French crossword - Peugeot 3008
Positioned by the manufacturer as the Peugeot 3008 crossover, it hit the market in 2009. It looks like an inflated compact MPV, has slightly more ground clearance, and is best suited for family minivans. The model balances on the border and is difficult to fit into one of the existing segments.
Unusual style
The Peugeot 3008 is built on the platform of the compact 308. From the hatchback version, this crossover is 9 cm longer and has a wheelbase of only 0,5 cm longer. The ground clearance increased by only 2 cm compared to the 308 is not so stunning that you can talk about the % value of the SUV. The car has a compact silhouette and is heavily glazed - it has a large windshield and a panoramic glass roof. The exterior design is modern, if a bit controversial. It seems as if the body is swollen, especially when you look at the wheel arches. Up front, a large grille sits in the center of a massive bumper, while bulging headlights are integrated into the fenders. Round fog lamps are installed in black plastic.
At the rear, distinctive swept-back lamps protrude above the tailgate and connect the tall bumper to the A-pillars. A reference to the 4007 is the split tailgate. The lower part of the lid can be additionally opened, making it easier to access and load the suitcase. The underside of the skid plate is visible on the front and rear bumpers.
Customers will decide for themselves whether they like the car or not. Beauty is a matter of individual preference, and tastes are not always worth talking about.
Imitation of the airplane cabin.
Peugeot 3008 is very driver oriented. On deck, the driver takes his place in a completely ergonomic and well-equipped cabin. The high driving position is somewhat reminiscent of an airliner and is comfortable. The high seats provide excellent forward and side visibility. Unfortunately, however, the charm is lost when looking back, where the wide pillars obscure the view when parking. In this case, the parking sensor system will help.
The interior is illuminated by a large panoramic roof.
The front row seats are comfortable, but there is no storage space under the seats. However, we can hide small items in other places - by locking items in front of the passenger or placing them in nets on the sides of the central tunnel. The driver gets the impression that he is sitting in a car with a sports soul - a sloping dashboard and a console replete with switches are within reach. In the middle is a high central tunnel with a handle for the passenger, which is surprising and a little incomprehensible. There is also an electronic parking brake.
The hill start system is also useful. There is a huge compartment in the armrest that even fits a XNUMX-liter water bottle or a DSLR with a spare lens.
Passengers have a spacious lounge at their disposal and even on the back sofa they feel comfortable - it's a pity that the backs are not adjustable. The interior is equipped with effective air conditioning, complemented by dark windows that protect from the sun and retractable blinds. The luggage compartment holds 432 liters of luggage in a normal fit and has a flat floor with the rear sofa folded down. A double floor with three possible settings allows the luggage compartment to be optimally positioned. The trunk has an area of 1241 liters after folding the rear seats. An additional, but useful gadget is the trunk light, which, when removed, can also work as a portable flashlight, shining up to 45 minutes from a full charge.
city boulevard
Most of all, we were surprised by the driving performance of the tested model. On the road, it turned out that the Peugeot 3008 is perfectly muffled and nothing interferes with the smoothness of the ride. The suspension is ideal for cornering thanks to Dynamic Rolling Control, which reduces body roll. Despite the high center of gravity, there are no unpleasant slopes. Even in fast corners, the car is stable and predictable. The bouncy suspension and relatively short wheelbase mean passengers accustomed to French comfort might feel a bit disappointed. The crossover is quite stiff, but it copes with damping, especially on small bumps. There is nothing wrong with a steering system that steers the car where the driver wants to go. The tried-and-true Peugeot will handle the urban jungle, easily overcoming high curbs or potholes, as well as in light mud, snow or gravel paths. However, you should forget about real off-road, swampy terrain and steep climbs. The drive is transmitted to only one axle, and the lack of a 4x4 makes it impossible to drive the car over rough terrain. The optional Grip Control system, which has five operating modes: Standard, Snow, Universal, Sand and ESP-off, can help keep you out of trouble. However, this is not a replacement for a four-point drive.
Perhaps the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, which goes into production this year, will be equipped with all-wheel drive technology. However, today buyers have to be content with only front-wheel drive. The offer of the tested Peugeot model includes three equipment options and a choice of two petrol engines (1.6 with 120 and 150 hp) and two diesel engines (1.6 HDI with 120 hp and 2.0 HDI with 150 hp in versions with manual transmission). and 163 hp in the automatic version). The tested copy was equipped with a powerful diesel unit with a volume of two liters and increased power up to 163 hp. This engine is paired with an automatic 6-speed transmission, and the maximum torque (340 Nm) is already available at 2000 rpm. The 3008 is no hindrance, but it's not a sports car either. The automatic responds quickly to pressing the gas, and the engine can easily cope with the large weight of the car, which is enough for efficient navigation through city streets and hassle-free overtaking on the highway. Sometimes the transmission is lazy, so sequential shifting can be used. Standard equipment includes, among other things, 6 airbags, ASR, ESP, Electric Parking Brake (FSE) with Hill Assist, progressive power steering.
Peugeot 3008 may appeal to buyers who are looking for an original and unique car. This car is neither a family station wagon, nor a minivan, nor an SUV. Described by the French company as a "crossover", it rubs against several segments, remaining at the border, a little suspended in a vacuum. Or maybe it's a machine called a new classification? Time will tell if the market accepts this with open arms.
The cheapest version of this model can be purchased for only PLN 70. The cost of the tested version exceeds zlotys.
privileges
– comfort
– good ergonomics
- quality finish
– extensive equipment
– easy access to the trunk
defects
- no all-wheel drive
- poor rear view
