What is it?
The 3008 crossover is Peugeot’s family-friendly answer to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai. It combines a high-rise driving position with a more rounded, MPV-like aesthetic and a spacious, flexible interior, along with a comfortable if uninvolving steer.
What the 3008 doesn’t get is any conventional form of four-wheel drive (the e-HDi hybrid version has electrically driven rear wheels). Instead we have Peugeot’s Grip Control – standard with SR spec, or a £470 option on Active and Allure HDI 115 (as here) and HDi 150 models.
What is it like?
Grip Control is a more finely nuanced extension of the 3008’s ESP. It has five settings, delivering various degrees of drive to the front wheels according to conditions. Most saliently, given the recent wintery snap, there’s one for ice and snow. It’s complemented by Michelin Latitude Tour HP mud and snow tyres. It’s a clever solution that neatly addresses the issue of dealing with low-grip situations without the weight compromise of four-wheel drive or the inconvenience of swapping to winter tyres. At least that’s the theory.
Sadly, the model arrived just after the snow thawed, so we couldn’t test Peugeot’s claims. We were, however, able to enjoy the 3008’s 114bhp, 1.6-litre diesel engine’s 48mpg-plus day-to-day economy, marvel at the capacious split-level boot and curse the stodgy, lifeless pedals.
Should I buy one?
The 3008’s styling and driving experience isn’t for everyone, but it’s an interesting alternative to more overtly off-road crossovers, while Grip Control has the makings of an option worth shelling out for.
Peugeot 3008 HDI 115 Allure
Price £22,565; 0-62mph 13.6sec; Top speed 112mph; Economy 57.6mpg (combined); CO2 127g/km; Kerb weight 1590kg; Engine 4 cyls, 1560cc, turbodiesel; Power 114bhp at 3600rpm; Torque 270lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual;
