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Peugeot 3008 Crossover review: Cross the Tracks

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These days, mainstream makers simply have to have a class-competitive portfolio of Crossover models on their books - and Peugeot is no different. The first model the company offered in this segment was the Qashqai-sized 3008, which turned out to be an unexpected sales success for the Gallic maker. In recent times though, this design found itself overtaken by more modern rivals, not only the rejuvenated second generation Nissan Qashqai but also cars like Renault's Kadjar and Honda's HR-V.

[breakout title="Scoring: Peugeot 3008 Crossover" align="right"]

Performance: 70%

Handling: 70%

Comfort: 80%

Space: 80%

Styling: 80%

Build: 80%

Value: 70%

Equipment: 80%

Economy: 80%

Depreciation: 70%

Insurance: 70%

Total: 75%[/breakout]

Hence the need for this second generation 3008, a car lighter, sleeker, larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor. Though the engines used are carried over from the previous model, almost everything else is new, including the distinctive 'i-Cockpit' dashboard design and the sophisticated infotainment and connectivity systems on offer.

Driving Experience

As before, the 3008 is built around a front wheel drive platform. There's nothing new in terms of the engine line-up, which is carried over from other models in the brand's range. That means the majority of customers will continue to choose the 1.6-litre BlueHDi engine, offered in either 100 or 120bhp guises.

There's also a 2.0-litre BlueHdi unit developing 150bhp. The two pokier diesel variants come with the option of automatic transmission.

If your annual mileage isn't great though, don't dismiss the petrol offerings. There's are primarily based around Peugeot's innovation three cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech powerplant, offered with either manual or automatic transmission. At the top of the range, there's also a 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol engine with 165bhp, offered only with an auto 'box.

Design and Build

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This second generation 3008 is ma much sleeker-looking thing than its predecessor. At just 4450mm in length, it's one of the most compact models in its segment, offering greater passenger and luggage space over the outgoing model. With a longer wheelbase and an overall length which is just 80mm longer than the MK1 design, interior space has greatly improved, most notably for rear occupants who now have an additional 24mm legroom, 4mm elbow room and 36mm headroom.

Front elbow space has also increased by 17mm, despite the width of the new model being identical to the outgoing version at 1840mm and height be 19mm lower at 1620mm.

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Inside, Peugeot has adopted its i-Cockpit design to suit this model, this set-up now also incorporating an 'Amplify' option that means you can quickly change things like ambient lighting and music settings - and even add in cabin fragrances and massaging seat intensity. Luggage space has also improved in this new 3008, the 520-litre luggage capacity being 90-litres greater than the previous version.

Fold the second row of seats flat and this results in a total luggage capacity of 1580-litres, one of the largest and most versatile load capacities in the segment. The folding bench seat has a 2/3 - 1/3 'Magic Flat' capability to optimise loading with a flat floor. The very original adaptable moving boot floor, initiated on the original 3008 has been evolved with two positions to allow the optimisation of boot space and removable side-panels that can be affixed to the side boot trim.

Market and Model

Expect prices to be pretty similar to those of the outgoing model, which means a likely span between £21,000 and £26,000. Connectivity is taken care of by facilities like MirrorScreen smartphone linking, induction Smartphone recharging and 3D connected navigation with TomTom traffic reports.

TomTom connectivity also delivers information that could be essential to your journey on things like local weather ,car-parks and the location of service stations.There's also the Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance system that'll automatically alert the emergency services in the event of an accident.

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As for safety, Peugeot is offering what it calls 'Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert' this time round, a system that combines autonomous braking with a lane departure warning system. There's also a Driver Alert Warning function which will warn you if the car notices fatigue in your driving reactions.

Other systems include Automatic High Beam Assistance, to automatically switch between high beam and low beam depending on the lighting conditions and oncoming traffic; Speed Sign Detection; Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function; an Active Blind Spot Monitoring System; and Park Assist, which allows the vehicle to park itself with minimum input from the driver. There are also useful 'Visiopark' all-round camera view systems if you want them.

Cost of Ownership

Peugeot's BlueHdi diesel engines have already proved themselves to be paragons of cleanliness and frugality in the brand's other model and that's carried forward here. This second generation 2008 design's lighter weight and sleeker bodywork also helps, plus, as you would expect, there's an 'S&S' engine stop and start system to cut the powerplant off when you don't need it, stuck at the lights or waiting in traffic.

As a result of all this, the BlueHDi 120 variant that'll probably be the most popular choice manages around 70mpg on the combined cycle and not much more than 100g/km of CO2. even if you go for the PureTech 1.2-litre petrol run it, you'll still be getting well over 65mph and not much more than 110g/km of CO2.

Overall

So-called Crossover models like this might be the automotive equivalent of sitting on the fence but they do offer an attractive combination of many of the kind of qualities that a significant number of today's family buyers are looking for. If you're one of those people, uncertain whether to plump for the high driving position and chunky looks of an SUV 4x4 or the handling composure and fuel economy of a family hatchback, then try one of these first. Smarter, sleeker and more up-market, this second generation 3008 SUV is right back in contention with more modern rivals in this increasingly image-conscious segment.

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