Peugeot 3008 – Pushing the limits of the family SUV

The popularity of SUVs in the South African market hasn’t gone unnoticed by manufacturers, and in the last few years we have had a slew of new models introduced to our market. The new Peugeot 3008 takes everything learnt so far and throws it out the window, bringing premium quality and technology at an affordable price.

Peugeot Citroën South Africa has brought the new 3008 series to SA in three guises: the Active, which isn’t even considered an entry-level model as it boasts a lot more standard offerings than its closest rival; and the Allure, the mid-range, with even more on offer than its competitors. The range-topping GT line that has all the bells and whistles.

We were able to sample both the Allure and GT line on launch, but noted that there is very little separating these two models, barring the odd convenience and styling trait.

Exterior

The Peugeot 3008 is a beautiful vehicle; at first glance it comes across looking like a concept from a motor show with barely a flat surface on its sculpted body. As mentioned before, there are a few differences between the Allure and GT line, namely the grille design, and headlight and bumper shape.

The Allure features a vertical reverse chrome-tipped grille with small indentations that jut from the bumper up towards the headlight, while the GT line gets a horizontal reverse chrome-tipped design with a much more exaggerated cut into the LED headlights.

Both vehicles see the fitment of 19-inch wheels, with the 18-inch version being made available at a later stage when the diesel derivatives arrive in 2018. The roofline has been blacked out and features chrome detailing that stretches out onto the rear tailgate, and pulls the eye to the striking LED rear taillights that showcase Peugeot’s trademark Tigerclaw design motif. The rugged appearance is also reinforced with the extra wide plastic trim panels around the bumpers and wheel arches.

Interior

If the outside was a leap forward for Peugeot, then the inside has taken them light years ahead. The interior bristles with luxury. Every single surface inside the 3008 is pure class, from the cloth panels inset into the door cards that link into the dashboard, to the leather and piano black trimmings lined with actual brushed stainless steel. I did see a few homages to certain German marques’ styling cues, such as the centre console design and joystick-style gear selector.

The GT line gets the addition of a driver’s seat with a massage function and I was particularly fond of the Cat Paw setting. The GT Line also has also been fitted with quilted-style leather seats front and rear. The rear seats are also a 60/40 split with a ski hatch and there is plenty of legroom at the rear for 3 adults, just.

Dropping the rear seats will give you an astounding amount of load space, more than you could possible need, as they stow away flat. Dropping the front passenger seat forward gives you and extra few litres and the ability to load an object up to 3 metres in length.

Possibly the most important aspect of the interior is the class leading technology that has been crammed into the Peugeot 3008. The centre mounted 8-inch touch screen is connected to the 12.5 inch I-Cockpit behind the small go kart style steering wheel and serves as the media centre, while the digital cluster houses all the important driver information. I-Cockpit is much the same as Audi’s virtual cockpit in its appearance and function, but in this instance it comes as standard across the range of models where it is only an option in its competitors.

A personal favourite design cue would have to be the piano key styled brushed aluminium buttons that control some of the functions of the 8-inch screen, and the brushed aluminium paddle shifters.

Engine and drivetrain

For the time being, the Peugeot 3008 will only be available with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, but we will see diesel derivatives in the second quarter for 2018.

While on our drive, we put the 3008 to task on winding country roads, mixing in some gravel for good measure and of course, highways.

The award-winning engine delivers 121kW and 240Nm and does so very quietly. Even though we had some stop-start driving we still managed to keep consumption to just 8.2l/100km

The 1.6 turbo-engine didn’t disappoint, delivering near-perfect response and effortless gear changes, even when switched to sport mode. Even when I purposefully tried to catch out the gearbox, the 3008 performed perfectly.

Although there is no 4x4 planned, Peugeot says that there will be model versions with Grip Control which is essentially a very proactive traction control system. It won’t have you climbing mountains, but could get you out of a sand pit.

The ride was somewhat firm but it’s to be expected when rolling around on 19-inch wheels, and in all honesty I would rather it be firm than wallowy which allows the 3008 to drive more like a family sedan than a mid-size SUV.

Verdict

The Peugeot 3008 is astoundingly good to drive and offers a lot more in the way of standard offerings than any of its competitors. It’s good-looking, capable, and most importantly, Peugeot is right on the money with their pricing.

Pricing and models

• Active  1.6 THP Auto              -         R399 900
• Allure  1.6 THP Auto               -         R444 900
• Allure+  1.6 THP Aut               -         R464 900
• GT Line  1.6 THP Auto           -         R499 900
• GT Line+  1.6 THP Auto        -         R569 900

4-year/60 000 Service Plan – up to four years of technical and financial peace of mind

3-year / 100 000km Manufacturer Warranty

3-year / 100 000km Roadside Assistance

12-Year Anti-Perforation Warranty

Optional 5-year/100 000km full maintenance plan