The Post

You don’t need AWD to go off-road

One-off Peugeot tackles the Ho Chi Minh trail – in front-wheel drive. reports.

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Peugeot has created a one-off ‘‘adventure’’ version of its 3008 SUV for a magazine feature. It was designed to tackle the northern section of the iconic Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam and features several modificati­ons.

The notable thing about this (and any other) 3008 SUV is that it’s frontdrive only.

The Peugeot-Citroen platform that underpins the model was never intended for AWD, save some upcoming plug-versions that will have an ‘‘e-axle’’ fitted at the rear.

The vehicle is based on the 1.6-litre petrol GT-Line model, which combines its front-drive configurat­ion with Peugeot’s Advanced Grip Control – a drivemode controller that allows you to configure the powertrain and traction control for a variety of offtarmac surfaces.

This is still perfectly on-brand for Peugeot: it’s 3008 DKR racer is also two-wheel drive.

Although the DKR is rear rather than front-drive and of course, being a bespoke Dakar racer, has very little in common with the 3008 production car save the name.

The 3008 ‘‘adventure’’ has Cooper AT3 off-road tyres on 17-inch steel wheels, with underbody protection boosted by a front skid plate.

An LED light bar at the front of the aluminium roof rack provides additional illuminati­on when driving on unmarked roads and, when it’s time to stop, drivers can spend the night camping on top of the 3008 in a fully retractabl­e ARB Simpson roof tent.

The one-off model is finished in a unique wrap and fitted with a bicycle rack – complete with Peugeot bike.

When it’s time to stop, drivers can spend the night camping on top of the 3008 in a fully retractabl­e ARB Simpson roof tent.

 ??  ?? Special 3008 wears off-road tyres on steel wheels – but strictly FWD.
Special 3008 wears off-road tyres on steel wheels – but strictly FWD.
 ??  ?? Advanced Grip Control allows drive to configure FWD powertrain, traction control for a variety of environmen­ts.
Advanced Grip Control allows drive to configure FWD powertrain, traction control for a variety of environmen­ts.
 ??  ?? Roof-mounted tent makes 3008 a mobile B&B. Well, B anyway.
Roof-mounted tent makes 3008 a mobile B&B. Well, B anyway.

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