(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) From a compact MPV with seemingly few fans in the Middle East, Peugeot has transformed the 3008 into something of a chic crossover. But the French have always been known to dress up well - a quaity they're now translating to their cars with lan. It's the matters of quality, drive and utility that we must now seek to address for your benefit.
This second generation crossover - with a price range starting at Dh89,900, matching that of the Honda CR-V - was awarded 'European Car of the Year'. It also comes in different 'flavours', namely, 'Active' (the base variant), 'Allure' and the range-topper 'GTline', which we drove.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The 3008 was first launched globally in 2008. While the French were known to deliver quirky-but-cute designs, the first model didn't quite cut it. But they are getting back into the game with the second generation, which is positively recognisable and decently sized.
The distinctive front end maintains grace and composure, even with design complexities and chrome. You have the latter all over, starting with the grille surrounds and the internal floating chrome lines to the fog lamps. The LED daytime runners are lined up like Mercedes-Benz vehicles - and they do one better by making the amber directional indicators sequential in their operation. More intricacy is added by the body panels dissecting the headlamps - full LED units in the GTline.
The raised hood, the more conspicuous bash plate and the increased visual ride height have also helped elevate its look to that of a crossover SUV. A sporty touch is granted by the floating roof effect rendered by blacking out the B- and C- pillars. Replacing the triangle lamps at the rear is a gloss black rear panel into which red LED lamps, reminiscent of three claw marks (suggesting its feline inspirations), have been incorporated. The 2018 model is a sort of a full disclosure of Peugeot's styling ethos that future models will benefit from - and we approve. No need to excuse their French!
Open the doors at night, and you can see the lion insignia cast onto the ground by the puddle lights. That is one for luxury! And with the door frame wrapping the sides and underneath, the dirt stays clear of the body sill and your trousers. This one is for convenience!
Sliding into the reworked cabin is like stepping into yet another scene of this French renaissance. It will stun you with its future-forward design, thanks to the kind of surface detailing and switchgear they have implemented throughout the blacked-out cabin. It's sprinkled with chrome trimmings, taking a page out from the book of Volkswagen and Audi. only rendered better. The onslaught on boredom begins with the small diameter, sporty flat-bottom steering wheel that also has a flat top, giving it an almost-octagonal shape (probably to have a better view of the i-Cockpit) and the 12.3-inch customisable instrument panel. Peugeot call it a head-up digital display, but that isn't quite the case. It faces problems in the ergonomics department with the top half of the steering wheel blocking the view of the instrument cluster - a similar problem we faced in the 308 hatchback. But at least you can manage a decent driving position, thanks to steering column adjustability. Also, the customisation factor of the screen and the fade-out edges of the map - Audi-style - make it cool.
Its free standing 8-inch infotainment touch screen is standard fitment these days, but not the oh-so-fancy satin chrome toggle that we usually see in Lamborghinis or fighter jets. The angled centre console, and the chrome bridge that wraps it, gives it a very driver-centric feel, except you wouldn't say that from the compromised rear window view. Present are more idiosyncrasies such as the shift lever styled like a futuristic handbrake (it's a thing of the past) and the double-stacked dashboard with the fabric cloth surface. There is a surprising amount of stowage space as well - as seen in the depth of the central cubby.
There is plenty of space to spare even in the rear compartment - keeping your hairstyle intact up top, with knees free of seat bashing at the bottom. The large panoramic sunroof allows natural light in, but some may discern that the windows don't roll down completely and the doors don't open as wide as you'd imagine. But rear AC vents haven't been forgotten and that is something we'll be grateful for in the summer.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
This isn't a full-fledged offroader. It's meant to graze the tarmacs of cityscapes - which is presumably why this car comes with front-wheel drive and AWD isn't even an option. All versions get an uprated turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, which makes 240 Nm of torque and some 165 bhp - sufficient for city drives. However, the turbocharged nature makes it feel quicker at times and slower at others than its (claimed) near-10 second 0 to 100 km/ time, thanks to turbo lag.
Having that lightweight 4-cylinder over the front axle has its advantages. It is nimble on the streets with decent amount of feedback from the steering wheel. The tyres stick to the tarmac, giving the driver a sense of confidence around anything that is not a straight line. It also has 'Sport' mode - with a finicky activation button - that ups the eagerness of the chassis and, if you're not happy with preset shift point mapping, by pressing the 'M' button, you can pull the paddle shifters behind the wheels as well. It also benefits from a class-competitive fuel economy figure of 5.8L/100km, which puts some of its segment rivals to shame.
By considering the ground clearance, the approach and departure angles as well as the modest power offered by the front wheels, you'd keep it to light sandy parking and beaches, nothing more. But there is an Advanced Grip Control with multiple modes that allows you to set up the traction control system to optimise it for different terrains. You also have hill descent control - in case you want to hold on to your nerves while the car guides itself down a sandy slope. But this system is meant for countries with inconsistent weather.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
The compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuver, be it forward or back, and the bird's-eye view of the vehicle adds to the convenience. The vehicle comes equipped with lane departure warning while the Active Brake Safety feature is available between 30-160km per hour.
Cargo space isn't the roomiest, but is sufficient, and you can access it via keyfob or gesture control. There is a load lip but worry not - that is a false floor that can be raised. Once you do that, the removable parcel shelf can be placed under the false floor conveniently. The rear seats are split in a 1/3 and 2/3 fashion, but just remember that every time you need to get them upright from their folded position, you'll need to fiddle with the seat belts.
Of course, these are just the regular functions. To be authentically French, you need a little extra. And that is why you get a front seat multi-point massage system with multiple modes and perfumery. You can choose from fragrances like 'Cosmic Leather', 'Aerodrive' and 'Harmony Wood'.
I'm not a big fan of the response from touchscreen interface. But there is plenty to keep you occupied with its 12-way 515-watt amplifier and a wireless phone charger to keep the juice up while you play things off YouTube via Bluetooth.
VERDICT
Much like the proverbial caterpillar that turned into a butterfly, the Peugeot 3008 has become a very chic compact crossover with plenty of identity to show off to the public. It isn't by any means an off-roader, but has proven itself to be a city slicker with conveniences and features seen on more expensive vehicles. There are a few ergonomic issues and resale isn't the French brand's strong suit, but the Peugeot 3008 can turn the tide of the car-buying masses its way.
FUN FACT
Team PEUGEOT Abu Dhabi Racing aims for victory at Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi, FIA World Champion at the wheel of a Peugeot 3008 DKR
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type: 5-seater; 5-door premium compact crossover SUV
Engine: Front-engine; turbocharged 1.6-litre inline 4-cylinder; front-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Peak output: 162 bhp @ 6,000 rpm; 177 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
0 to 100km/h: sub-10.0 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 200 km/h (drag limited; estimated)
Price: Starting at Dh89,900
Good: Chic styling, inside and out; initial build quality; pricing; features
Bad: Residual value to be seen in the future; no AWD option
Author's rating: 7.5/10
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