DESIGN & ENGINEERING
UNDERNEATH the 3008’s sharp exterior is Peugeot’s EMP2 platform. This scalable chassis architecture’s record is strong, as the 3008 SUV and the 308 family hatch that use it have claimed the title of European Car of the Year.
The platform is shared with sister brand Citroen, and has meant both French firms have made big strides in lots of areas. In the 3008, the EMP2 platform helps to boost packaging and practicality – a must-have for any family SUV.
Peugeot has clearly focused on balancing this usable edge with an upmarket feel, as the design, layout and material quality all feel a step ahead of the Ateca. The cars offer similar functionality, but the 3008 pulls it off with a bit more panache.
EMP2 has also allowed Peugeot’s engineers to improve the car’s dynamic ability. The 3008 uses Macpherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam rear axle, which is standard for the class and matches the Ateca. It’s clearly been set up to offer more comfort than the SEAT, with the second-generation Peugeot i-cockpit’s small steering wheel helping claw back some agility.
This narrow-diameter wheel is a contentious point, but with this second iteration of the layout Peugeot has refined the concept, so it’s more user friendly. It’s easier to see the digital dash, which comes as standard on all models, adding a hi-tech feel together with the central screen.
While it’s £2,045 more expensive than the SEAT, Allure trim does get more standard kit (although our pictures show a GT Line model). On top of the dual-screen set-up, it comes with sat-nav, Bluetooth, DAB, all-round parking sensors with a colour reversing camera, cruise and climate control.
GIVEN the SEAT trails the Peugeot by 16bhp and 30Nm of torque, its 10.7-second 0-60mph time was pretty impressive. That’s partly because the sixspeed manual gearbox is such a joy to use.
The change action is excellent, offering just the right level of involvement in the mechanical process of shifting gears, with enough refinement, too.
After just a few corners you realise the Ateca is the sportier car to drive. Alongside the gearbox, it offers weightier, more precise steering than the Peugeot, making the most of the extra grip the MQB chassis provides over the 3008’s EMP2 set-up.
However, you pay a price for this engagement and precision when it comes to ride comfort. Both cars ride on 18-inch wheels, but the SEAT feels firmer. It doesn’t float over nasty tarmac or have the compliance of the Peugeot over rougher roads.
It’s more unyielding, which is transmitted through to the passenger compartment, impacting comfort. Even on the motorway it jiggles and fidgets more than the 3008, which moves with the road a little more harmoniously.