Peugeot repositions itself - like all brands more towards SUVs. This tells of the compact crossover 3008, which wants to impress in the second generation with classic SUV optics such as a powerful radiator front and high-legged appearance. As a late SUV starter, the Peugeot has to be particularly noticeable and it succeeds at prices starting at 22.900 Euro thanks to a particularly stylish design with a rear hip curve. A chic that the lion brand had long missed. On the drive side, the five-seater SUV offers two petrol and three diesel engines with a performance range from 88 kW / 120 PS to 133 kW / 180 PS, but what is missing is four-wheel drive. Instead, the electronic traction aid "Grip Control", including downhill control and special M + S tires, is supposed to guarantee superior rough road and snow quality. A traction package for which Peugeot charges inexpensive 300 euros, but which can only be combined with the highest equipment lines Allure and GT. So it happens that the Grip Control increases the price of the basic 3008 by almost 25 percent to a proud 28.500 euro. Significantly more than a Seat Ateca with all-wheel drive costs. We tested whether grip control actually replaces the all-wheel drive in the wintry white Salzburg region.
For many fans, four-wheel drive is still a characteristic of an SUV. Should these enable people to get through where the asphalt road network ends or disappears under a blanket of snow and ice. So much for the theory. Because in the end, the much cheaper and more fuel-efficient front-wheel drive SUV is usually really bought. For Peugeot occasion to forego all-wheel drive altogether and instead to offer the optional electronic Grip Control driver assistance. Five different drive modes are possible using the rotary control in the center console. In winter, the profile settings "Snow" and "Mud" are particularly important, otherwise there are "Sand", "Standard" or "ESP off". In addition, there is a hill descent aid that can be activated by pressing a button, which brakes the vehicle to around 3 km / h on a steep descent and allows even inexperienced drivers to master difficult passages. Features that we were able to test on snowy and icy routes.
When driving on white winter roads, we recommend the snow mode, which adjusts the slip of all bikes to the respective conditions. And sometimes in a surprisingly effective way. If, for example, the front wheels lose traction on a snowy, steep slope, grip control does not necessarily reduce the driving force. On the contrary, the system keeps the engine at speed to sweep the snow off the track via the slightly spinning wheels and thus regain traction. Thanks to the electronic control of the throttle response and steering wheel support, the front-wheel drive digs up like a 4 × 4. In mud mode, on the other hand, the maximum torque is only directed to the wheel with the greatest grip.
The 3008 behaves just as confidently in the following typical winter situation: half of the country road is dry, but two wheels suddenly roll over icy ground. No problem if the driver stays on the gas. Because Grip Control regulates torque distribution and brake interventions via sensors on all four wheels and gyroscopes so that the vehicle is stabilized when slippage occurs and can even be steered through bends in a controlled manner despite slippery surfaces. The next challenge awaits the Peugeot in the winter forest on a steep downhill passage. Activate the hill descent aid now and you can go downhill at walking speed thanks to the precise use of the braking force. Targeted blocking and loosening of individual wheels allows the Peugeot to enter the valley almost without the driver having to do anything.
Of course, all-wheel drive vehicles offer this plus in active driving safety on snow and ice just as well or even more confidently, but the Grip Control shines with weight and corresponding consumption advantages. In fact, all Peugeot 3008 are among the most economical compact SUVs according to the standard consumption values. Regardless of whether it is the surprisingly lively 96 kW / 130 PS three-cylinder petrol engine (5,1 liters), the 121 kW / 165 PS powerful 1,6 liter petrol engine with automatic (5,8 liters), the sufficiently powerful 88 kW / 120 PS 1,6 liter diesel (4,0 liter) or the 2,0 liter diesel with 110 kW / 150 PS (4,4 liter) or with 133 kW / 180 PS (4,8 liter). If you really only want to pay an 300 euro surcharge for the Grip Control, you should choose one of the two top diesels that have the Allure or GT equipment as standard. However, the lion brand does not say goodbye to four-wheel drive, because the 2019 plug-in hybrid announced for 3008 will have electrically driven rear wheels. (Tungsten nickel / SP-X)