Peugeot 3008 SUV 2017 car review

Equipped with the latest generation of Peugeot’s driver oriented i-Cockpit, shared with the 208, 2008, and 308. This features enhancement in three key areas, Compact steering wheel, Head-up instrument panel, and Large touchscreen infotainment system.

This super small wheel offers more agile manoeuvrability and improved driving sensation. Peugeot say that with arms no longer needing to be so open and wide to grasp the steering wheel, the breadth of movement during manoeuvres is reduced, thus making the driver more responsive and agile, in a more relaxed driving position.
The 8-inch touchscreen intuitively displays all comfort controls (radio, air conditioning etc.) and offers natural control of all the vehicle's information and equipment.

The small steering wheel, allows the fully configurable 12.3” heads-up instrument display to be seen above the wheel instead of through it like most other vehicles on the market today. This is quite a unique feature and keeps your eye level closer to the windscreen.

Three variants are available; all built on Peugeot’s advanced EMP2 platform resulting in an average of 100kgs less weight than the outgoing model. Naturally this improves fuel economy and performance.

The base model “Active” gets a 1.6 litre petrol engine, 6 airbags, ESP with trailer stability control, LED DRL’s, speed limit sign recognition, passive lane departure warning, reverse camera and front and rear parking sensors. Rounding out the specs with 17” alloy wheels, roof bar, dual-zone climate control A/C, and automatic lights and wipers. Not bad for under $40,000.

“Allure” has two prices along with two engine choices, 1.6 litre diesel or petrol. Adding auto high-beam assist, a driver attention alert system, active lane departure warning and blind spot detection. It features 18” diamond finish alloys, stainless steel door sill protectors, privacy glass, metallic grey bumper accents, and also adds Grip Control® plus more.

Grip Control® is accessed via a dial on the centre console. Once the desired mode (mud, snow, sand, esp off, and standard) is engaged the related icon is illuminated, making it quick and easy to adapt to the conditions. By using electronic components already installed in the car, the system adds no extra weight to the vehicle – so you don’t incur extra fuel consumption like a traditional 4×4.

Our test vehicle was the top-spec GT. This adds to the mix a 133kW 2.0ltr Blue HDI diesel engine. The GT gains LED headlights with cornering function, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning with advanced emergency braking and 360-degree, bird’s eye view camera. 19” alloys, chrome plated mirror caps and wider wheel arches deck out the exterior, Alcantara trim adding nice furry grey dash and door accents, 8-way electric heated driver’s seat with 5 mode massage function!

The 3008 drove well, I found the transmission operation smooth and experienced plenty of power from the 2.0 litre diesel engine. The cruise controls are completely hidden by the steering wheel, and had to feel my way around the settings while driving.

Some of the things I especially enjoyed were the customisable ambiance settings, this affects infotainment sound settings, massage function, lighting intensity, and best of all you can choose from 3 different cabin fragrance settings! Along with the blue interior lights, and polished copper looking speed dials.