2018 Peugeot 3008 pricing goes straight for the higher ground

PEUGEOT'S all-new 3008 SUV has landed in Australia with plenty of standard equipment that pushes its entry-level price well above its main rivals.

The French carmaker has decided on an almost all-or-nothing approach when it comes to kit, resulting in a $36,990 base price - $5000 more than the cheapest Volkswagen Tiguan and around $8000 more than the bog-standard Mazda CX-5.

However the entry-level 3008 Active’s equipment list ticks a few more boxes than the similarly priced front-wheel-drive 110TSI Tiguan Comfortline and CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD, including the latest version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit virtual dashboard, which features a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 8.0-inch central touch-screen.

The Pug is also more powerful than the VW and Mazda, with a 121kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, compared to the Tiguan’s 100kW 1.4-litre turbo and CX-5’s 114kW 2.0-litre atmo.

That 121kW THP also powers the Allure and GT Line variants, with the range-topping GT packing a 133kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel under its bonnet.

Both engines are coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission which pushes power to the front wheels. There’s no AWD option in the 3008 range, however Grip Control traction system is available as a $200 option in all but the Active variant.

An Advanced Safety Pack, which includes emergency braking, active cruise control, and lane keeping assist is standard in the GT-Line ($43,490) and GT ($49,490) variants, and a $1500 option in the second-up Allure ($39,490).

Peugeot’s strategy to offer more entry-level equipment, rather than an initial low sticker price to bring potential buyers to showrooms, echoes the tactics used by Skoda, and Toyota with its CH-R crossover, which recognises that most buyers tend to want more features.

While this means a disparity with entry level-pricing with its key competitors, it’s interesting to note the 3008 GT’s $49,490 price tag is $500 less than the Tiguan 140TDI Highline and CX-5 Akera range toppers, though both are AWD.

The all-new Peugeot 3008 will arrive in Australian showrooms this month.