PEUGEOT CROSSES OVER TO 3008

Crossover vehicles are becoming more and more common worldwide and South Africa isn’t lagging too far behind in those stakes. Before going any further, a crossover vehicle is one that features attributes found in a number of models. In the instance of the new Peugeot 3008, those models are sedan, SUV and station wagon. It’s a car that crosses over – not politically – from genre to genre.

“Through its non-conformist approach and resolute styling, the Peugeot 3008 is a genuinely pioneering vehicle. It offers original solutions and extended versatility to those customers seeking a practical, safe, reassuring and hugely enjoyable motoring package,” explains Jean Francois Bacos, MD of Peugeot Motors South Africa.

“By blending the best attributes of the most popular contemporary market segments into one vehicle concept, the Peugeot 3008 is a true crossover in every respect. It opens up new motoring horizons, and will appeal to buyers on both an emotive and a rational level.”

My quest to find out exactly what a crossover can or cannot do took me on a sojourn across some of the driest and crudest Namibian terrain. Before going too far I have to say that this is not an AWD vehicle. So don’t try this at your nearest bundu. By “this” I mean travestying course gravel, soft sands and of course normal tarmac.

Peugeot’s engineers have gone to great lengths to make sure the car is sturdy yet comfortable. High quality materials and spaciousness contribute to an agreeable ambiance. We travelled through some varied terrain like I said including soft sand, hard gravel and regular tarmac. The 3008 kept its composure on all surfaces. Quite impressive was how it handled itself around bending roads. True it’s a little higher than a hatchback but it never felt like a mama’s car at all. Come to think of it, current Peugeots have proven quite capable of handling curvy roads. In fact I’d say they are among the best in their respective segments when it comes to handling.

On the front interior is a large centre console with one of the deepest storage spaces I’ve ever seen. Americans will love it. So did I. best of all it’s quite cooled and came in extremely handy in the scorching Namibian desert. Features included USB connection, climate control (which was never switched off), cruise control, an electric handbrake, an onboard computer and one of the more innovative head-up display units I’ve come across. The system uses a small retractable anti-reflective translucent panel in the driver’s line of sight. It displays certain information such as speed and fuel consumption.

Some models were fitted with a new system called Grip Control (optionally fitted at R2 000) which essentially turns the front-wheel-drive 3008 into an AWD wannabe. Basically Grip Control works in conjunction with the Electronic Stability Control (ESP), ASR and special 16-inch alloy wheels with specially developed Michelin Latitude Tour HP Mud & Snow tyres (215/60 R16) by varying available torque between the two front wheels only, giving the one with the most grip the most torque. That means under above-average tough conditions the 3008 will be able to pull itself out of trouble better than most.

Two engine units are available immediately. The first is the 1.6 THP petrol which is well-known from the 308 CC and MINI Cooper range. Maximum power is 115kW at 6000rpm and peak torque is 240Nm at 1400rpm. It is driven by a 6-speed manual transmission which, although it doesn’t entertain as much as the 308 CC’s, shifts are quite fun.

Second on the engine list is the 2.0 HDi (turbo diesel) with 110kW at 3750rpm and 340Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Smooth and responsive is the way it goes, making it the pick of the crop. The fact that you can drive it for over 800km on one tank just seals the deal for me.

Some people just want a nice, spacious, comfortable car with a high ride and some beaten track ability. No expensive AWD system and no mama’s car image. What those people want and will get is the new Peugeot 3008.

Peugeot 3008 Pricing

Comfort 1.6 VTi (R248 500)
Premium 1.6 THP (R282 100)
Premium Grip 1.6 THP (R284 100)
Premium 2.0 HDi (R302 300)
Premium Grip 2.0 HDi (R304 300)
Executive 1.6 THP (R305 400)
Executive 2.0 HDi (R325 600)