Peugeot 3008
The 3008 is much more than just another SUV, it’s also Peugeot’s mission statement.
Meet the new face of Peugeot. When the 3008 arrived with us back in early 2017 it brought with it a clear statement of intent from its manufacturer. Throughout the early part of the 21st century, Peugeot had been playing it safe. The 3008’s arrival meant it would do so no longer.
The most striking thing about the 3008 is clearly the design – a drastic departure from the previous model. The shapes, lines and floating roof are reminiscent of something from a motor show more than a final production car and the equally dramatic interior with its ‘i-Cockpit’ giving it a very futuristic appearance. Then there’s the quality, an area Peugeot freely admits that it fell back on previously. New materials on the interior - and in some places a new approach and a little thinking outside the box - has led to a real feeling of quality and superiority over its rivals. Peugeot’s clearly now got its sights on the luxury brands.
Powering the 3008 are a choice of diesel engines – the 3008 was actually Diesel Car Magazine’s car of the year in 2017 – but the engine we’re going to talk about is the current holder of the 2018 International Engine of the Year award, the 1.2-litre ‘PureTech’ petrol. This little 3-cylinder turbo packs around 130bhp worth of power and is capable of over 54mpg on a combined cycle. In the 3008 it’s available with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox depending on the model.
As with every modern car, technology is so important and the new 3008 has a great selection of equipment. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system controls all the main functions of the car and comes with the usual selection of DAB, Bluetooth and in some model’s navigation. A 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, climate control, enhanced parking assistance, smartphone integration and wireless charging as well as a premium sound system from ‘Focal’ are highlights of the equipment list.
A comfortable, efficient and visually stunning car, the new Peugeot 3008 – along with the 508 saloon - lays down what Peugeot wants to become over the next decade and is an exciting sign of things to come from the brand. More than that though, this is just an excellent new SUV that’s very easy to recommend.