Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi 163 CV Aut., test drive (Design, interior, equipment and price)

A week ago we started at Highmotor with the test of the Peugeot 3008 fitted with the most powerful diesel engine and automatic gearbox with six speeds. In the first part of the test we told you everything about the engine, performance and even the behaviour and consumption of the 3008.

Now in the second part we are going to slightly change our usual order, since the Peugeot 3008 is a car well known to our test team. Four years ago, we got behind the wheel of a Peugeot 3008 diesel with 150 CV. Everything related to the design, both interior and exterior, we covered in detail in the test we did at the time, so today we will go through these elements more quickly.

Exterior and interior design

From the outside the 3008 wants to be an SUV, but without four-wheel drive and at the same time an MPV, but different from the typical ones we see on the street. Here lies the best asset of this car, which blends a segment that seeks space and practicality with another that is very fashionable, the crossovers.

The front features the typical large grille; I suppose a replacement or at least some restyling that brings the new design language of the French brand is close. The 18-inch wheels or the tailgate that opens in two stages stand out.

Inside, an elevated driving position and a dashboard that mixes familiar elements with a avant-garde part, such as the various buttons located in the central part of the dashboard. Space is guaranteed both in the front and rear seats, where three adults travel comfortably and two will do so in comfort.

The MPV character is evident in the different compartments and glove boxes distributed throughout its interior. The door pockets are generous, the central storage compartment seems to have no bottom (a 1.5 L bottle fits), there are recesses in the floor of the rear seats and the main glovebox is also of generous dimensions.

The boot (432 litres) is very versatile, first of all because of the split tailgate, which I think is a great success; in addition, the load shelf can be placed in different positions and heights, a very practical detail -along with the torch-.

Equipment and prices

The standard equipment of the 3008 is quite complete and from the base trim level (Confort) it already includes ESP, front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags for the head, air conditioning, CD radio with steering-wheel controls and 6 speakers, among other items. In safety it achieved five stars, according to the tests carried out in 2009.

Currently the equipment is structured in three trim levels (plus two for the hybrid engine): Access, Style and Allure. Our test unit was an Allure, which comes with practically everything as standard, from the SUV-style exterior look to the interior head-up display.

The Peugeot 3008 is available from 18,390 euros for the Access trim, rising to 20,430 euros for the Style and finishing at 24,570 euros for the Allure trim (plus the Hybrid4).

Overall assessment

Having tested several MPVs from French brands, this 3008 has something that sets it apart from the rest. First of all the looks: it adds something more in aesthetic terms than other similar MPVs, and that distinctive image is a point worth considering. That said, it is starting to need a restyling; not major changes, but at least an update to an exterior look that has been current for 4 years.

On the other hand, in terms of dynamics, the 3008’s suspension strikes a successful balance between interior comfort and dynamism. It does not go to the excessively soft firmness that other French models have, and that gives it another asset in the segment. For travelling, and as long as the asphalt is in good condition, it is a car with great interior comfort.

In terms of equipment it is complete: standard equipment does not lack 17-inch wheels, air conditioning or radio, that is, the basics for a current car and sufficient in most cases.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverPeugeot 30088 versions · from 38,680 €