With the second generation of the 3008, the French carmaker underlines the MUST have in its model range in terms of interior, exterior design and driving pleasure. With a lot of love for the customer was worked on the features of the new 3008, which he should have or you can omit, worked. That this succeeded with success is clearly reflected in the sales figures. Since its launch in June 2016, the PSA Group has booked more than 60.000 orders across Europe, representing an increase of 70%. After all, the German dealers brought it to 4.000 units since the sales start at the end of last year. Compared to the first generation, the body is extended by 8 centimeters, but it saves 100 kilograms of weight. In addition, you send the 3008 generally without four-wheel drive, but with cheaper alternative "GripControl" on the market. For a starting price of € 22.900 there is the Peugeot 3008 in the equipment "Access" with a very economical 1.2 liter of PureTech petrol engine with 96 kW (130 PS).
The new Peugeot 3008 with GripControl in the driving report
Less is more !
According to market research by the French carmaker, it is important or necessary for a very small part of its clientele to use a four-wheel drive vehicle. For this reason, it was decided not to offer this drive at all. Result: Peugeot can offer the 3008 with moderate prices. Lack of development and production costs make it possible. Customers who still need to operate in more challenging terrain, Peugeot offers a cost-effective alternative. In conjunction with the front-wheel drive 3008 and the package "GripControl" it should be possible to maneuver the vehicle outside of paved roads. Proven possible, because Sébastian Loeb was finally with Peugeot on a 2WD vehicle nine times World Rally Champion. For tests at least on snow and ice invited the person in charge of Peugeot in the Austrian Hintersee am Fuschelsee. On prepared route of the ÖAMTC we could sufficiently experience the "GripControl" of the 3008.
Standard with Peugeot i-cockpit
At first glance, not much has changed compared to the predecessor, we discover after our arrival in Salzburg to drive to the test track. But on closer inspection, the second generation of the 3008 can be seen especially on the fresh front end. Just sitting on the driver's seat, we noticed the standard Peugeot i-cockpit, which is visible when looking through the steering wheel rim. Individually configurable, the driver can regulate not only the reading of the data of the on-board computer but also communication and navigation. The interior offers space for up to five people comfortably. Our journey initially leads us mainly on the highway to the south-east. At the same time, we can sufficiently test the assistance systems, such as the cruise control system. The following Alpine roads do not allow a lawn as in Germany either way. We do not have to, because the 3008 brings us very confidently with a BlueHDI 150 PS Diesel engine to the practice track of the ÖAMTC in Hintersee. After a short instruction on the screen of the instructors and the introductory rounds then one or the other practice round with the front driven SUV and its GripControll can be turned.
GripControl alternative to four-wheel drive
The "GripControl" system works exclusively via the engine management. The rotary control in the middle of the console must be turned into five different modes. With the functions “Normal mode”, “Snow mode”, “Off-road mode”, “Sand mode” and “ESP mode off”, at least a few different road situations can be mastered. The simultaneous spinning of the two drive wheels is in the "Mode Sand" controlled. It reduces the dangers of sinking the vehicle. To achieve the best possible acceleration depending on available grip, the driver should use the "Mode snow" choose. When starting up, the system adapts its strategy to the existing wheel-by-wheel grip conditions. The "off-road mode" regulates when starting a high slip on the wheel with low adhesion in order to find liability again. Whereas the wheel with the greatest adhesion is used to transmit torque. in the "Normal mode" You should move the vehicle if it is not driven in any of the above types of terrain. Of course, the mode is "Mode ESP off" for the complete shutdown of the system, which is not recommended
Safety systems must not be missing
In addition to the usual features such as six airbags (driver and passenger airbags, front and rear side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags), ESP (electronic brake force distributor and stability program) and ASR (traction control), the car manufacturer from France offers automatic locking of the doors when starting up and the Peugeot i-Cockpit, the safety systems front collision warning, Active Safety Brake, cruise control with speed limiter and hill start assist.
Moderate prices
The entry level for the 3008 is the “Access” equipment line with a basic price of 22.900 euros. Customers can already expect a generous amount of basic equipment here that leaves nothing to be desired. With the “Active” and “Allure” equipment lines, the “GT” top equipment can meet all customer requirements, leaving little space for additional packages. The final point is the diesel 2.0 liter BlueHDI FAP EAT6 Stop & Start 133 kW (180 PS) in the “GT” equipment with 39.700 euros.
And finally ... The Peugeot 3008 shows that car makers are actually responding to customer requests. The unnecessary four-wheel drive, especially in areas on both sides of the Alps, can make a family vehicle affordable again. The tests on ice and snow have shown that the factor "safety" basically takes place in the driver's seat.
Peugeot 3008 with GripControl serves as an alternative to the four-wheel drive in the French. But not only this cheap solution makes it the first choice for families and people with unusual leisure activities.
Text: Stefan Beckmann, Photo: Stefan Beckmann and manufacturer