Mileage: 6,283
Economy: 44.6mpg
Peugeot’s all-new 3008 has already impressed us, to the extent that we named it Best Mid-size SUV at our New Car Awards 2017. The brand’s virtual reality-based adverts hint at one of the reasons why we already love the 3008, and that’s the tech on board – although sadly you can’t quite drive it using a VR headset just yet.
The two cars I’ve most recently run on the Auto Express fleet were the 3008’s key rivals: the Renault Kadjar and SEAT Ateca. That puts me in a great position to see whether the slick new Peugeot can cope with real life.
Unlike the awkwardly styled previous model, the 3008 now looks like a proper SUV, with a chunky design and sharp details. We’ve gone for GT Line trim, which adds chrome details, LED headlights and interior goodies such as special upholstery and some clever in-car tech.
Peugeot is pushing the i-Cockpit display that replaces traditional dials with its VR ads, and I can see why; it’s very slick as you scroll through functions, and having the sat-nav displayed right in front of you is really useful. The central touchscreen is also a vast improvement over the old car’s infotainment system, and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although it could be a bit more responsive overall.
I’ve never really been satisfied with the driving position in modern Peugeots, because I’ve found the steering wheel can obscure the dials – but the second-generation set-up in the 3008 is much better. The small wheel makes the car feel agile but it doesn’t affect the view of any screens. While the driving position still feels a bit high, you can forgive that in an SUV.
The rest of the interior also has a modern feel, with lots of nice touches, such as the brushed metal switches for all the main functions and a small volume knob. It’s neat and clean, and operating different features on the move is pretty easy.
If there’s one downside, it’s that there are no physical controls for the air-conditioning system, which can make changing the temperature fiddly on the move.
The Peugeot sits somewhere between the Ateca and Kadjar in terms of handling. It’s not as engaging as the SEAT and rolls more in corners, but it does ride more smoothly. It’s not quite as soft as the Renault, yet it’s still more comfortable.
The car is really at home on motorways and the 118bhp 1.6 diesel is punchy enough but still delivers respectable fuel economy; I’m getting 44.6mpg out of my car so far. The gearchange isn’t as satisfying as the SEAT’s, and the chunky gearlever might feel a bit oversized, but now that I’m used to it, I’m really enjoying my time with the 3008.
*Insurance quote from AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
- Model: Peugeot 3008 1.6 BlueHDi 120 S&S GT Line
- On fleet since: April 2017
- Price new: £28,025
- Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 118bhp
- CO2/tax: 104g/km/£140
- Options: Pearl White metallic paint (£675), Advanced Grip Control (£470), aluminium roof bars (£120)
- Insurance*: Group: 18
- Quote: £668
- Mileage/mpg: 6,283/44.6mpg
- Any problems?: None so far
from Featured Articles http://bit.ly/2jkcoOv
Comments
Post a Comment