The Peugeot 3008 is full of surprises.
Firstly I didn't expect a lifestyle vehicle to drive and handle as well as this one does and secondly it has more space inside it than I ever imagined.
In fact it was the reason the Peugeot 3008 Sport HDi 150 handled so well that I discovered how much leg room there was behind the drivers seat - I got a little excited on the mountain roads of Snowdonia and my mobile phone slipped out of my pocket and ended up underneath my seat. Don't you just hate it when that happens?
Firstly I didn't expect a lifestyle vehicle to drive and handle as well as this one does and secondly it has more space inside it than I ever imagined.
In fact it was the reason the Peugeot 3008 Sport HDi 150 handled so well that I discovered how much leg room there was behind the drivers seat - I got a little excited on the mountain roads of Snowdonia and my mobile phone slipped out of my pocket and ended up underneath my seat. Don't you just hate it when that happens?
Anyway, as I scrambled around the back of the car looking for my phone it struck me just how much legroom rear-seat passengers would have in this car.
For the Peugeot 3008 falls into the new crossover segment of the car market, meaning it's longer, taller, roomier five-seat hatchback. With this in mind it makes sense that potential buyers will be looking for a car to transport a family in comfort.
I don't have a family but I can assure you there is by far enough space for three adults to sit in the back of this car without getting deep vein thrombosis.
Moving further backwards and the 3008 become even more endearing thanks to it 'Multiflex Interior', which mean the back seats can be folded flat to the floor with no need for lifting and tugging.
And then there's the boot, if you're looking for a car with space then things keep getting better as the 3008 offers exceptional load capacity thanks to a unique three position boot load area floor and a forward folding tailgate.
Back in the driver's seat and things are good there too.
Despite being a pretty big car the sporty 3008 is no slouch and will reach 0-62mph in an impressive 9.7 seconds, taking you on to a top speed of 121mph.
The handling is better than you might expect for such a tall car too, and on the twisty mountain roads it is a joy to drive, largely thanks to its light and precise steering.
The Sport HDi 150 comes with an on-the-road basic price of £20,195, but my test car had metallic paint, Sat Nav, a visibility pack and a spectacular electronically controlledpanoramic glass roof to push the price up to £21,835. But with combined fuel economy of49.5mpg and an insurance group of 20 (on the 1-50 scale), running costs are pretty low for such a sporty motor.
As for the car's styling I am sure there will be people who disagree with me when I say it's an attractive, hunky car. I have heard people describe the Peugeot's grille as "dentistry gone wrong" but i think that's unfair, it's just different, and more often than not there is nothing wrong with something a little different.
Given time and I'm sure the Peugeot's styling will grow on most people, but even I have to admit it does have a bit of the Marmite 'love it or hate it' syndrome about it.
Inside and the styling is an equally emotive issue. Again I think it's more beauty than beast but others will disagree. I like the high central console which cocoons you in the driver's seat, yet many won't!
The only thing I do think is a little strange when it comes to the styling is the oddly placed grab-handle for the front-seat passenger. It makes the passenger seat feel cramped and as far as I can work out serve no real purpose as it's too far forward to be of practical use.
Overall the 3008 is a very good car and one I expect to deliver excellent sales figures for Peugeot. How do I know it's a good car? Because after using it for a week, I didn't want to give it back.
By Richard Jones
For the Peugeot 3008 falls into the new crossover segment of the car market, meaning it's longer, taller, roomier five-seat hatchback. With this in mind it makes sense that potential buyers will be looking for a car to transport a family in comfort.
I don't have a family but I can assure you there is by far enough space for three adults to sit in the back of this car without getting deep vein thrombosis.
Moving further backwards and the 3008 become even more endearing thanks to it 'Multiflex Interior', which mean the back seats can be folded flat to the floor with no need for lifting and tugging.
And then there's the boot, if you're looking for a car with space then things keep getting better as the 3008 offers exceptional load capacity thanks to a unique three position boot load area floor and a forward folding tailgate.
Back in the driver's seat and things are good there too.
Despite being a pretty big car the sporty 3008 is no slouch and will reach 0-62mph in an impressive 9.7 seconds, taking you on to a top speed of 121mph.
The handling is better than you might expect for such a tall car too, and on the twisty mountain roads it is a joy to drive, largely thanks to its light and precise steering.
The Sport HDi 150 comes with an on-the-road basic price of £20,195, but my test car had metallic paint, Sat Nav, a visibility pack and a spectacular electronically controlledpanoramic glass roof to push the price up to £21,835. But with combined fuel economy of49.5mpg and an insurance group of 20 (on the 1-50 scale), running costs are pretty low for such a sporty motor.
As for the car's styling I am sure there will be people who disagree with me when I say it's an attractive, hunky car. I have heard people describe the Peugeot's grille as "dentistry gone wrong" but i think that's unfair, it's just different, and more often than not there is nothing wrong with something a little different.
Given time and I'm sure the Peugeot's styling will grow on most people, but even I have to admit it does have a bit of the Marmite 'love it or hate it' syndrome about it.
Inside and the styling is an equally emotive issue. Again I think it's more beauty than beast but others will disagree. I like the high central console which cocoons you in the driver's seat, yet many won't!
The only thing I do think is a little strange when it comes to the styling is the oddly placed grab-handle for the front-seat passenger. It makes the passenger seat feel cramped and as far as I can work out serve no real purpose as it's too far forward to be of practical use.
Overall the 3008 is a very good car and one I expect to deliver excellent sales figures for Peugeot. How do I know it's a good car? Because after using it for a week, I didn't want to give it back.
By Richard Jones
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