Page 67 - Motor Trend (May 2020)

The 3008 GT Line ups the game with its near-
Sit in the driver’s seat, and you’ll feel
this Peugeot was designed with a sport
appeal in mind. The flat-top and -bottom
steering wheel could have come from the
Ford GT, and its infotainment controls,
influenced by aviation switches, add to
the sporty ambiance.
Then there’s the all-digital instrument
panel with graphics that can be tailored
from sportier to more traditional. And
the quilted leather seats and premium
cloth found on the door panels and dash-
board up the Pug’s game.
as congested as Mexico City. The City
reminded me of the previous-gen Civic,
which did its job well but wasn’t particu-
larly known for its performance.
The sixth-gen City has been on sale
since 2014, so some of its technology is
outdated. It did receive a face-lift in 2017,
but it still uses Honda’s old infotainment
system, which lacks Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto, and a volume knob.
Nonetheless, the City delivers great
packaging and interior space; rear
legroom and headroom are ample for
tall passengers, and there’s still plenty
of cargo room. Despite its relative lack
We sampled the top-spec GT Line
3008. It’s powered by a 163-hp, 177-lb-ft
1.6-liter turbo gas engine mated to a
six-speed auto, and although Peugeot
says the 3008 can go from 0 to 62 mph in
9.9 seconds, it felt quicker than that.
Its engine feels peppy, especially when
trying to pass slower-moving vehicles.
The transmission takes a while to down-
shift, but in Sport mode, the throttle,
gearbox, and steering settings change to
Later this year, a new generation of
the Honda City, which will boast an
updated design and better cabin
tech, will make its way to Mexico.
of technology amenities, this Honda
comes with a push-start button, auto-
matic climate control, and a rearview
camera, something not common in
entry-level cars in Mexico.
With the Civic being such a strong
player in the U.S. and the Fit holding
luxury cabin and a digital gauge cluster that
offers different graphics per the driver’s mood.
deliver more spirited driving. On curvy
roads, its low profile contributed to its
low body roll, but I wish its handling
were better, and some of the bumps
were quickly felt inside the cabin.
With Americans buying SUVs quicker
than Bad Bunny’s latest single, it makes
sense for Peugeot to bring the 3008
stateside as one of its first models. The
size, packaging, and design should be
attractive to American buyers.
the entry-car market space, there’s zero
chance the City will ever make it north
of the border.
But for those in Mexico and other
emerging markets who want the space
and reliability of a Honda, this City
delivers the basics at an affordable price.
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