SUV goes with flow for design

THERE was a time when French car makers would have looked down their noses at the very idea of making an SUV. However, a lot has changed in the automotive industry since then and SUVs and crossovers have become all the rage.

Peugeot Citroen’s first venture into SUV/crossover territory was more of a toe in the water than a full-scale jump into the sea. The French car giant got into bed with Mitsubishi and launched the 4007 and Citroen C-Aircross. A rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander, it was obviously good, but served as something of a stopgap. Another joint venture saw the Peugeot 4008 and Citroen C4 Aircross based on the smaller Mitsubishi ASX.

The 3008 isn’t Peugeot’s first 3008 – there was a previous generation model – but it bears little resemblance to this year’s version, which won the coveted European Car of the Year award on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show.

I quite liked the old 3008, even if,

looks-wise, it was something of a curious halfway house between an MPV and an SUV. The latest 3008 is definitely more SUV-like. Indeed, it’s quite a striking vehicle that combines the traditional SUV boxy blueprint with some very modern, flowing design lines – quite a feat to pull off. The 3008 features Peugeot’s now familiar iCockpit, and the small steering wheel might not be to all tastes but I’ve grown to rather like it. There’s also a full digital display screen, which is very intuitive and easy to feel comfortable with. As with most Peugeots, there’s an extensive choice of petrol and diesel engines. Trim levels start with Active and progress through Allure and GT Line to GT.

All models come generously equipped, but this top-of-the-range 180bhp GT Line automatic model – priced at £33,695 – comes with just about every bell and whistle one could wish for, including a massaging driver’s seat.

It has a distinct premium feel and many of the cabin features and trim could even give the likes of Audi a run for their money.