It was a long time before Peugeot got the curve when it comes to SUVs. Initially, no one in France really wanted to believe in the booming segment of this vehicle category; they preferred to use vans. And the first attempt together with Mitsubishi was ended after a rather moderate success. So now comes the 3008, actually a well-known model - a van. In the new generation, the French made an SUV out of it and brought it to Germany from the end of October at prices starting at 22.900 euros.
Which is a little piquant in that the 3008 was developed together with Opel. For the Rüsselsheimers, however, the sister model, which looks completely different in terms of design and interior, will listen to the good old name Meriva, which will not be launched until next year.
Speaking of the interior: At Peugeot it is actually unique. Peugeot drivers already know this from 208, 2008 and 308, newcomers are surprised. Because the fittings are not behind the steering wheel, so you don't look through the top half, the displays are rather placed above. For this it was necessary to position the steering wheel as small and as deep as possible. But you quickly got used to it. It even gives a sporty feeling. The ads themselves are easy to read. Peugeot also adds another screen (8-inch touchscreen) in the center of the dashboard to the cockpit. The six toggle switches below also look cool. With them, radio, air conditioning, navigation, vehicle settings, telephone and mobile apps can be selected directly.
Peugeot has also taken great pains to design the interior of the 3008 as a small wellness lounge. In addition to leather and textiles, satin chrome or carbon-look surfaces are used. Everything looks neatly processed and valuable. And last but not least, the so-called i-Cockpit is supposed to expand the sensual experiences. One press of the “Amplify” button is enough and the lighting is dimmed, the sound of the sound system is adjusted, the seat massage is switched on and pleasant scents spread in the interior.
When the 3008 rolls to the dealer at the end of October, Peugeot wants to show that you don't just put any other SUV on the wheels, but focus on a special driving experience. "The 3008 becomes the new reference when it comes to driving pleasure," promises brand boss Jean Philippe Imparato. This is to be made possible primarily by the modern corporate platform EMP2, on which the Golf opponent 308 is already standing and which also makes the 3008 over 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
During a first test drive, the French SUV leaves a harmonious impression. Despite the larger ground clearance (22 cm), the higher seating position and the higher center of gravity, the cars do not give the feeling of sitting in an SUV. The 3008 can be steered wonderfully handily and directly, runs through curves like on the line, still springs comfortably and looks precise and professionally tuned overall.
However, the right driving pleasure depends to a large extent on the right engine. Certain doubts could arise with the small three-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,2 liters (from 22.900 euros). But no notice, the modern turbo unit with at least 130 hp and 240 Newton meters of torque proves to be a lively and cheerful guy for everyday life and with a standard consumption of 5,1 liters is only one liter above the entry-level diesel BlueHDi 120. Around 2.500 euros surcharge Peugeot for the 1,6 liter diesel. It takes many kilometers to pay for the investment.
If it absolutely has to be a diesel, then the more powerful 150 PS variant with the two-liter BlueHDi and powerful 370 Newton meters. However, the 30.000 euro mark is already being exceeded here. The most expensive version in the 3008 portfolio is the GT with 180 diesel horsepower and automatic transmission (EAT6). Price: from 39.700 euros.
The good space is the same for all versions. Adults also sit comfortably in the rear. Behind them are even 520 liters for luggage, a competitive value in the segment. There is also a sliding trunk floor. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, up to 1.482 liters fit in the cargo area. There is also a foldable front passenger seat back at an additional charge.
The 3008 shows once again that SUVs do not necessarily have to have all-wheel drive. The developers nevertheless took a few precautions for the excursion into easy terrain. The traction control system can be adjusted five times using an operating wheel on the center console, depending on whether you are on sand, in mud, in snow or on the road.
The "Access" base has air conditioning, lane departure warning, front collision warning and traffic sign recognition as standard. That is commendable. Less good: If you want to have some nice extras, such as a sensor-controlled tailgate (one foot movement is enough to open and close) or a rear view camera, you cannot order them individually, but have to order the higher equipment lines "Active", "Allure" or "GT " to take.
The Paris headquarters don't even worry about the success of the new 3008. "We alone have over a million customers who still drive an old 3008 or 4008," says brand boss Imparato, and is fairly certain that almost everyone will continue to drive a Peugeot. (Michael Specht / SP-X)