If only I had driven the Peugeot 3008 just a couple of weeks earlier, it would have definitely found a place on my list of nominees for Car of the Year.
The 3008 is just that good.
It’s the all-round package of styling, comfort, drive performance and features, and if you know me you’ll know I’m not a fan of the redundant small SUV segment.
So where should we start?
External
On approach, the styling is modern with bold features with enough interest to be attractive while being simple enough as not to be plain.
The chrome trims, black roof and mirrors and 18” two-tone diamond cut alloys in the 3008 GT-Line enhance this look.
Internal
Hop in the driver’s seat and you’ll feel very much at home in the driver-centric cockpit.
You’re enclosed by the raised centre console with a separator on the passenger side, and the centre dash is angled towards the driver.
All of this adorned in chrome highlights, soft touch materials and grey fabric finishing again adding to the refinement.
Only issue I noticed with the fit and finish was the edge of the glovebox failing to line up.
The body hugging, racing style seats are also in two-tone, lined with polymer and fabric trim and stitching extending to the panelling.
The compact flat-bottomed (and flat-topped) steering wheel afford precise control over the tightly tuned vehicle harbouring a couple of paddle shifters.
Though the flattened parts of the wheel give an odd sensation when turning the wheel, like there’s something missing.
Space in the rear is always a bit hit and miss in a small SUV but the 3008 is adequate.
Everything in the cabin looks just that bit sportier while being classy, and if that didn’t make your eyes wide, the ambient lighting that changes colour to match the selected drive mode will.
Features
As with many Peugeot’s, the instrument panel is an HUD style – a large 12” single screen.
Incredible graphics and animated transitions add a nice touch to an already refined experience.
These are sleek and smooth with nice fonts and greyed out areas to display navigation, road info, and car info.
The other 8” touchscreen sticks out of the dashboard, controlling all other functions such as sat-nav and digital radio.
Similar to other new cars with advanced technology, making A/C selections on-screen can be a bit cumbersome however.
When low on fuel display screen will automatically display navigation map to several different colour coded routes to the nearest petrol station.
Underneath that are airplane style selection switches, off road selection dial, sport mode button, electric park brake and a rather ergonomic pistol grip-type gear shifter, which after some getting used to, is rather apt.
Other notable features include adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, park assist and numerous storage areas.
The removable floor can sit flush or can be positioned lower for more storage while the spring loaded rear seats are easily folded down from the rear with boot controls.
A powered tailgate is an optional $500 for added convenience but the cool foot operated opening, allowing you to wave your foot under bumper while your hands are full, is sure to open your wallet.
One of the few features missing are powered seats (available in the top of the line model), but this is forgivable when all things are considered.
For an extra $2000 you can enjoy a large panoramic sunroof that opens.
Drive and Engine
Out on the road the 3008 shines yet again in its dynamics and hatchback-like handling and is easy to throw around.
An all-round pleasurable drive.
The Peugeot 3008 GT-Line is the second tier of the range and the top spec petrol model powered by a 1.6L turbo.
This motor provides surprising acceleration when you consider the moderate 121kW/240Nm, power and torque specs.
But the power is there when you need it more so in sport mode which may have contributed to the 9.9L/100km fuel consumption.
Safety
Safety tech is at a premium in the GT-Line with a distance alert system, lane departure warning, and rear and front view cameras to aid with parking.
On top of this is active lane keeping assistance which corrects the trajectory by acting on the steering before the lane marking is crossed though this can get in the way by adjusting the steering when you don’t want it to.
Good Bits
Bold, attractive styling- HUD instrument panel/advanced graphics
- Comfortable, luxury interior
- Tech features
- Dynamic handling
- Large panoramic roof
- Powered tailgate
Not So Good
- Flat topped steering wheel
- No powered seats
Facts and Figures: 2018 Peugeot 3008 GT-Line
- Engine: 1.6L turbo petrol four-cylinder 121kW/240Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed sports auto
- Warranty: 3 Yrs/100,000km
- Safety: Five Stars
- Origin: France
- Price: From $43,490
2018 Peugeot 3008
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Overall Rating
Summary
The 3008 would have to be the best Peugeot I’ve driven apart from the 308 and I was rather forlorn to hand back the keys.
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