Sassy 3008 changes the SUV game
It was all or nothing for Peugeot when it came to replacing its old MPV with a new SUV, writes Philip Hedderman
PEUGEOT may have just pulled off the biggest gamble in automotive history by replacing its mid-range MPV with a sassy new SUV.
Thankfully it hasn’t called it the MPSUV but that’s exactly what the new 3008 is — all things to all men, women and indeed children.
The French car giant has also gone one step further by nudging ever closer to the German premium brands in build quality, and may have even surpassed one or two with its innovation and technology.
It’s quite apparent that it was all or nothing when it came to designing the new model and the heady mix of sharp flowing lines and ruggedness that leave you in no doubt as to what it should be. A chiselled, muscular nose with distinctive blade-like creases which bleed into the slender halogen headlamps, give it serious street cred.
The clever use of chrome slats in the grille is continued in the LED eyebrows which are further complemented by metal side bars encased in piano black which in turn run seamlessly around the windows to the pert tailgate.
The rear is dominated by the now signature lion’s claw light clusters, deep roof spoiler, chrome bumper insert and aluminium-like skid plates.
It’s 80mm longer than its predecessor and has been raised 220mm. While the height has been reduced ever so slightly, it hasn’t affected head or legroom.
But it’s inside where the real magic begins to unfold in what can only be described as a game-changer in the SUV segment. The spectacular cabin is nothing short of breathtaking with a best-in-class, driver-focused cockpit which literally wraps around you.
Slipping into the driver’s seat and as you fold your fingers around the chunky flat bottom and top (yes, both ends) sports steering wheel, the i-Cockpit illuminates the binnacle area with crystal clear graphics on a massive 12.3inch screen.
One can choose from a range of different clocks like the traditional speedo and rev counter to smaller side dials when the sat nav is enlarged.
And if that’s not enough to blow you away, Peugeot has installed another eightinch iPad-like touchscreen for all your infotainment needs which are also accessible through funky piano key toggle switches.
Best of all though, this state-of-the-art technology (which is quite similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit) is standard across the range.
Available in five trims — Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT — all but the entry level model is generously equipped with goodies including 17in alloys, air con, parking sensors, colour reversing camera, LED puddle lighting, advanced emergency braking system, roof rails, fog lamps and Bluetooth, mirror link and WiFi connectivity.
There’s a choice of two diesels (a 1.6 litre with 100 or 120bhp and a 2.0 litre with either 150 or 180bhp twinned to a six-speed manual or auto) or the award-winning 1.2 litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol with 130bhp (all either €180 or €190 annual road tax).
We tested what we predict will be the volume sellers here — the 1.6 diesel and the punchy petrol. Both exceeded our expectations in handling and ride, and comfort and sound proofing are exquisite.
On a mixed route of motorway jaunts, secondary roads and slightly gravelly terrain, the 3008 behaved impeccably, but I wouldn’t push its 4X4 capabilities.
No prices have been confirmed yet, but a little bird tells us that is won’t be too far off the current range which starts at €26,000.