Peugeot 3008 2010 review

Carmakers have been turning to creating niche models to try and catch the attention of an increasingly varied market. And Peugeot is trying to do it with the 3008 - the tall hatch is part SUV, part mini-peoplemover and part hatchback.

VALUE

The range starts at $35,990, but we're testing the two-litre turbo-diesel XTE, priced from $42,990. For that, the equipment list includes 18-in alloy wheels, six airbags, power mirrors and windows, a panoramic glass roof with blind, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, trip computer, rear parking sensors (front sensors are optional), hill-start assist and Bluetooth phone and audio link.

TECHNOLOGY

The little Pug is packed with some hi-tech gear, including a heads-up display with a traffic-gap readout (but not active cruise control). The rear suspension fights body roll and engineers have endowed this front-driver (as an option) with Grip Control, a switch akin to Land Rover's Terrain Response - standard, snow, all-terrain, sand and ESP-off modes are offered. It's admirably optimistic but likely to get Peugeot roadside assistance more business from owners stranded where they should never have taken this vehicle.

DESIGN

It's a blessing to be behind the wheel because, from front-on, it has an odd look - but others didn't mind the aesthetics. Inside there's a high centre console that might make some feel a little closed-in.

SAFETY

The 3008 XTE has dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags as well as pre-tensioning and load-limited front seatbelts. There are anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist and brake-force distribution, latest generation stability and traction control.

DRIVING

This tall SUV offers a surprisingly nice drive. Steering is light but not too vague; the seats are comfortable but there's a hemmed-in feeling from the dash and console and (at 190cm) the driving position is not ideal.

The two-litre turbodiesel is unobtrusive, reasonably smooth and has good outputs (120kW at 3750rpm and 340Nm at 2000rpm). The six-speed auto teams well with the engine to get around town at traffic pace without a drama. The solid torque output doesn't tug at the front wheels and the clever suspension system copes well with body roll, although small-sized bumps aren't dealt with in the same effective manner.

VERDICT

A clever, comfortable hatch on stilts - with plenty of features but a price tag to match.

PEUGEOT 3008 XTE 2.0 HDi

Price: From $42,990
Engine: Two-litre 16-valve four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 120kW @ 3750rpm
Torque: 340Nm @ 2000rpm
Performance: 0-100km/h 10.2 seconds. Top speed 190km/h
Fuel consumption: 6.7 litres/100km, on test 10.2 litres/100km
Tank capacity: 60 litres
Emissions: 176g/km
Suspension: Inverted strut with anti-roll bar (front); torsion beam (rear)
Brakes: Four-wheel discs, front ventilated, anti-lock, brakeforce dist.
Dimensions: Length 4365mm, width 1837mm, height 1639mm
Wheelbase: 2613mm
Cargo volume: 512/1604 litres
Weight: 1614kg.