It is hard to explain what type of car the Peugeot 3008 really is. The French wagon sits five at most. With a slightly raised ride height, it doesn't quite qualify as a bread van too. But unlike its identity, you should have fewer doubts about its capabilities.
Picture this. You are about to set off for a weekend beach outing with a small and cosy family and you end up packing the entire weekend's lunch instead of what was intended for brunch. After which you head down to your car just to realise there isn't enough space to keep your stuff.
With a sumptuous 512-litre boot, however, the 3008 will easily swallow your picnic boxes, and leave enough space for the kids and wife on board.Up close and Personal
With a boxy and more MPV-like overall, the French crossover isn't exactly the lean and mean machine meant for serious off-roading, but rather a plush and contemporary wagon that feels right at home in the city.
Picture this. You are about to set off for a weekend beach outing with a small and cosy family and you end up packing the entire weekend's lunch instead of what was intended for brunch. After which you head down to your car just to realise there isn't enough space to keep your stuff.
With a sumptuous 512-litre boot, however, the 3008 will easily swallow your picnic boxes, and leave enough space for the kids and wife on board.Up close and Personal
With a boxy and more MPV-like overall, the French crossover isn't exactly the lean and mean machine meant for serious off-roading, but rather a plush and contemporary wagon that feels right at home in the city.
The French seems to have a way with chrome too, and it shows prominently on the 3008. The shiny lashings help portray a classier image, although we'd gladly do without the chromed mirror covers, which look a tad too flashy for our liking.
That said, there are other accessories that we won't want to do without, such as the panoramic sunroof and a new 7.0-inch full colour infotainment screen - a great aid in working the navigation, multimedia and telephony functions.
That said, there are other accessories that we won't want to do without, such as the panoramic sunroof and a new 7.0-inch full colour infotainment screen - a great aid in working the navigation, multimedia and telephony functions.
The Drive
Powering the 3008 is the same 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel unit found in the larger seven-seater 5008. With the same 115bhp and 270Nm going through the front wheels yet weighing close to 100kg lesser, the junior five-seater that you see here, naturally, feels livelier and perkier.
In fact, the strong rush of low-end torque will easily leave you in marvel, especially when you think of the puny 1.6-litre engine that is responsible for all the work.
The six-speed ETG transmission is improved over its predecessor. However, it is still not as intuitive to work compared to torque converters and dual-clutch gearboxes. At times, the potency of the engine also feels undermined by the tardy cog swops.
That is not to say that lunch boxes in the 3008 risk spilling over. Worked without a heavy right foot, the 3008 will still dance through the six ratios in a smooth and graceful manner.
Powering the 3008 is the same 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel unit found in the larger seven-seater 5008. With the same 115bhp and 270Nm going through the front wheels yet weighing close to 100kg lesser, the junior five-seater that you see here, naturally, feels livelier and perkier.
In fact, the strong rush of low-end torque will easily leave you in marvel, especially when you think of the puny 1.6-litre engine that is responsible for all the work.
The six-speed ETG transmission is improved over its predecessor. However, it is still not as intuitive to work compared to torque converters and dual-clutch gearboxes. At times, the potency of the engine also feels undermined by the tardy cog swops.
That is not to say that lunch boxes in the 3008 risk spilling over. Worked without a heavy right foot, the 3008 will still dance through the six ratios in a smooth and graceful manner.
While most cars are fitted with featherlight steerings, the 3008 does with a heavier setup that requires more effort. On a positive note, the electro-hydraulic system grants better stability at the helm at highways speeds.
Conclusion
The latest makeover on the 3008 may not be as significant as we'd like it to be, but it gives the crossover a chic and much more pleasant appearance.
Admittedly, the drive isn't the most awe-inspiring, too, but it makes up with a serious dose of practicality - both in terms of space for the family (as well as picnic gears) and fuel cost.
What we genuinely like about the 3008 is the cheerful personality, which could be the key for the perfect weekend family outing. Happy family equates to happy life, isn't it?
Conclusion
The latest makeover on the 3008 may not be as significant as we'd like it to be, but it gives the crossover a chic and much more pleasant appearance.
Admittedly, the drive isn't the most awe-inspiring, too, but it makes up with a serious dose of practicality - both in terms of space for the family (as well as picnic gears) and fuel cost.
What we genuinely like about the 3008 is the cheerful personality, which could be the key for the perfect weekend family outing. Happy family equates to happy life, isn't it?
