Johannesburg - Peugeot South Africa has added a more affordable option to its 3008 SUV range in the form of the limited edition 1.2-litre Active.
Selling for R369 900, the Peugeot undercuts its key rivals, namely the Ford Kuga 1.5T Ambiente (R377 300), Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium (R384 900), Kia Sportage 2.0 Ignite (R381 495), Mazda CX5 2.0 Active (R386 600) and Toyota Rav4 2.0 GX (R382 300).
Previously the 3008 range started at R414 900 for the 1.6T Active, so yes, the new entry model makes do with a smaller engine, in the form of Peugeot’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol, which produces 96kW and 230Nm. Given its forced induction, however, it should prove competitive, in performance terms, with its larger-capacity rivals.
Power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, but the lack of a 1.2T auto option is certainly a missed opportunity for Peugeot.
Standard spec includes a 20.3cm touchscreen entertainment system that’s compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking and 17-inch alloy wheels are also part of the deal, as is a four-year / 60 000km service plan.
The 3008 range has impressed us with its ultra-chic cabin and all-round refinement, and now it’s an even more attractive option given that Peugeot has added a generously appointed base model that undercuts its rivals in pricing terms. Just a pity there’s no auto at this level.