Head to Head

In this week's Head-to-Head, it's a battle between two luxury midsize SUVs that have made their own name in the industry. One reason is because they are well-loved by their supporters, and another reason is because they have proven to be worthy of the spot. We're talking about the MINI Countryman Cooper and the Peugeot 3008. Watch this.

It's a battle between two luxury midsize SUVs that have made their own name in the industry. One reason is because they are well-loved by their supporters, and another reason is because they have proven to be worthy of the spot. Here we have the MINI Countryman Cooper D and the Peugeot 3008 2.0-L BlueHDi GT Line variant.

Our first stop: the powertrain.

The Countryman Cooper runs on a 2-liter diesel engine that gives out 150 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, and is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, Peugeot 3008 is powered by a 2-liter BlueHDi GT Line turbocharged diesel engine which gives out 150 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. These figures are mated to a 6-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission or EAT6.

Let's proceed to the exterior and interior of the two midsize SUVs.

The design and styling of the Cooper D no doubt follows the Countryman's fashion. Place this one side by side with the first generation Countryman and you will see that it still looks similar yet at the same time different. From its size down, although it's a bit longer than its predecessor, down to the details, there's no doubt that this is a Mini car. The exterior is highlighted by the contrasting roof and body colors, these roof rails that would allow you to carry extra cargo, the short overhangs, and these large wheel arches. The Cooper D variant comes with a set of 17" Pair Spoke Light Alloy Wheels.

On the other hand, while the Cooper D doesn't veer away from its predecessor, the 3008 was made to look different from the first version. This is probably because Peugeot redesigned the model to be the best representation of their logo: the lion. Like the Countryman Cooper, the 3008 also comes with contrasting roof and body colors. The exterior of the car is highlighted by its signature feline LED front headlamps, long bonnet and these large 18" Los Angeles Diamond Alloy Wheels.

Inside the Cooper D, the seats are wrapped in a combination of fabric and leather upholstery, giving the car an elegant feel. This car is equipped with the standard Automatic Climate Control, which is nevertheless convenient for a passenger of five. Height adjustment for front passenger seat is also available as well as for the rear seats.

What highlights the interiors of the Cooper D is its MINI Center Instrument that comes with AM/FM, 6 Speakers, and 480W Amplifier, with AUX, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.

Meanwhile, hopping inside the 3008, it's a mix of fabric and leather as well, providing that elegant and sporty vibes to the car. The seats are also one of the major highlights of the interiors. The driver's seat has 8-way power adjustment, while the front seats are equipped with massagers, and the climate control has three types of scents to choose from.

In addition, the 3008 gets Peugeot's next generation iCockpit®. With its advanced ergonomics, modern display panel, and interactive touchscreen, drivers and passengers are immersed in a modern digital world. The most noticeable feature of the new iCockpit® is the 12.3" all-digital instrument panel.

For the infotainment system of the 3008, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, with functions for MP3, Bluetooth, USB, Mirror Link, and WiFi.

When it comes to safety and security, the Cooper D and the 3008 is equipped with the needed standard features. To name a few: they both come with 6 airbags, Smart Key, Central Locking, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Parking Sensor, Stability Control, and Hill Start Assist.

Those were the MINI Countryman Cooper and the Peugeot 3008-two luxury midsize SUVs that have battled it out on which stands out more. That's it for our Head-to-Head this week.