One of Peugeot’s latest offerings is the 3008. Under its raised SUV body styling there’s 308 underpinnings.
By John Ewing
We drove the top specification XTE in turbo-diesel form. There’s a 1.6-litre oiler, and the 2.0-litre version we sampled. Mated to a six-speed auto it offers agreeable levels of performance. Initial turbo lag isn’t too intrusive and it pulls solidly between 1800 and 4000 rpm. There’s minimal diesel clatter evident and overall refinement rates well.
Thanks to its 308 suspension genes the ride is quite compliant, absorbing most bumps and lumps in its stride. Road holding is sure-footed though there’s some road-shock back through the tiller from mid-corner lumps and corrugations.
The 3008 is front drive only, however limited off-road skill can be added courtesy of the ‘no cost’ optional Grip Control advanced traction system coupled with special 16” mud and snow tyres, instead of the XTE’s normal 18” rubber. Our test car wasn’t so equipped though. This option also brings a full-size spare instead of XTE’s standard ‘compressor kit/no spare’ configuration.
The Multiflex interior, including a three-position load area floor plus a low two-piece tailgate aid functionality. Aspects of the ergonomics are less user-friendly. A key-operated locking fuel cap, a console box lid that opens toward the driver and an auxiliary audio input that’s unnecessarily hard to find in the lid underside are amongst the grumbles.
KEY STATS
PRICE: $42,990
SAFETY: Dual front, front side and front and rear curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, traction and stability control, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, distance alert, hill assist, head-up display.
KEY FEATURES: Dual front climate control, electric park brake, leather trim steering wheel, rear park sensors, heated power mirrors, CD, USB port, Bluetooth, remote audio controls, rear side sunblinds, panoramic roof, front and rear fogs, rain-sensing wipers auto-dim mirror, 18” alloys.
ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel
MAX. POWER: 120 kW @ 3750 rpm
MAX. TORQUE: 340 Nm @ 2000 rpm
0 – 100km/h: 9.9 sec. (average, as tested, two occupants).
80km/h – STOP: 23.2 m. (average, as tested, two occupants).
FUEL: (ADR FIGURE): 6.7 litres/100km (8.0, as tested).
CRASH RATING: 5 stars (Euro NCAP).
EMISSIONS RATING: 3.5 stars.
FOR: Safety, ride, refinement, space, performance.
AGAINST: Ergonomics, inflator kit – no spare wheel.
