Test drive Peugeot 3008

Within the PSA group, Peugeot has long been "sticking" to more classic body styles and has only recently escaped this somewhat. It seems that due to the development of the market (the growing demand for hybrids of various forms), the Group's policy has also changed.

Peugeot hasn't taken big steps yet, but the 3008 is already showing a shift in that direction. The additional zero in the middle of the title suggests that this is a more self-contained model than just the Tristoosmica version. Well, the technique says a little less in favor of that, as most of the technique is borrowed right here, but the 3008 is targeting (also) a new group of clients. In the end, that's how it all ends for them.

The 3008 is built on the group platform 2, which, among other things, also houses the C4, and this platform is also updated at this stage and adapted to the specific model. It is logical that it has the same chassis elements - axles, suspension and damping - as in other cars in this family, except that the 3008 (only applies to 1.6 THP and 2.0 HDi) has a rear axle enriched with Dynamic Roll Control (dynamic tilt control)).

The principle is actually simple: the two rear shock absorbers are interconnected by a third shock absorber; when the body wants to tilt in a corner, the center damper balances tilt and largely prevents it. In this way, the passive system acts as a hydraulic stabilizer and, according to Peugeot engineers, has a positive effect in all driving conditions. Sufficiently powerful engines and increased ground clearance required additional intervention in the chassis mechanics.

The steering gear is also modeled on other models with this platform, except that the 3008 has a bar between the steering gear and the steering wheel instead of two or three joints. Thus, they ensured that the steering wheel angle, despite the fact that the driver's position increased by more than 10 centimeters, was the same as, for example, in the 308, or in other words: if they did not do this, the steering wheel will be (inconvenient for many) paved. This is not true.

If we add to the “legacy” mechanics the engines and gearboxes already known to us (table), we come to the end of the chapter on the similarities between the 3008 and 308 models. From now on, the 3008 is another car. While the lions on the outside and inside, as well as the overall design style, can't differentiate it from a Peugeot, it's still very different.

The body of the station wagon is larger than the station wagon, but also a little "softer for off-road"; it may seem so only because of the greater distance of the belly from the ground and because of the apparent protection of the chassis under the bumpers. The overall look of the body is consistent, and you'll also notice that the front bumper isn't as aggressive in shape as we're used to in modern Pezzos.

Even inside, it's not like the 308 or any other Peugeot. Particularly noticeable is the division of the driver's workplace: the upper line above the sensors bends around the center (audio and air conditioning controls) and ends with a lever raised on the right side of the center tunnel. The boundary described is more obvious than real, but it is clearly visible and a bit like the feeling of a sportier coupe.

Otherwise, the passenger part does not present surprises - neither spatial nor design. Perhaps the only thing that catches the eye is the switches, lined up under the central air vents on the dashboard and reminiscent of the switches in the Mini, and a huge box between the seats (13 l!), which partially replaces the more modest in volume. (5 liters)) box in front of the front passenger.

At the same time, we are already in landfills. Another box, 3-liter, is located under the steering wheel, seven-liter in the front door, two boxes under the feet of the passengers of the second row (this does not apply to the basic configuration!) The total volume is 7 liters, and in the rear door there are two boxes of 7 liters each. There should be no problem with storing small items on the seats.

The barrel makes an equally good impression; Although its standard liters are not impressive (they are quite competitive), it impresses with the flexibility of the trunk. The rear door opens in two parts: a large part up and a smaller part - if necessary, but not necessarily - down, creating a convenient cargo shelf.

The interior of the boot can be arranged at will; it has a movable bottom that can be easily set to one of three suggested heights. This movable base, which weighs only 3 kilograms and is extremely strong, in the middle position when the rear seat is folded down (one movement to lower the backrest and a small depression in the seat) forms an elongated perfectly flat base of the front seat backs, but if If you wait until this fall, 5 will be fitted as standard with a folding front passenger seat backrest, which will ultimately be enough to carry items up to 3008 meters in length.

Peugeot 3008 is not only easy to use, but also strives to be technically innovative. One piece (standard at the highest level) of the equipment is also a projection screen (head-up display) where some data is projected onto a small glass behind the sensors when the engine is started.

In addition to the vehicle speed, it can warn the driver of insufficient safety distance, which is monitored by a front-mounted radar and where the warning can be set in the range of 0 to 9 seconds. The system must be turned on and operate at a speed of 2 to 5 kilometers per hour.

The 3008 also has an electric parking brake and, at an additional cost, tracked xenon headlights, a 1 square meter sunroof, parking warning system, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring and various WIP levels (World and Peugeot, world in Peugeot) entertainment systems; the most expensive also includes a 6D navigator, Bluetooth, a GSM module and a 3GB hard drive for mp10 music. Of course, you can also pay extra for an exchange CD and for a JBL speaker.

At the end of the day, it sounds logical: the Peugeot 3008 will be looking for customers who are tired of the classic body offerings and who are receptive to new proposals, for those customers who are looking for replacements for small limousine vans, limousines, vans and soft cars. SUVs of this class. As one of the journalists present at the christening suggested: people are waiting for a car that will replace the good old Katra with usability. Maybe it'll just be 3008.

P 3008 and 308 CC in Slovenia

In our market the 3008 will go on sale from mid-June this year at a price of about 19.500 1.6 euros. That is how much the 308 VTi Confort Pack will cost, and in addition to the powertrain combinations, it will be possible to choose between three equipment packages, nine body colors and five interior colors and types of materials (including two types of leather), which are partially tied to the selected equipment package. A little earlier in June 1.6 CC will go on sale; The 23.700 VTi Sport will cost XNUMX XNUMX euros.

Instead of all-wheel drive: Grip Control

To make the 3008 less sensitive to worsening conditions under the wheels, it was given Grip Control (at an additional cost), which is actually an upgrade to anti-skid and stabilization systems. It is controlled by a rotary knob, which has five positions: standard, for snow, for mud, for sand, as well as a position in which the ESP stabilization system is disabled at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Along with this, the 3008 will also get 16-inch (instead of 17 or 18) wheels with M + S tires. Classic all-wheel drive will not be available, but there will be an all-wheel drive version of the HYbrid4. It will be (the first in this concern) a diesel hybrid with a two-liter turbodiesel for the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear wheels. The sale is scheduled for 2011.

Vinko Kernc, photo: Vinko Kernc