What's it like driving a French premium SUV assembled in Kedah?

The updated 2021 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs were officially launched by the brand's new distributor here in Malaysia, Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd. Assembled at Stellantis' newly acquired manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah, we had a quick go at both of these locally-assembled French SUVs.

Our first leg was with the 5008 1.6L Allure. From the outside, it's hard to tell the difference between it and the 3008, but it's actually a seven-seater SUV compared to the five-seat configuration available in the 3008 (as well as the slightly different 18-inch wheel design and exclusive colour option for each model).

Our first impressions were direct and simple - the Peugeot 5008 is a stunning SUV. The new frameless grille together with its new LED headlight design portrays a very modern, aggressive, yet sexy facade for those looking to up their SUV game here in Malaysia. These new exterior features are also available on the 3008.

It's the same case when you move towards the back upon looking at the new 3D-effect claw signature lights that are certainly unique in the SUV segment. The 5008 comes with a set of 18-inch 'Detroit' alloy wheels, whereas the five-seater 3008 is fitted with 18-inch 'Los Angeles' alloy wheels. We like both.

The interior is where things get a little bit of a mixed reaction. At first sight, the Peugeot digital i-Cockpit setup certainly looks sleek thanks to its compact steering wheel, huge instrument cluster, and shiny HD touchscreen in the middle. Those piano-styled toggle switches certainly take things to a whole new level for the eyes.

Equipped with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features, they were quite easy to use (only after going through a difficult period of getting it connected with our phones, not the car's fault).

As for driving, the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 165hp and 240Nm of torque certainly proved to be fun driving up to Genting, but we had a feeling that the steering might be a little small for an SUV of this nature. But then again, it works very well in urban driving situations, which is what the 3008 and 5008 are designed to conquer.

Comfort, balance, and style are the top words that we would use to describe both the 3008 and 5008 Allures, and priced at RM161k and 177k respectively, what these two offer in the current SUV segment are certainly competitive. With high hopes, the after-sales will be just as alluring as the cars themselves.