It’s not often that company executives openly admit to having made a serious mistake but that’s just what Peugeot Australia’s general manager, John Startari, did at the recent launch of the company’s upgraded 3008 model.
When the original 3008 was launched in 2010 Peugeot chose to market it as a hatchback rather than a compact SUV. This meant that it was competing directly against cars such as Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai i30. With a price tag starting at $36,000 the 3008 never stood a chance against competitors with such well-established nameplates and prices that started around $15,000 cheaper.
Common sense has arrrived and the upgraded Peugeot 3008 for 2015 will now be prompted as being in the compact SUV class.
The model range has been cut back from up to 10 variants, to just the entry-level Active specification with the choice of one petrol or one diesel engine, one transmission and a single option pack.
STYLING
Peugeot 3008 has a taller body and greater ground clearance than the 308 with which it shares a platform. It has a steeply raked windscreen flowing over the domed roof to the functional rear. The rear is highlighted by LED taillights which designers assure us resemble lion’s paws. LED daytime running lights are standard.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 3008 has all the characteristics that make SUVs so popular, including ease of entry with minimum stooping or climbing, plenty of leg and headroom, and a high driving position.
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. Our test car came with the $3500 Premium Pack and so had the full length glass roof to add a bright and airy feel.
The split opening boot lid / tailgate works well. The adaptable cargo area can be set at three different floor levels for extra security and with a tailgate that can support up to 200 kg.
The 7-inch colour multimedia screen is of the pop-up variety on the top of the dashboard and conveniently located to minimise the amount of time that the driver takes their eyes off the road. Also popping up, directly in front of the driver, is a clear plastic screen to display the various features of the optional head-up display. This is needed because of the steep angle of the windscreen.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
While the two engines have the same capacity as those in the Peugeot 508 that was launched alongside the 3008, the 3008’s units are older, less efficient, versions.
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol generates 115 kW and 240 Nm but is listed as using 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres and emitting 178 grams per km of CO2, well above the 5.6 L/100km and 130 g/km of the newer engine.
It’s a similar story with the 2.0-litre HDi turbo-diesel, which has the same outputs (120 kW and 340 Nm) as the newer 508 engine but with higher fuel consumption (6.6 L/100 km compared with 5.7) and CO2 emissions (173 g/km against 140).
The six-speed automatic transmission is also an older unit than the new Aisin auto in the Peugeot 508.
As is the growing trend with smaller SUVs the 3008 only comes with front-wheel drive.
SAFETY
Safety equipment includes six airbags; ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist; reversing camera; rear parking sensors; automatic windscreen wipers and headlights; electronic parking brake; hill start assist; and IsoFix mounting points in the outer rear seats.
INFOTAINMENT
Both Peugeot 3008 variants come with satellite navigation as standard together with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and USB. The sound system uses Arkamys digital sound processing for enhanced sound quality.
The $3500 Premium Pack adds full leather heated seats, colour head-up display, rear window sunblinds and a panoramic glass roof with powered sunblind.
DRIVING
Because the new 3008 was launched alongside the Peugeot 508 our time behind the wheel was limited to a 40-kilometre loop around Picton in the NSW Southern Highlands. We’ll give the car a true test in a month or so when we conduct our normal week-long assessment.
During our short test we were impressed with the driving characteristics of the 3008. The added height only marginally affected its on-road ability and the chassis was well-balanced. There was plenty of grip in bends and the steering was nicely weighted, providing good feedback to the driver.
SUMMING UP
Although its value-equation has been improved the Peugeot 3008 will never challenge the big selling hatchback/SUV crossovers that are on sale here. However it does offer style, comfort and convenience in a compact package and should continue to attract those buyers looking for something just that little bit out of the mainstream.
MODEL RANGE
Active 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $35,490 (automatic)
Active 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $38,990 (automatic)
Premium Pack: $3500
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.
