DRIVEN: Peugeot 3008

By Chris Wee 1 year ago

Is it an MPV or an SUV? That was the conundrum faced by motoring scribes when the 3008 was launched some time back. It looks like an SUV but doesn’t have 4WD, it could pass off as an MPV but only seats five. But in the great scheme of things, it doesn’t matter anymore….

The 3008 has proven itself to be quite a contender in the mid-size MPSUV genre. Okay fine, I just made that category up, but it’s pretty darn decent for RM146,888 on the road with insurance, and here’s why.

While the external looks take getting used to the 3008 has arguably the best interiors of any vehicle in this segment and price bracket. Not only is it ergonomically sound and exceedingly comfortable, it also looks like it was designed by someone who’s actually a car enthusiast.

I love the army of toggle switches below the centre-stack a/c vents, and the chromed-rimmed dials in the instrument cluster which add sportiness. An unobtrusive self-retracting head-up display informs the driver of velocity, while an auto-dimming rear-view mirror ensures the driver is safe from being dazzled from behind at night. Daytime running-lights are yet another feature that comes as standard.

The biggest selling point though has to be the full panoramic moon-roof. At the touch of a button located on the centre console below the electronic auto-disengaging parking brake, the entire headliner retracts into the rear revealing a full tinted fixed glass roof. I’d buy the 3008 just for this feature, but there’s more.

When I first heard the 3008 would be powered by a 1598cc engine, I thought it was a misprint, it wasn’t. The 3008 does indeed have a 1.6L 4-cylinder lump under the front bonnet, and it happens to be turbocharged. Thanks to forced-induction, dual-overhead cams, 16-valves and variable valve timing, the 3008 pumps out a very healthy 156bhp and 240Nm of torque from as low as 1400rpm.

Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual shift capabilities, the 3008 is good for a top speed in excess of 200kmh and does the 0-100kmh sprint in 9.5 seconds, while returning a respectable combined fuel consumption figure of 7.7L/100km. Roll-on acceleration is particularly good, especially from 80-120kmh, which is commonly known as the ‘danger zone’.

Emergency Brake Assist, ABS, EBD, Dynamic Roll Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-skid Regulation and Hill-start Assist are just a few of the active safety features of the 3008. Should things go beyond that though, the 3008 is also equipped with 6 airbags; it’s received the full 5-Star NCAP Crash Safety rating.

Out on the open road, just hit the cruise control and enjoy the journey. The 3008 rewards its driver as well as its occupants with the kind of assured ride and handling that is synonymous with Peugeot. There should be a lot more of these on the road; it’s quite a remarkable vehicle, regardless of what you might classify it as.