rear torsion beam, two rear suspension arms and an integral anti-roll bar, compact and offering excellent rigidity and body stability. The shock absorbers are designed and produced by Peugeot to ensure a high level of road holding and comfort.

On versions fitted with the two highest performance engines (1.6 litre THP petrol engine and a new 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine) an all new Dynamic Roll Control system has been developed. The system, appearing for the first time in this segment of the market, further enhances the dynamic qualities of the 3008 while still retaining a high level of comfort.

The “Outdoor” abilities of the 3008 are further strengthened through an innovative traction control system, Grip Control. The system consists of an upgraded traction control system with five operation modes and special mud and snow tyres. The driver is, therefore, able to optimise the traction of both front wheels, enabling the vehicle to have a genuine ability to overcome difficult situations where the wheels have little grip.

Braking is assured by large 283 x 16 mm ventilated discs on 1.6 VTi and 1.6 litre HDi FAP versions and 302 x 26 mm discs on other models. Rear brakes are 268 x 12 mm solid discs and ESP is fitted as standard which includes traction control, hill assist, stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist.

Electro-hydraulic power steering is fitted to all models, which varies the assistance according to the speed of the car, speed of rotation of the steering wheel and the temperature of the power steering fluid.

The 3008 will be available with 16”, 17” and 18” wheels and both the 16” and 17” wheel options will be available with low rolling resistance tyres.

Powertrain Options

Six power train options will be available between launch and the (northern) autumn of 2009:

• 2.0 litre HDi FAP: 150 bhp – six-speed manual gearbox
• 2.0 litre HDi FAP: 163 bhp – six-speed automatic gearbox
• 1.6 litre HDi FAP: 110 bhp – six-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre HDi FAP: 110 bhp – six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre THP: 150 bhp – six-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre VTi : 120 bhp – five-speed manual gearbox

Safety

The 3008 benefits from the Group’s extensive experience and the use of the latest technology to provide the best possible protection for all its occupants. The structure and restraint systems are designed to achieve a five star rating under the new 2009 Euro NCAP standards. Six airbags are available combined with five three-point inertia reel seatbelts and an audible fasten seat belt warning system. The two outer rear seats are also fitted with Isofix child seat mountings.

Australian Availability

The 3008 range is not confirmed for Australia as yet. However, the Next Car team has determined that the new Peugeot 3008 will be manufactured with right-hand drive. That makes Australia a likely target for this new model in 2010.