Power and charm of Peugeot

Peugeot have spotted a gap in the burgeoning ‘crossover’ market and respectfully suggest their 3008 model really ought to be high on your shopping list, reckons DAVE FALL. In five short months international accolades have come their way already with the 3008, including “MPV of the Year in Portugal” and “Family Vehicle of the Year in Belgium”.

Group together all the good points found in a SUV (sports utility vehicle) with those from a MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) while adding a dash from both a hatchback and a sedan and you get a “crossover” vehicle: a mode of transport that’s fast gaining popularity across the globe. Thus the new Peugeot 3008 cleverly combines all of the above into rather a clever mode of transport. There are seven models to be found but with just two types of powerplant under the bonnet: a lively 1,6-litre petrol (115kW/240Nm) and a brilliant 2,0 turbodiesel (110kW/340Nm) both mated to a manual five- or six speed ’box.

Peugeot chose to take a bunch of motoring hacks to Namibia for the launch — a country renowned for its heavily rutted dirt roads to put the vehicle through its paces. Still, we needn’t have worried because Peugeot know a thing or two about what constitutes great suspension characteristics and smoothed out all but the very worst.

Get behind the wheel of this crossover vehicle and it’s a great place to be because just about every creature comfort can be found within. The French have a happy knack when it comes to innovative ideas and the 3008 won’t disappoint with neat touches such as their head-up display (a small, clear panel above the dash that works like an autocue giving a constant read-out of speed and cruise-control settings).

For me, though, the smartest device that’s standard on some models — or available as a R2,000 optional extra — is called Grip Control. It’s an electronic, dial-in device with five settings to optimise variable traction settings through the front driving wheels, ie: standard, snow(!), all-terrain, sand and ESP off. Certainly not a gimmick, this more than once was put to good use on some of the more treacherous dirt roads to be found in Namibia and of course right here in South Africa.

The cargo area has been cleverly thought out and boasts huge storage potential simply by moving panels and covers around in a modular sort of way. For even more space you just fold down the rear seats and Peugeot claim there’s more room than that found in most “dedicated” station wagons.

There are four petrol models and three turbodiesel models of 3008 in the range with prices starting at R248,500 for petrol and R302,100 for the Premium 2,0 HDi derivatives. Safety levels are superb and include half a dozen airbags, ABS brakes and most active and passive levels known to this classy French car manufacturer.

All the usual warranties apply, and with servicing intervals of 20,000km for the petrol and 30,000km for the oil-burners the crossover Peugeot 3008 really does deserve your consideration if you are in the market for a vehicle of this type.