2010 Peugeot 3008
By EWAN KENNEDY, Marque Motoring
CAPTION: A.
B.
C. 2017 Peugeot 3008
BODY COPY
Since mid 2017 French maker Peugeot has been under new management in Australia. The result is a big marketing push on the all-new 3008 that was introduced at about the same time. Previous 3008 models appear to being traded in on the new ones so there is an upsurge of used ones at the moment. So it might be a good idea get in and do a deal on one if dealers are running out of space.
Peugeot was a slow starter in the SUV field, believing the macho SUV look would be a passing fad. But the delay in building an SUV – the 3008 was launched in France in early 2010 – anticipated what has now become common in this field; that is a stylish look that’s a crossover between the ‘tuff’ 4WDs and a classy looking wagon. The 3008 arrived in Australia in July 2010.
The added interior room and high driving position of the Peugeot 3008 was achieved by installing a different body on an extended Peugeot 308 hatchback platform.
It has chic French styling that works well both inside and out and we reckon that anyone looking for a sensible family vehicle that’s out of the ordinary should add the 3008 to their short list.
2012 Peugeot 3008
Despite appearances to the contrary, Peugeot 3008 is a two-wheel drive vehicle (through the front wheels). Again the French had anticipated the future, many of today’s latest SUVs are only 2WDs.
However, there a fascinating optional the Grip Control package that puts the 3008 into almost-4WD traction zone. The sophisticated electronic traction aid is operated by a five-position knob in the centre console. An example of its clever features; the 3008 deliberately spins its wheel at times to use the centrifugal forces to throw mud out of the tyre treads. Hefty 16-inch mud and snow tyres are part of the package.
But forget the all-road ability, to be honest we have yet to see a 3008 out there. Instead sample its very French ride comfort and long-legged cruising ability that are so well suited to Australian conditions and driver desires.
The seating arrangements are flexible with all passenger seats able to be folded flat, effectively creating a small van with a capacity of 1604 litres. The adaptable cargo area can be set at three different floor levels for extra security for various items.
The split opening tailgate works and the lower part can support support up to 200 kg. Just the place to sit and watch the kids at soccer or whatever.
2015 Peugeot 3008
Engine options are 1.6-litre turbo-petrol, 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Automatics are six-speed units. On the downside, the turbo-diesel is mated to a six-speed self-shifting manual gearbox that sometimes displays the usual slow, rough changes felt from many gearboxes of this type. Try it for yourself during the pre-purchase stage, the problems are usually only at slow and parking speeds.
Slowish sales saw a cut back of the Peugeot 3008 range from up to 10 variants in March 2015, to just the entry-level Active specification with the choice of one petrol or one diesel engine, one transmission and a single option pack.
We won’t look at the virtually all-new 2017 models here other than to say there’s a concentration on the upmarket variants and a marketing desire to push the Peugeot marque further into the prestige field.
The number of Peugeot dealers in Australia is relatively limited. However those who do look after the car are an enthusiastic mob and some have handled the marque for many decades.
Spare parts prices are about average for the class and we haven’t heard of any real problems with availability.
The 3008 is a relatively complex machine and while amateur mechanics can do some of the simple work we recommend leaving most of the tasks to professionals.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Build quality isn’t as good as that of Korean and Japanese cars of this period. Listen for squeaks and rattles inside when driving on a rough road, it doesn’t have to be unsealed, poorly maintained suburban ones can be used for the driving test.
Check the engine starts easily, diesels are slower than petrols but one that’s too bad may point to serious trouble.
Diesels are quite noisy in comparison to more modern designs in some competing vehicles.
Automatics are generally fine but if one seems erratic there could be troubles on the way. (See notes in the body of this review about the self-shifting manual.)
Make sure all the lights work, if a DRL has blown a globe it’s quite a big job to fix it as the front bumper has to be taken off.
Check for warning lights on the dash during your drive .
We’ve heard of instances where the tyre pressure monitoring system indicates there are problems when in fact there’s nothing the matter. Still best to stop and kick the tyres just in case, though.
Check the condition of the interior and the luggage compartment. For some reason owners of French vehicles often use them as load carriers.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $6000 to $10,000 for a 2010 Peugeot 3008 XSE; $8000 to $13,000 for a 2011 XTE; $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2012 XTE; $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2013 Allure; $15,000 to $21,000 for a 2015 Active; $18,000 to $25,000 for a 2015 Active HDi; $20,000 to $29,000 for a 2016 Active; and $28,000 to $39,000 for a 2017 GT.
CAR BUYING TIP
Don’t forget to put as much time and enthusiasm into researching finance and insurance as you do into the vehicle itself.
