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It has been a year since I last reviewed the 2017 European Car of the Year. Still as good looking as ever - now with more variety. The 3008 was initially launched only with a 1.6 turbocharged motor, which I reviewed. Last year, Peugeot added two other compelling motors to its highly accoladed SUV. First off, the 1.2 turbocharged motor which was then followed by 2.0 turbocharged diesel motor. The three motors give a nice spread for customer selection. The advantage of the entry-level 1.2 is price. This variant could arguably be considered ‘cheap’ at just below R380 000. The new 2.0 diesel motor is ideally suited for the 3008. It offers frugal fuel consumption and refined, brisk acceleration. This motor is particularly well suited to the car’s automatic gearbox. The 1.6 sits perfectly in the middle of the range. The engine is dynamic and enjoys driving this family SUV. It is the most popular choice, hence the largest variety of trim models – Active, Allure and GT-Line.

Slightly bigger, and far better looking than its predecessor, the 3008 is a more focused vehicle than before; more SUV and less multipurpose vehicle without the previous “WTF look”. ‘Futuristic’ would be a good word to describe the new 3008.

Distinctive aesthetics aside, the 3008 is also a practically sized vehicle, with a generous boot, space for five and 16 handy storage compartments, although slightly smaller than some rivals.

Design and technology features are a highlight of the 3008’s package - virtual electronic display (named the i-Cockpit), mood lighting, selective scent diffusion that blows through the air conditioning and a wrap-around and sculpted dashboard, laced in elegant soft-touch materials. Additionally, there is a Keyless Entry and an automated electronic handbrake function. There is an infotainment system that manages a long list of the car’s technologies via sophisticated, high-quality touchscreen display, daylight running likes, rear Park Distance Control, automated headlights and windscreen wipers. All of this is standard in the lower specification Allure model with additional kits on more expensive models.

So, the 3008 gets a tick for its aesthetics, accommodation, technology and value for money, but what is it like to drive?

Like most French cars, the 3008 has a supple ride. Comfort is key, and the car’s compliant elasticity soaks up poor road surface with a plume. Basically, it is a pleasure to drive. Sound deadening is top notch as there is very little noise intrusion into the cabin at all.

The engine within my test car was the free-revving 2.0-L turbocharged diesel motor. It confidently accelerates the midsize 3008. Never aggressive but always very willing and able. The diesel’s torque advantage (100 Nm) over the petrol options make it an appropriate towing vehicle. It’s nice to know that if you’re in a hurry, the 3008 will sprint to 100 km/h in just 8.9 seconds, both the diesel and 1.6 turbocharged motor. Power is decent - 110 kW/370 Nm. During my test period, I was able to achieve a fuel consumption of 6.5-L /100km and a year ago, 7.8-L with the 1.6. These are all very respectable figures.

A highlight of the drive is its quick turning steering, operated via the car’s unique little sports steering wheel. Handling is good but not as dynamic as the Mazda CX-5, which is just that much more fun to drive. 

Your gearbox choice is either a six-speed manual or automatic. I’d go with the latter. Its lever is a work of art that enhances the artistic transmission console. It stands as an ode to the cabin’s modernist lines.

Gear changes are smooth, while the computer mapping of the gearbox is sophisticated enough to select the best gear. Manual mode is available together with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for some playful fun. Not perfect - the gearbox is laidback, like the rest of the car’s character, and not as eager to rip through its gears at the same pace as VW’s DSG box in their Tiguan. 

Overall, this SUV is far more dynamic than you’d think - considering its meagre price - just R440 000 and what Peugeot have packed into their new SUV, the 3008 is arguably in the top three cars within its class. Its closest rivals are the VW Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5.

Plus + 

Stunning looks.

Beautiful interior.

Quiet.

High specification levels.

Minus –

Perceived resale value.

Not as spacious as some of its rivals.

The competition 

Audi Q3, BMW X1, Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, KIA Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV, Jeep Compass, Honda HR-V.

 Pricing

1.2 T Active Limited Edition R378 900

1.6 T Active Auto R424 900

2.0 HDi Active R439 900

1.6 T Allure Auto R470 900

2.0 HDi Allure R491 900

1.6 T GT-Line Auto R532 900

Service and warranty 

The Peugeot 3008 Service Plan details - 4 Year/60 000 Km Service Plan. 3 Year/100 000 Km Warranty, 12 Year Anti-Perforation and 3 Year Paint Warranty.

www.peugeot.co.za

My choice

2.0 HDi Allure R491 900