In the last ten years the main growth area in car design has been SUV related. But these days nobody wants the expense of running a big SUV, yet we all love the high driving position and versatile interior that these vehicles offer, so the answer seems to be the SUV Crossover.
Nissan has ruled in this area with the ‘Qashqai’ and now all of the big players are coming out withh their take on the crossover class. French giant Peugeot certainly wants some of the action. Due here later this year the five-seat 3008 will be about two grand dearer than the Japanese class leader but the French firm is confident it can be a contender with some interestiong innovations like HUD (Heads Up Display) and a clever rear suspension option called ‘dynamic roll control’ that allows the car ride flat through corners.
The 3008 has a distinctive exterior with strong hints of Peugeot’s 4007 SUV especially at the front, while the side profile is estate car like, while the rear of the car is least visually appealling. The rear does have one saving grace as it is there you’ll find a very functional split tailgate (similar to Mitsubishi’s Outlander) that opens to reveal a split level boot. When the seats are down 3008 has a massive cargo area. 3008 looks like it can go off road but versions coming to Ireland will be two-wheel drive and will have limited off road ability. The car will feature a clever traction control system however that should make it a good towing car.
Inside there is acres of space in what is a well built cabin. The dash and switchgear feel posh and the driving position is good. Behind the wheel the 3008 feels quite large. The HUD is the main talking point inside and a ‘must have’ from the options list. Unlike most displays that are projected upwards and then reflected off the windscreen the French (as ever) has taken a different slant on the required engineering. This time when the HUD is switched on a small clear perspex panel pops up on the dash in the drivers lower eyeline and the readout of speed, Sat Nav etc. is displayed on this. 3008 has an optional distance warning sytem also, that can be set to inform the driver when the car is closing on vehicles ahead. It is just a step short of adaptive cruise control.
3008 in Ireland will be more than likely a 1.6 litre four cylinder HDi diesel (110bhp). This unit is in use in lots of PSA group vehicles and is tried and tested and a perfect economical match for the car. A number of other engine options are available in Europe and I particulary liked the 1.6 litre turbo petrol unit as it is full of zip but sadly not very practical here in terms of running cost and tax. Next year Peugeot will launch a hybrid four-wheel drive version.
3008 is a good car but just how good will depend on its launch price.
Michael Sheridan
