Test drive Peugeot 3008: to the big leagues

The new generation Peugeot 3008 strives for positions in a higher segment.

Even before we get to the new Peugeot 3008, we already know that we are witnessing another episode of the return of the French manufacturer to conventional values and guidelines. While for the previous generation (2009) no one could say with certainty whether we were dealing with a van, crossover or something else, the appearance, stance and style of the new model leave no doubt that before us a typical SUV - with a vertical grille. , an impressive front with a horizontal engine cover, a decent SUV clearance of 22 centimeters, a high window line and aggressively folded headlights.

As you step into the cockpit, your eye is drawn to the small, leveled top and bottom steering wheel, hinting at sporty ambitions, and the fully digital i-Cockpit, a 12,3-inch screen that can display various controls or a navigation map. , for example, their appearance is accompanied by animation effects. Peugeot is especially proud of its digital, standard-to-equipment combo unit – although it is supplied by Continental, its design and graphics are the work of the company's stylists.

Protruding to the right of the i-Cockpit is an eight-inch touchscreen for control, monitoring and navigation, and below it are seven keys for direct access to various functions and alarms. To some, these keys, facing the pilot, resemble a musical instrument, to others, an aircraft cockpit, but in any case, they express the desire of designers for a sophisticated atmosphere suitable for a higher price range.

No double gear

Model 3008 with factory name P84 is available with six actuators. Petrol is a 1,2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 130 hp. and a 1,6-liter four-cylinder with 165 hp, also turbocharged. The diesel range includes two 1,6-liter versions with 100 and 120 hp. and two two-liter for 150 and 180 hp. Gearboxes - a five-speed manual (for the weakest diesel), a six-speed manual (for a 130 hp petrol version and a 120 and 150 hp diesel) and a six-speed automatic with a torque converter (so far the only option for a gasoline version with 165 and 180 hp diesel and a manual transmission alternative for 130 hp petrol and 120 hp diesel). A plug-in hybrid variant (with a petrol rather than a diesel engine like the outgoing model and an electric motor on the rear axle) is expected in 2019. Until then, the Peugeot 3008 will only be available with front-wheel drive.

The car we drive is powered by a 1,6L (120hp) diesel engine and an automatic transmission with a joystick-shaped lever, somewhat reminiscent of the small levers in the models. BMW. Gears can also be shifted using the steering wheel plates, but the smooth operation of the automatic transmission requires no manual intervention, especially on the highway. Here, 120 horsepower of the car and especially available at 1750 rpm, 300 Newton meters is enough for normal overtaking and a calm, relaxed ride.

Numerous assistants

The highway section gives us the opportunity to get acquainted with the driver assistance functions, of which there are many in the new Peugeot 3008: adaptive cruise control with a stop function, distance warning and active emergency braking, active warning when accidentally crossing the center line (also works when the markings are almost erased) , active monitoring of the dead zone near the car, warning of loss of attention, automatic switching on and off of the high beam, recognition of road signs. All this costs BGN 3022. (For Allure level). And for maneuvering in the city, you can order 360-degree perimeter surveillance around the vehicle Visio Park and Park Assist.

To see how the 3008 makes many bends on a narrow road, we exit the highway and soon begin our ascent to Belmeken Dam. Steep sections and endless meanders on the mountain slope do not spoil the good mood at all. The SUV model responds exactly to the commands of the small steering wheel, does not lean too much in corners, and its suspension does not irritate with excessive rigidity, but also not unpleasantly pliable. Although the corrective role of the dual gear is missing, the front end doesn't go too far out of the curve, unless you're deliberately provoking it.

Upstairs, near the dam, we get off the asphalt and along a steep dirt road in a very dirty condition. The lack of a dual transmission 3008 is compensated by increased ground clearance (an equally important condition for good off-roading) and Advanced Grip Control, controlled by a circular switch on the center console with positions for normal road, snow, off-road, sand and ESP off. The kit also includes the Downhill Assist System (HADC) and 3-inch M + S tires (for mud and snow without snowflake symbol).

Our car is shod in ordinary winter tires, but it still bravely climbs up the hot dirt road. On the way back, we also test the controlled descent, which is activated in neutral. When we hit the pavement again, we continue in our usual, pleasantly dynamic style, and on the next break, we finally have time to properly examine the interior. It turns out to be quite spacious. Aside from the AGR (Healthy Back Action)-certified front seats, there's plenty of room in the back - with the caveat that the seat is a little low and taller passengers' hips don't rest entirely on it. This is done so that when you recline the back you get a large flat area. The rest of the trunk has a volume of 520 liters - quite a decent price for its class. Optionally available are a power tailgate and a floor that partially retracts to make loading easier.

A wide range of assistants, extras and extras like a Focal HiFi audio system, online navigation, LED lights, etc. certainly affect the final price, but in general the new Peugeot 3008 was not intended to be a cheap model. At the top is the GT version, so far the only one for which a powerful two-liter diesel engine with 180 hp is offered. Most of the offerings are included as standard with a base price of almost BGN 70, but of course there is still room for more extras, such as the two-tone Coupe Franche design with a black rear end.

CONCLUSION

Peugeot offers a discreetly elegant, classic model with a pleasant shape and high quality - as it once was. Ambitious prices will have to put up with friends of the lion brand.

Text: Vladimir Abazov

Photo: Vladimir Abazov, Peugeot