Weekend Roadtest: Peugeot 3008 Exclusive HDI 163 Automatic
publication date: Aug 28, 2010
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author/source: David Miles
| Crossovers are hugely popular, especially the ones
giving SUV looks with MPV seating and load carrying functionalities, but
with the footprint of a family five door hatch. Nissan is generally regarded as the brand which started the ‘crossover’ trend with the very popular Qashqai which is still the segment leader but more and more manufacturers are adding models before this fashionable new sector peaks. Recently we have seen the introduction of the Hyundai iX35, the Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga 2WD, VW Tiguan 2WD, BMW X1 and Toyota Urban Cruiser to name just a few added to the sector and the Mitsubishi ASX has just joined the market. |  |
However, potentially the best ‘package’ is the Peugeot 3008 five door which since its launch in November last year has become a strong sales contender both for retail customers and heavily taxed fleet and business user-chooser drivers. Now the 3008 2WD range has another piece of its model line-up jigsaw put into place – an automatic transmission model, a popular option for diesel and SUV/MPV customers. The range is still not complete however and a Hybrid4 version, with the electric element of the powertrain driving the rear wheels to give it all wheel drive, due in 2011. This will be the World’s first diesel hybrid vehicle and CO2 emissions will be 99g/km. Who says 4WD SUVs are gas guzzlers? I describe the 3008 as a ‘package’ and by that I mean that although it doesn’t excel in all areas it doesn’t fail in any as well and together the sum of what it offers adds up to a really good product. So much so I thought it was my Car of the Year for 2009/10 – What Car? magazine thought so as well. I have reviewed the 3008 several times before so I am just going to recap on its merits. The 4,365mm length gives it a road footprint of a family hatchback or estate but with 512 to 1,604-litres of load space, for me it looks much better than the droopy nose styling adopted for the 308 models on which it is based. It offers excellent refinement, a versatile and classy interior, it drives well enough to suit family or work needs and it is a great all rounder whether you are a family motorist or an active couple or just a couple who need versatile carrying space. Some of its headline merits include a Euro NCAP five star safety rating, electronic stability programme on all models, grip control as an option, automatic electric parking brake with hill assist, a split level rear tailgate with fold flat rear seats, head-up display and speed and distance alert options, optional parking aids front and rear and fuel efficiency whichever engine is chosen comes as standard. As I said a very good package and good value as well. There is a wide range of engine options with varying power outputs, 1.6-litre petrol with 120 or 156bhp outputs and two diesel HDI units, 1.6-litre, 110bhp and 2.0-litre with either 150 or 163bhp power outputs. All units are Euro 5 compliant and boast relatively low CO2 emission levels. Road tax costs range from £110 to £300 for the new First Year rate and then £110 to £200 for the second year onwards. Company car drivers will pay 19 to 26% Benefit-in-Kind tax depending on the model chosen. With a choice of Active, Sport and Exclusive trim and equipment levels prices range from an attractive and competitive £16,695 up to £22,795 for the new HDI 163 version with the new six-speed automatic transmission and Exclusive trim. I have just had a thoroughly enjoyable motoring spell with the 3008 and the new 2.0-litre HDI 163bhp turbodiesel engine which comes as a package with the new six-speed automatic gearbox and Exclusive trim and equipment priced at £22,795. It sounds expensive but for this level of technical specification and high equipment level it is competitive in this sector, it has to be because it is a very price sensitive and competitive market. The vehicle has as standard Dynamic Roll Control which as its name implies controls the handling and roll of the vehicle and with the extra performance the 163bhp brings and the height of the vehicle at 1,639mm it is a needed item. | |
 | Indeed all versions perform better and are sharper
in the handling department if this function is fitted as an option or
as standard. The Exclusive level of specification adds a panoramic glass sunroof,
automatic headlights and wipers, head up display, distance alert, tyre
pressure sensors, alarm, aluminium exterior finishings, additional
storage compartments and dual zone climate control. Electrically
operated door mirrors and windows are standard as are 17-inch alloy
wheels. A good sound system is included on all models. Unfortunately the leather upholstery and heated front seats on my test model cost an extra £1,025 and the navigation system added another £715 to the price. It is a pity that even the top Exclusive model doesn’t have the top specification most customers want without having to pay more. Top speed of this model is 127mph even with the auto gearbox which has sport, ice and snow settings and a tiptronic sequential change mode. The acceleration from zero to 62mph takes an impressively short 10.2 seconds. |
The six-speed auto box is smooth, perhaps not as fast between changes as the latest twin-clutch DSG type units but it works well with this new 163bhp, 340Nm (251lb ft) unit. Fuel economy is first class because officially the Combined Cycle fuel consumption is 42.1mpg but my test car driven on motorways and the normal day-to-day in traffic local and town routes returned better than that at 43.5mpg. On the down side the 176g/km CO2 emissions mean a £300 First Year rate road tax cost which lowers to £200 for the second year onwards. Unfortunately the excellent Peugeot Grip Control £450 option, which gives the two wheel drive 3008s more grip in poor road or lightweight off road conditions, isn’t available with this model and particularly for country dwellers with Winter on its way or for caravan or boat towing this option will be missed. On the subject of towing this version can pull up to 1,500kg. All in all the Peugeot 3008 remains my favourite ‘crossover’ because of the package of benefits it brings to market. It is versatile and with a classy interior, high specification, versatile passenger or load carrying layout, good driveability, economical on fuel, good engine choice, refined and easy to drive and now the automatic gearbox extends the reasons to buy. ©David Miles | |
| MILESTONES. Peugeot 3008 Exclusive HDI 163 Automatic £22,795 (£24,535 with some options). Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four cylinder HDI turbodiesel with particulates filter, 163bhp, 340Nm (251lb ft) of torque from 2,000rpm, 6-spedd torque converter automatic gearbox with tiptronic mode, front wheel drive. Performance: 127mph, 0-62mph 10.2 seconds, 42.1mpg Combined Cycle (43.5mpg actual), CO2 176g/km, VED road tax £300 First Year rate then £200 per year, BIK company car tax 26%. Insurance group: 22E. Load/towing capacities: 512 -1,604-litres, 1,500kg braked towing weight. For: Automatic transmission adds to the refinement offered by the 3008, classy interior, comfortable, a great all-round vehicle for families or couples for work or play, fuel frugal, looks good. Against: Not cheap for tax, extra cost options which should be standard for the Exclusive version make this latest addition start to look expensive against other 3008 versions, no Grip Control option. | |