Peugeot 3008 is one of the oldest in this French company’s portfolio. By nature, it is a typical crossover, with a focus on family usefulness. Peugeot 3008 is also a sport SUV, although these ingredients in his character are just for a pinch. Much more recognizable is its MPV content, but under the line it is undoubtedly a crossover and that is also what factory wrote in its birth certificate.

Peugeot 3008: hatchback, SUV, minivan, crossover

We should not always believe what factory tells us about their cars. Or at least not very often. But this time we can agree, what they say. 2016 Peugeot 3008 is a hatchback, with a little of SUV inspiration, but most of all it is a minivan, or fashionable crossover. All this can be applicable for the Peugeot 3008, with successor right outside the door.

Understandable diversity, but without spices

The diversity of this car character, which is present in the automotive world since 2009, is quite understandable. The model’s offer of the PSA factory is lacking in current time necessary model-based diversity. It is clear from a long distance that they don’t have a proper SUV model (but this might change very soon – look at the new 5008), a vehicle class that is so hot at the moment, particularly in European market space. And because they know that, they wrote SUV on the birth certificate of the Peugeot 3008. But the taste of the “SUV spice” is hardly detectable.

2016 Peugeot 3008 renovation carried out with a feeling

The renovation, carried out some time ago, was minimalistic, but done with a feeling. The car looks more modern. Whilst this is not noticeable at first glance, but when placed next to the “old” 3008, the difference is obvious. If we are looking for what would be the most SUV-like”, it is the silver protection on the front and rear end of the chassis. And maybe, so to speak, unnoticeable or nothing specially SUV marked 15-centimeter ground clearance. Yet you sit a bit higher. Much more recognizable is Peugeot 3008 MPV content, especially in the interior. In short, this Peugeot is quite a typical crossover, which means that is consists little by little of each class. And, if is this right or wrong, many modern cars are travelling quite this way.

Minivan inside, but not entirely

In the Peugeot 3008 interior, the passengers are greeted by a large front glass, typical of the minivan. In principle, this is nothing wrong, but it has long been clear that this guarantees at least two things. A lot of light and a lot of heat. While those things could be welcome in winter, in the summer it is not the case. Especially when a large dashboard step in and acts as an extra heater inside. Of course, Peugeot 3008 has a typical triangular side window on the left and right side. Since the front roof bracket is bulky and the triangular box has a thin strut, it can obstruct the drivers view in the sharp left turns. It is not fatal, but also not inspiring. But it is of course clear that this is not the drawback of only this Peugeot.

The instrument panel wraps around the driver. Nothing bad. Quite wide, actually very wide is the space between the driver and front passenger. In fact, this is the management center of the car. In front of the driver there are two, easily readable round meters, in the middle of the dashboard, or under the front window, there is a color display with navigation system. Is a little too far, being aware of the problems of this remark. The one who can see well, this remark is meaningless, but for those who have minor difficulties with their eyes, this is a problem. Perhaps such an installation is a proof of Peugeot 3008 maturity. It is known that the multi functional displays are the essence of a new age cars and it is necessary for them to find the right place. Not so terrible, nevertheless.

Easily recognizable usefulness of Peugeot 3008

Usability, the essence of SUV’s, is easily recognizable. Many, indeed, very many storage compartments, drawers, dumps for jars and much more. Between the front seats is a drawer so deep, that it’s almost too deep. The handle on the left side of the driver’s seat, attached to the dashboard, pleases, and can be a demonstration of  the desired SUV nature.

Seating on the rear bench is decent. You cannot expect any spatial luxury, but also there will be no compulsory hugging in the case of two rear bench passengers. The third is of course just a third wheel. The rear seats can be split by thirds. Completely folded it creates a useful extra luggage compartment with a flat bottom.

Luggage compartment: hot and cold

Volume, a minimum of 512 and a maximum of 1,604 liters, is far from the volumetric Olympus in its class. But it offers a welcome peculiarity: it is possible to knock down the lower part of the tailgate, thereby extend the trunk.

Useful. But this lets us wonder. Twice. First, because the competition apparently do not find something good in extending the trunk this way (that would be imitated). And secondly, because the system of folding the rear bench seat in 3008 is completely conventional. There are cars, which can offer a lot more, for some time now.

Engine choice? Diesel with 120 hp. Automatic.

The engine, four-cylinder diesel with 88 kilowatts / 120 horsepower is sufficiently representative, taking into consideration the character of the Peugeot 3008. It is quite likely that this engine is a fairly frequent choice, especially when it comes to family use and relatively good mileage, which is the point of Diesel drive anyway.

In cars, such as the Peugeot 3008 (and similar), automatic transmission should be obligatory equipment. Reasons? Just think about all the additional tasks a family driver has to cope with. In this case the automatic transmission represents an important element of security, because you don’t have to change gears and press the clutch pedal. One hand and one foot are free, so … It is true that the automatic transmission raises the final price and slightly increases fuel consumption, but the benefits are undisputed.

In anticipation of the next generation

And of course, driving dynamic is not perfectly suited for this Peugeot 3008. Because it is a typical crossover, a bet on the universality and generality. This is a well. The problem is that somehow this car does not stay in our memory. Not in a good way, not in a bad way. It is somewhat lukewarm. Perhaps its biggest “weakness” is actually Peugeot factory destiny – its cars are not renowned for their Germanic precision, much less Latin (Italian) bodywork attractiveness or Japanese reliability. So it was until recently. Now it has undergone many changes, Peugeot with Tavares traced new direction. We will have to wait and see, what the future models will look and feel like.

2016 Peugeot 3008 technical specification and engine options

Engines:

1.2L Puretech
Petrol engine; displacement 1,199 ccm; maximum power 130 PS, maximum torque 230 Nm at 1,750 rpm, acceleration (0-100 km/h) in 10.8 seconds, top speed 199 km/h (124 mph), 6-speed manual transmission, CO2 emissions 125 g/km, average fuel consumption 6.5 liters/100 km.

1.6L BlueHDi
Diesel engine; displacement 1,560 ccm; maximum power 120 PS, maximum torque 300 Nm at 1,750 rpm, acceleration (0-100 km/h) in 12.0 seconds, top speed 182 km/h (113 mph), 6-speed manual transmission, CO2 emissions 108 g/km, average fuel consumption 4.1 liters/100 km.

1.6L BlueHDi Automatic
Diesel engine; displacement 1,560 ccm; maximum power 120 PS, maximum torque 300 Nm at 1,750 rpm, acceleration (0-100 km/h) in 12.4 seconds, top speed 184 km/h (114 mph), 6-speed automatic transmission, CO2 emissions 109 g/km, average fuel consumption 4.3 liters/100 km.

Dimensions:

Overall length: 4,365 mm.
Overall width (excluding rear view mirrors): 1,837 mm.
Overall width (including rear view mirrors): 2,113 mm.
Overall height: 1,639 mm.
Wheelbase: 2,613 mm.
Luggage capacity: 512 litres of boot space, 1,604 litres by folding the second row of seats.
A turning circle diameter: 10.9m.
Fuel tank capacity: 60 liters.

Peugeot 3008 competitors and rivals

Ford Kuga
Mitsubishi ASX
Nissan Qashqai
Renault Scenic
Renault Koleos
Seat Ateca
Skoda Yeti

Image credit: Peugeot