3008 now a leading player

Launched early this year the Peugeot 3008 is now firmly recognised as a leading player in the growing SUV C segment – and I recently discovered just why it has become so popular.

Transport for a four-man golfing trip was about to become a big issue until the 3008 arrived on the driveway and the reasons why a bulging collection of the industry’s top awards have landed in the company’s trophy cabinet were about to be revealed.

First impressions didn’t suggest the Peugeot would be up to the job of coping with four sets of golf clubs, trollies, bags and suit hangers for the “dressed-up” dinner which followed the game. But the 3008 proved us all wrong.

It soon became obvious why the 3008 has won so many industry awards this year, including car of the year at the Geneva Motor Show – and it really doesn’t get much better than that.

Not only did the model swallow up the huge load of golfing paraphernalia but it also revealed the latest in Peugeot’s unique “i-Cockit” interior design, one of the most advanced technological packages available in the UK market.

The new “i-Cockpit” design places key instrumentation in the driver’s eyeline for a safer and more engaging driving experience, as well as adding to the overall ambience of an already premium interior.

This Peugeot is a well-equipped, sophisticated and stylish vehicle that combines efficiency, high-specification, high-level of safety and technological equipment and unique features. All models include the “i-Cockpit, a compact steering wheel, the very latest heads-up digital instrument panel and 8inch touchscreen control panel.

The range starts from £21,795 with a well-specified ‘Active’ model that has so many standard features, key among which is a host of safety equipment ordinarily only available on top-of-the-range models.

These include; AEBS (Automatic Emergency Braking System), adaptive driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger side, front and rear curtain airbags, Dynamic Stability Control and ASR - Electronic Anti-skid System and a driver attention alert system.

There’s a choice of four trim levels – ‘Active’, ‘Allure’,‘GT Line’ and the top-of-the-range ‘GT’ with a wide choice of engines available, and CO₂ emissions from just 103g/km.

Petrol engine versions are 130hp and 165hp, with CO₂ emissions of 117 to 129g/km, with the 1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder turbo engine, voted Engine of the Year in its category for the second-year running and the 1.6L THP. The PureTech 130 is available in 6-speed manual or EAT6 automatic transmission while the 165hp is mated to the 6-speed EAT6 automatic.

Four Diesel engines are available, model dependent, with advanced BlueHDi technology that makes it possible to keep the CO₂ emissions low, between 103 and 124g/km, with power ranging between 100, 120,150 and 180hp.

On test was the GT Line BlueHDi 120 which had an on-the-road price of £29,425, though a motorised tailgate, keyless entry, metallic paint, cruise control, grip control, heated front seats and a very welcome driver massage function pushed the price up to £32,150.

There was a top speed of 116mph, 0-62mph in 11.6seconds, CO2 levels of 108g/km and a really impressive 67mpg on the combined cycle meaning this Peugeot is not just a good looking, spacious and well-equipped car but also economical to run.

Outwardly the 3008 doesn’t look as big as the interior reveals with a body-coloured rear spoiler with stainless steel edging trim, body protectors, stainless steel roof arch trim, chrome front fog light trim and smart 17inch alloy wheels.

Inside you get a central front armrest with butterfly-wing opening and illuminated chiller compartment, electric parking brake with hill assist, two illuminated cup-holders, one-touch electric front and rear windows, a rear armrest with ski flap and two cup-holders, a two-position boot floor and the ability to fold all rear seats completely flat.

For those wanting in-car entertainment there’s a lot on offer including, DAB radio, Mirrorscreen: Mirrorlink /Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB socket and three 12V sockets, a six-speaker radio and MP3 compatibility.

It really is saying something when there’s so much competition out there but the Peugeot 3008 is one of the best large crossovers I have ever driven.