And the award goes to...
attention even more – Peugeot’s digital i-cockpit.
One of the reasons the Peugeot won What Car? Car of the Year 2017’s Technology Award is that the driver’s seat is a very hi-tech place to be. As well as a large central touchscreen controlling most of the functions and equipment, the high-set instrument binnacle (above the small ‘quartic’ steering wheel) converts into a full functions screen at the flick of a switch.
This means things like sat nav maps and directions or a wide range of driving information can be displayed or just the usual clocks and dials (although I have to say I first saw this set up in Audis a couple of years ago).
This, coupled with a radically-different dashboard layout, gives the 3008 a next generation feel and with our car being in near top-of- therange GT Line trim, the equipment list was very long and included must-haves like adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, ‘magic wash’ auto wipers, auto lights, heated seats and lots of ‘satin chrome’ trim.
There are a central row of aircraft-style switches for all the main functions which can be used in conjunction with the touchscreen and then a second set of hidden switches for secondary equipment which are a little difficult to see at first.
The glove box is also surprisingly small because of the radical dashboard shape but the vast (chilled) centre console cubby box seems as deep as Mary Poppins’ magic carpet bag.
On the road the SUV feels sprightly and well planted with no noticeable wind noise even at motorway speeds and the interior space is ample for all, plus plenty of luggage space with the capacious boot boasting up to 591 litres of space, rear seats which fold flat to extend capacity to 1,670 litres as well as a folding front passenger seat to create a truly versatile load space.
On the exterior the 3008 has all the SUV credentials, roof rails, chunky alloy wheels, chrome detailing and a raised ride height. It is a very handsome motor.
The 3008 range starts from the Active model which has a good equipment list including DAB radio, parking sensors and lane departure warning at £21,795 for the 1.2 petrol, through Allure from £23, 595, our GT Line which start from £25,495 and top-of-the-range is a 181bhp 2-litre diesel GT auto at £32,995.
Our GT Line had extras including terrific sports nappa Mistral cross-stitched leather heated seats (driver’s electric eight-way adjustable), special metallic red paint, an opening glass roof, ‘vis pack’ and upgraded hi-fi which brought the final on the road price to £26,895.