If there were so-called identification books for car fans - similar to mushroom pickers or ornithologists - the picture of a could be found in the "Compact SUV" chapter Peugeot 3008 printed. The beefy Frenchman is above all visually a prototypical representative of his genre, a compact crossover just as it is in the book. Why does this need to be mentioned here? Because that's good. And because it wasn't always like that.
In the first generation, the Peugeot 3008 was a weird bird. The French had long relied on their traditionally strong station wagons and initially overslept the SUV trend. Perhaps that's why the first litter should be particularly original: The 2009 presented in 3008 was more a van than an SUV, boasted a lot of new electronics and a highly efficient but also extremely expensive diesel plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive. The calculation with the prestige technology and the spacious interior did not work, however, the 3008 attracted, if at all, the aging Golf Plus customers rather than one of the increasingly numerous Tiguan buyers.
In contrast, generation two completely submits to the class conventions. And does it so consistently that with its beefy bonnet and strong shoulders it doesn't look like a straggler, but rather like a blueprint. The whole car makes an extremely massive impression, which also continues in the interior, where a wide, as if milled from the full center console encloses the driver safely. A lot of metal and cool, shiny trim reinforce the feeling of security.
Although the 3008 design basically only takes up the typical genre motifs, it interprets them so independently that it never looks like a copy of successful trends, both inside and out. This starts with the visually appealing buttons and switches and does not end with the central instrument designed as a screen. The French are particularly proud of this, as they have been known almost exclusively from premium manufacturers. The Peugeot variant turns out to be a little more playful than with Audi, but it delights with a variety of settings and, above all, an easy to read navigation function. In addition, unlike the competition, it is standard on board. In conjunction with Peugeot's customary instrument assembly on top of the dashboard, the instrument screen also replaces the rickety head-up display from its predecessor.
The only criticism: the workmanship could be a little more careful here and there, at least in the tested specimen. The uneven gap dimensions do not match the extremely solid impression of the beefy Peugeot at all. The practical abilities of the 3008 are also rather average. The space is good at the front, tidy at the back, without setting standards. The same applies to the trunk, which despite the comparable vehicle length lags significantly behind the Tiguan values. Overall, however, the space available is appropriate for the class.
Another special feature of Peugeot is the particularly small steering wheel, which first made for a more agile driving experience in the small car 208. In the large 3008 the effect is missing: The 4,45 meter long and 1,62 meter high SUV is simply not a city car. Overall, the balanced driving behavior can certainly please, the Peugeot is as full and heavy on the road as it looks, springs gently, but never looks too clumsy on winding roads or in the city. The 2,0-liter diesel with 110 kW / 150 hp, with its superior pulling and good manners, fits perfectly with the relaxed character of the compact travel SUV. The steering, which seems a bit too nervous for such a car, is at best not quite as stylish. The consumption, however, is okay with around six liters. Incidentally, the 3008 does not carry all-wheel technology with it, all current variants drive exclusively with front-wheel drive.
In terms of price, the Peugeot 3008 starts cheap at first glance. 22.900 euros are due for the basic model "Access" with the 96 kW / 130 hp petrol engine, but if you want a car with reasonable equipment, choose at least the second level "Active" (from 25.950 euros). It is also aesthetically advisable to choose the largest possible rims for the massive car with its large wheel arches, which almost suggests reaching for the next higher variant "Allure" (from 28.200 euros, 18 inches) or driving to the accessories store. Anyone who wants the 150 hp diesel will automatically start at the "Active" level and pay at least 34.400 euros.
Overall, the 3008 is currently the best car in the Peugeot range. And the late starter is also one of the most interesting models within the compact SUV fleet, but without being able to add anything new to the segment. However, this should not be a hindrance to his success any more than the prestigious award just received as "Car of the Year 2017". The early bird doesn't always catch the worm.
Technical data - Peugeot 3008:
Five-door, five-seater compact SUV with front-wheel drive, length: 4,45 meters, width: 1,91 meters (including exterior mirrors 2,10 meters), height: 1,62 meters, wheelbase: 2,68 meters, trunk volume: 520 to 1.482 liters
2,0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, 110 kW / 150 hp at 4.000 rpm, maximum torque: 370 Nm at 2.000 rpm, 0-100 km / h: 9,6 s, Vmax: 207 km / h , Average consumption: 4,7 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 121 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6, efficiency class A, test consumption: 6,0 liters, price: from 34.400 euros
Brief characteristics - Peugeot 3008:
Why: because it looks good and is also made
Why not: because appearance is a matter of taste and the competition is strong
What else: VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai (Holger Holzer / SP-X)