Peugeot 3008 Car Review

Model Reviewed Peugeot 3008 XTE 2.0 litre Turbo diesel $42,990* Other models priced from XSE 1.6 turbo petrol $35,990* FamilyCar Rating Styling Performance Value EcoFriendly Safety Overall Rating What we liked it Quiet diesel engine, panoramic roof What we didn’t No audio controls or cruise control button on steering wheel

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Overview

Peugeot have been around for a while. In fact, they are celebrating 200 years of history this year. But they didn’t start with the motor car. It all started with the humble coffee grinder. Their products were so well accepted that Peugeot thought they would give the business a caffeine hit by expanding into the automobile market in 1889.

While Peugeot have produced some good cars over the years, including the iconic 205GTI, the brand and models in Australia have lived in the shadows of their European counterparts, particularly Volkswagen. The launch of the 3008, Peugeot’s first offering in the compact SUV market, is an important model for them. While the small and medium car segments have been bubbling along quite nicely, it’s the SUV segment, particularly the compact SUV segment that’s attracting many buyers. Interestingly, it is the 2WD models in this segment that has experienced the greatest growth. It seems that people are looking for the functionality and practicality that an SUV provides in terms of size and space, but not necessarily the thirstier 4WD that never goes off road anyway.

The 3008 sits between the 308 Touring and the 4007 in terms of size, function and price. When it comes to the competition, it stacks up quite well against the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CRV and Volkswagen Tiguan. It offers the European quality of the Tiguan, but in a better looking body.

There are a couple of engine variants and specifications to choose from including a 1.6 litre turbo petrol, 1.6 litre turbo diesel and 2.0 litre turbo diesel. We test drove the 2.0 litre turbo diesel XTE, which is the top of the line.

The Drive

Peugeot have packed a really good 2 litre diesel engine into the car. It has good pick up off the mark, can climb up steep hills with ease and is very quite. Unlike some diesel cars, the 3008 diesel is no chuggabus, which is music to my ears!

The 3008 has higher ground clearance than a car, which provides great visibility out of the front windscreen. Taking the corners on the winding roads to Mt Hotham can be tricky at the best of times, but blanketed in fog and plenty of blind corners makes it even hairier. Thankfully, the 3008 has been designed with an extra panel of glass in the front two side windows, which give you even better visibility.

To help you avoid the red and blue flashing lights in your rear mirror, there is a “head up” display. This shows the speed you are travelling on a small perspex screen above the dash and just below eye level.

Standard features in the XTE model include dual zone climate control, cruise control, panoramic roof and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The only real luxury item omitted from the list of standard features, are leather seats. You can get them, but they’ll set you back $2,500.

Grip Control

The 1.6 litre diesel models come with grip control and 16” mud and snow tyres as standard. The grip control function allows you to select which terrain you are travelling on to give you better grip and control. It’s a reasonably complicated system, suffice to say that it does what it’s meant to do. This is the model you want to buy if you are considering some off roading or heading to the snow.

Safety

The Peugeot 3008 has achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating thanks to its healthy list of standard features, which include ABS with EBD, ESP, 6 airbags, Brake Assist, Hill Assist function and Dynamic Roll Control. Other good safety features include distance alert, the head up display and reverse parking sensors.

Rear Passenger Comfort

Three adults can sit in the rear seat, but it’s pretty squishy. There is a centre armrest with 2 cup holders and a multi section air vent. There are also pockets on the back of the front seats. A great feature if you’ve got kids is the in-built blinds for the rear windows. They sit inside the door and you simply pull up and clip on to the attachment when required. Saves buying those window socks.

Storage

There are lots of practical storage options including a huge centre console box, door pockets in the front and rear, a glove box (which is a little on the small side), storage compartments in rear floors and 2 centre cup holders. While the cup holders will hold your coffee cups snugly, they are not big enough to fit a bottle of Mount Franklin water.  Although I didn’t count them, Peugeot assures me that there are a total of 17 storage compartments in the 3008.

The boot area is quite unique. It has removable tray that can be inserted at different heights to create a layered storage effect. This means hat you can have you bread and eggs in the bottom level and school bags on the top level and arrive home with more meal options than French toast! The boot also has a couple of storage nooks and a torch. If you need even more space you can split fold the rear seat or use the ski flap for those longer items.

The 3008 tail gate has a split open function. This makes it easier for getting heavy items in, such as a pram, as you don’t have to lift it over a lip. You can also sit on it as it holds up to 200kgs. This will come in handy for putting on kids’ soccer boots or changing a baby’s nappy.

Green Factor

The model test driven is a good performer in the green vehicles stakes. It consumes 6.7 litres per 100kms combined cycle and has a CO2 output of 176 grams per km. If you’re looking for something more efficient, then go for the 1.6 litre turbo diesel XSE, which consumes only 4.9 litres per 100 kms with a CO2 output of 130gms/km. For a car of this size, these are great figures.

Overall View

The Peugeot 3008 has a lot to offer a family. Great safety features, easy to drive, lots of storage options, quality build and not too thirsty. 

Test Drive Tips

• The 3008 has an electric park brake. To engage, lift up. To disengage, simply select your gear and press the accelerator. It automatically disengages.

If you are considering this car, you may also like to test drive the Honda CRV, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	6 airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Electronic Stability Program:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	4
CD player:	CD/radio with 6 speakers, AUX connection
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	Automatic
Engine:	2.0 litre turbo
Fuel type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	6.7 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	176gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	7/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms
Price:	$42,990*

*Manufacturer's RRP. Excludes dealer delivery and statutory government costs.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your Peugeot dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: June 2010

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye