Peugeot 3008 2017 Review - International

Perhaps pride prevented Peugeot from creating a proper SUV. After all, they're heavier, less efficient and not as good to drive as an equivalent hatch.

That explains why the last 3008 was little more than a bloated hatch and the current 2008 is a really just a small wagon on stilts. Of course, we haven't forgotten the 4007 and 4008 - but those cars were more Mitsubishis in drag than a direct descendant to the 504.

Measuring 4467mm long, standing 1627mm tall and 1905mm wide with an impressive 220mm ground clearance, the new 3008 is no longer a people mover trying to match rival SUVs boasting the same proportions.

Amusingly, and despite now looking the part, until a hybrid version rocks up the entire 3008 range is strictly front-wheel drive, relying on the firm's Grip Control software (and an 18-inch mud and snow tyre option) to claw itself out of a sticky situation.

Replacing the current 4008, the 3008 isn't an Outlander in disguise. Instead, it's based on the PSA Group's Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) shared with the current 308 hatch and Citroen C4 Picasso people mover.

According to engineers, the new architecture, combined with ultra-high strength steel, aluminium front suspension components and a plastic tailgate and boot floor, has helped slash more than 100kg over the outgoing 3008's kerb weight.

Peugeot proudly claims its SUV is comfortably the lightest of its size, weighing 100kg less than the equivalent two-wheel drive Mazda CX-5 and an incredible 300kg less than the portly Volkswagen Tiguan.

Already voted European Car of the Year, the 3008 has got off to the best possible start up in the Northern Hemisphere, but now it's time to venture Down Under.

In Australia, there's the choice of just two engines – a 121kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and a more powerful 133kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel mill.

Both come equipped with the car maker's six-speed EAT6 automatic transmission.

A manual gearbox isn't an option. In other markets Peugeot offers a less powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a smaller 1.6-litre turbo-diesel but both have been ruled out for Down Under.

Best for efficiency is the diesel, which can average 4.8L/100km while emitting 124g/km of CO2. The petrol, meanwhile, ditches the European market's standard idle-stop system and is expected to average around 6.7L/100km once fuel consumption figures have been homologated for our market.

Inside, the Peugeot's generous exterior proportions are reflected in the huge, 520-litre boot that dwarfs the Mazda CX-5's 442-litre luggage space.

Unfortunately, in the rear the 3008 doesn't offer passengers quite as much legroom as a VW Tiguan but a tall person can sit comfortably behind a tall driver, unlike the previous 3008.

Frustratingly, the panoramic sunroof that's standard on all trims bar the base Active model, robs valuable headroom, but it does lighten up what must be one of the best SUV cabins in the business.

Following on from the 308 hatch, the 3008 gets Peugeot's latest minimalist i-Cockpit design.

From a style point of view, it's hard to fault the uncluttered layout, especially since all models come with the firm's 12.3-inch virtual dash and the Peugeot's latest eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system that's flanked by a row of 'piano key' shortcut buttons.

Fit and finish is impressive on the cars we drove but the 3008 interior isn't perfect.

The steering wheel can obscure the dash if you like to sit low with the wheel set high and the infotainment system would benefit from some separate controls for the aircon to stop you from cycling through its functions while the nav is operating - speaking of which, the 3D mapping is slow and not as clear as it should be.

That said, the standard MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow drivers the flexibility of being guided by better third-party apps - so it's not a deal breaker.

Like the small 308, Peugeot engineers have persevered with fitting the 3008 with a shrunken steering wheel. The theory is, not only does it give a better view of the road ahead (if not the instrument panel), the small wheel gives the impression of nimbleness - and that's exactly the case with the 3008.

Initially, the steering takes some getting used to. Not only is the rack fast, it’s overly light and lacks communication but there's no doubting the agile overall feel of the Pug SUV.

Engineers have worked hard to make the 3008 drive like a small hatchback in its responses.

Sharing the same front MacPherson strut and rear torsion bar layout as the 308 there's commendably little roll in corners.

Unfortunately, this has been at the expense of the ride.

Both the petrol and diesel 3008s we drove were stiffly sprung, and both Peugeot SUVs crashed over speed bumps and struggled to cope with bumps on the mainly smooth French roads. It doesn't bode well for our roads.

Deduct more points for brakes that were hard to modulate accurately at the top of the pedal.

Others in the small SUV class offer a more intuitive automatic transmission. The 3008's six-speed occasionally can act erratically or react slowly.

Both petrol and diesel models take the same 8.9 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill, but behind the wheel the more powerful diesel is the better match.

Its punchy 400Nm of torque peak makes it the more relaxing companion compared to the petrol, which needs to be worked and sounds strained.

Despite not being the best in its class to drive, the 3008 does offer one big redeeming feature, although it isn't bargain-basement pricing.

Early indicative pricing released by Peugeot Australia suggests the 3008 range will begin at $39,990 (drive away).

Clawing back a sizable advantage is all the Active, Allure, GT Line and GT models confirmed for Australia will come with a long list of standard equipment.

The one-rung up Allure, for example, bags 18-inch alloys, satnav, an auto-park feature, massage for driver and passenger seats, a wireless phone charger, full LED headlamps, autonomous emergency braking, active lane departure warning (that steers you back into lane to avoid a collision) and driver fatigue detection.

Throw in a five-star Euro NCAP test result and the 3008 lines up alongside the 308 as one of the best cars Peugeot currently sells.

It’s not cheap but the 3008 is well worth considering if you fancy taking a stylish break from cars like the Mazda CX-5 that dominate the SUV segment.

Peugeot 3008 pricing and specifications:
Price: From $39,990 (drive away)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 121kW/240Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (Combined)
CO2: 156g/km
Safety Rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP, 2017)