Business First September 2017 Business First September 2017 | Page 70
MOTORING
Peugeot’s Space Place
W
ith what seems like an ever
increasing appetite for SUV’s (sports
utility vehicles) Peugeot have
introduced their new 2017 model the 3008. It
has already been crowned European Car of
the Year. I drove the 2.0 litre 180bhp diesel
engine model with an automatic gearbox in
GT Line specification.
The New 3008 is a big vehicle, exactly what
the buyers in this market are looking for. The
GT line was fully loaded with a welldesigned
interior and plenty of space for all of the
family. This is really what SUV’s are aimed at
as they are practical and people seem to
really like the higher driving position than a
saloon or estate car. The 2017 3008 certainly
has a strong road presence with its wide front
grill and the Peugeot Lion badge in the middle
of it. The 3008 sits quite high on its smart 19
inch alloy wheels.
The driving experience is very good. The
controls are nicely weighted and, thanks to
the colour fullydigital instruments,
important information like speed is clear and
easy to read although I was a little caught out
as the speedo moves in a normal clockwise
direction and sits on the left of the instrument
binnacle and the revcounter moves anti
clockwise and is on the right side. Easy once
you get used to it the French like to be that
little bit different. The high driving position
provides a good view forward, yet the 3008
doesn’t feel particularly large or unwieldy
around town.
The steering is light but precise while
comfort levels are impressive, even over
poorlysurfaced country roads. The 3008
does lean a little in corners but it grips very
well despite which was good for a vehicle of
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this size and it being driven by the front
wheels only. If you do need some extra
capability, Grip Control is optional and
increases traction on slippery or loose
surfaces, sending power to whichever front
wheel has the best traction.
On the Motorway you can sit back relax and
turn on the adaptive cruise control. In
addition the 3008 has speed limit recognition
and lane departure warning and autonomous
emergency braking, so the 3008 is ideal for
long journeys. This has a party trick when
paired to an automatic transmission, in that it
will stop automatically in traffic jams and
then, with a dab of the throttle, start again
and follow the car ahead. In a frustrating jam
it’s a real bonus and works seamlessly. The
2.0 litre diesel engine is quiet once you are
inside the car but outside or when the car is
ticking over it can be a little unrefined its
economical averaging 55miles per gallon.
The Peugeot 3008 is a little different from
the ever growing list of midrange SUV’S on
the market. It is a little quirky in places and a
bit more expensive (£33.695 as tested)than
similar vehicles in its class. With all that mind
it does everything well and if you are looking
for a bit of French Chic, well the Peugeot 3008
has that in bucket loads