2017 Peugeot 3008 (UK)
Formerly an odd-looking
people carrier, the 3008 has undergone a radical transformation as Peugeot
chases after sales of SUVs — the most popular type of new car in Europe.
The UK division of
Peugeot faces an agonisingly long wait before it can jump aboard the gravy
train, as sales won’t start until November. Prices are expected to be
competitive with the Qashqai, which means a range from around £ 20,000 to
£ 28,000.
Drivers can expect to find a
more spacious car than the last 3008, with Peugeot claiming that the cabin and
boot (up by 90 litres, to 520), are larger than before. That’s good news, as it
was already a practical, if not pretty, car.
Inside, the 3008’s cabin
shows off a new generation of dashboard, which the French car maker calls
i-Cockpit. It continues the maker’s relentless march towards an all-digital
driving environment, which is likely to give some drivers a reason to grumble
and grouse.
The cockpit has mood swings. It features two
“ambiances” to choose from: “Relax” is said to make for a more calming driving
environment, and “Boost” gives a more energised experience. Peugeot doesn’t say
whether its designers considered a specific setting for harassed parents who
are close to blowing a fuse with their squabbling children.
Naturally, connectivity is
the name of the game with the i-Cockpit. Features such as MirrorScreen, which
gives easier control of an Android or Apple smartphone, and induction charging
for phones, mean that – in Peugeot’s words – drivers can: “Make calls, choose
music, read and send text messages, get route information, in other words,
permanent connectivity while in operation.”
Back seats that fold flush
with the boot floor and a front passenger seat that lowers forwards are neat
touches for DIY enthusiasts, and mums or dads who want to rock out when the
children aren’t aboard are likely to appreciate the 10 speaker audio system by
Focal.
The engine range features
1.2 and 1.6-litre turbo petrol motors, and 1.6 and 2-litre turbo diesels, and
the most frugal will return over 70mpg.
To give the car some
off-road capability, Peugeot has fitted the 3008 with Grip Control, system that
helps tackle driving in snow, mud and sand, as well as off-road tyres and hill
descent control. A four-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid model will join the SUV
range in 2019.
