Peugeot gives 3008 and 5008 new 8-speed automatic transmission and new trims—Coming soon to the Philippines?

It’s only recently that Peugeot Philippines got a rekindling, and with a fresh new lineup of cars, it seems that the French brand has a good shot at making a dent in the market. With a set of futuristic-looking cars with cabins that will make a fighter pilot jealous, it’s easy to “ooh” and “aah” at what the brand has to offer. 

Now, it seems that more progress will be made as per the brand’s announcement regarding brand new trim levels for its 3008 crossover and its 5008 crossover. Both models share similar powertrains, and both cars run similar transmission setups with six gears in the box for both models. Both powertrains are gasoline and mated to a conventional automatic, both have turbos, and both drive well with the six-speed, but there is a new upgrade on the horizon which is still unconfirmed by Peugeot Philippines at the time of this article’s writing. 

For now, all Peugeot models will have six-speed automatic transmissions, but looming on the horizon is a new eight-speed automatic dubbed the EAT8. More gears could potentially mean better driving dynamics and better fuel efficiency, but what also matters is the powertrain that the crossovers can come within other markets. 

In addition to the peppy turbo-gasoline motors in the current crop of 3008 and 5008 crossovers, Peugeot also offers a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant with either gasoline or diesel powering the crossovers. The powertrains in question are the 1.2-liter PureTech 130 and the 1.5-liter BlueHDi. There will also be a Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 in the near future. 

On top of this, Peugeot also has some new appearance packages that are more likely to make landfall in the country as perhaps a mid-cycle refresh. Peugeot calls it the “Aluminum Pack,” and it brings a wealth of aluminum bits like door sills, pedals, and special 18-inch alloy wheels finished in Detroit Storm Gray and diamond cut for a two-tone look. Completing the package will be tinted rear and side windows. The roof will also get the two-tone treatment with a Black Diamond color sprayed on top for some added sleekness. 

There will also be a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with a new interior trim called “self-mitral leather effect” with “Colyn” and “Mint Green” stitching. On the safety front, there will be an advanced emergency braking system as well with video and radar functions. 

All of the additions are for the European market for now. Peugeot Philippines is being quiet about the update for now and it looks like the brand has no immediate plans to bring the new features and trim levels into the country. Considering that Peugeot has never had a hybrid model in the country yet, it stands to reason that we may see the aluminum pack first before we see any of the brand’s hybrid models. Perhaps we can expect a mid-cycle refresh for the brand to peak customers’ interest, or perhaps Peugeot Philippines could surprise us all with the addition of electrified models given that Filipinos are slowly but surely growing to accept the prospect of owning a hybrid car.