This soft-roader has plenty of upmarket flair but venturing off-road is not really an option.
- Classy and versatile cabin
- Clever boot
- Smooth and strong diesel drivetrain
- Confident road manners
- Loads of equipment
- Not cheap
- tight rear accommodation
- lumpy urban ride
- no all-wheel-drive (for now)
2 Minute road test (See full review)
Price and equipment
Prices kick off at $35,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs) for the XSE turbo petrol model, putting the 3008 a step above your average Korean or Japanese compact soft-roader and on a price par with Volkswagen's Tiguan. We sampled a top-line XTE model, which starts at $39,490 in turbo petrol form or $42,990 for the 2.0 HDi diesel tested here. It can also be had in 1.6 HDi form.
Regardless of engine, it's a generously specified car, adding head-up display, panoramic glass roof (with electric sun blind), Bluetooth, USB port for the audio system and 18-inch alloys to the XSE's already respectable list.
You'll have to fork out, though, if you want leather or premium paint. And the optional Video Pack entertainment system, despite handy Bluetooth headsets, needs buyers to invest in a portable DVD player as the audio system only plays CDs.
All 3008s get six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, hill-start assist and rear parking sensors.
The XTE adds a distance-alert function for the head-up display, to warn the driver when the vehicle is getting too close to the vehicle in front.
Under the bonnet
Turbo petrol models might be cheaper but the 3008 works best with the new 2.0-litre HDI diesel, which pumps out a competitive 120kW of power and 340Nm in torque, as well as meeting Euro 5 emissions standards.
The petrol's lag issues in stop-start driving simply don't show up in the 2.0 HDI. It matches beautifully to the six-speed auto for strong, smooth and relaxed performance around town and on the open road and is quite hushed for a diesel. Fuel economy doesn't reset benchmarks but the official 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres result is better than most 2.0-litre diesel soft-roaders. We averaged 7.1L/100km on test.
How it drives
Two-wheel-drive versions of soft-roaders are common these days but the 3008 is exclusively front-drive, at least until a petrol-electric hybrid version that drives all four wheels arrives next year. Peugeot, however, offers a no-cost option called Grip Control, which allows the driver to alter the traction-control settings to suit the conditions. We can't vouch for its effectiveness, though, as neither 3008 we sampled had this system. Still, the Pug has above-average manners on the tarmac, where it is likely to spend the majority of its time. It sits flat in corners, has faithful (if light) steering and remains poised, even when pushed.
Not so good is the ride on the XTE's 18-inch rims, which tends to feel lumpy at low speeds. But it settles down at open-road speeds and delivers adequate cushioning on dirt. Tyre noise, too, is well hushed.
Comfort and practicality
The 3008's front-seat environment is adventurous, with its distinct cockpit feel, lovely toggle switches and head-up display (which rises from the dash on start-up) imparting a unique ambience.
It's refreshingly airy, too, thanks to that panoramic roof and the materials - while not quite as luscious as in a Tiguan - feel upmarket.
The Pug also has comfortable (if slightly wide) seats and plentiful seating and steering adjustment. There's loads of handy storage and the boot, too, is a useful size. It's accessed by a handy two-piece tailgate and is versatile, thanks to a moveable floor, removable torch, ski port and one-touch seat-folding function. A pity, then, that the back seat is cramped for adult-sized occupants. Other disappointments, such as the cruise control and audio controls that are hard to find and take time to master, are easier to forgive.
Overall verdict
The 3008 has many endearing attributes and in 2.0 HDI form you also get great driveability. However, while the top-line diesel model is clearly the pick of the litter, there are still potential stumbling blocks, such as the tight back seat, iffy ride and road-biased skills set. So while the Pug is a decent compact soft-roader with plenty of upmarket flair, it's not quite a standout.
Nuts & Bolts
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Competitors
BMW X1 sDRIVE 20d From $51,500 plus on-road and dealer costs |
Hyundai ix35 Highlander AWD 2.0R From $37,990 plus on-road and dealer costs |
Volkswagen Tiguan 103 TDI From $36,690 plus on-road and dealer costs |
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