Peugeot 3008: Sexy but exy

What is it?

Peugeot has a very good range of vehicles including their mid-sized 3008. Think RAV4 and you’ll have an idea of where it sits.

There are three trim levels to choose from: Allure, GT Line, and GT, with petrol or diesel powertrain — but the oiler is reserved for the GT.

What’s it cost?

Peugeot is offering some sharp, driveaway deals as we speak. 

Allure starts from $39,990, the GT Line from $49,990 which includes a bonus pack, with top of the line GT from $55,990 (also with bonus pack).

That lobs with a full length glass roof and some simply gorgeous looking leather pews.

From top to bottom the 3008 is a looker.

The GT Line has a black roof, subtle rear spoiler above the powered tailgate, and alloy-coloured roof rails.

It’s compact at 4447mm in length, but looks longer, with a 2675mm wheelbase that doesn’t cramp interior space.

It presents an elegantly sculpted profile, complete with Michelin Premacy rubber, 205/55 in size on 19 inch grey and silver machined alloys.

Black body mouldings link each end.

At night a Peugeot logo shines from the exterior mirrors on to the ground.

Tail lights are a triple notch signature.

A key design feature is the shark fin that sits underneath and separates the slimline headlight cluster.

It’s the starting point for a line that draws the eyes to the lower air intake, chrome lined driving lights, and alloy coloured plate for the centre grille.

Inside, especially with white stitched leather seats, it is a sumptuous office space.

The i-cockpit digital dash sits high and above the steering wheel but looks exactly spot on.

The flat top and bottom steering wheel itself is small in diameter, lending a sporty feel.

Switch gear is double redundant; there are aircraft style press switches in the middle of the dash for radio, aircon, vehicle settings, that sit above minor controls such as tabs for the heated seats.

A chrome strip runs from the right of the switches, in a C-shape down behind the rocker-switch drive selector.

Aircon vents for the rear seat passengers sit at the end of the deep console bin, and the front seats have storage nets for the rear seat passengers.

A fold out tray holds two cups here and there is blue tinted ambient lighting throughout the cabin.

Audio is DAB enabled and a nice touch is the auto high-beam that provides more light when certain levels of exterior lighting are detected.

Safety is high with six airbags, driver alert systems, and a dual level Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

Cameras and radar read the road, and when an obstacle is detected — a loud series of chimes rings out.

Blind spot alert and lane keep assist is also fitted.

What’s it go like?

Propulsion for the Allure and GT Line comes courtesy of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Peak power of 121kW spins out from 6000rpm, while 240Nm of torque is avaialable from a low 1400 revs.

The auto is a six speed affair and labelled EAT-6.

Although it sounds like something Weird Al Jankovic may have sung about, the 6-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission feels and drives like a dual-clutch auto, complete with the gap between Reverse and Drive and vice versa.

Coupled with a small capacity turbo engine that needs a second or so to spool up, enough time to create some uneasy moments at intersections.

It also exhibits typical dual-clutch idiosyncrasies underway, with that slight hesitation from ratio to ratio, yet does so without any noticeable fuss.

The engine is willing but is perhaps hampered in its efforts to deliver any real urge due to a near 1400kg dry weight.

A figure closer to 300Nm would help endow the GT Line with better performance, and economy too, with a 9.8L/100km city cycle from the 52-litre tank.

Get it on the highway and 5.3L/100km is the quoted figure.

We finished on 8.5/100km.

Drive is engaged via a pistol grip style lever, with an electronic park button on top, as well as to unlock Drive and Reverse.

A separate Sport mode button is provided but made no difference in real terms to the way the 3008 GT Line drove.

The steering likes a little effort, not a lot, as do the brakes, with just a small amount of pressure getting bite to the discs.

The suspension, too, is also a little effort setup, with plenty of absorption and compliance — but overall not quite as sharp dynamically as Toyota’s new RAV4.

What we like?

• Euro chic looks inside and out
• Euro-plush ride

What we don’t like?

• Urge is good, but could be better
• Torque converter auto feels like a DCT and with similar traits

The bottom line?

It’s a good looker, sits on the road well enough, and drives fairly.

The DCT-like EAT-6 transmission takes some getting used to, and 240Nm from a 1.6-litre engine is good, but it struggles somewhat with the weight.

Which may make the eight-speed that’s available in the GT a better option.

And, with a price tag of $50K, the Aussie exchange rate doesn’t help matters, even with the bonus — then there’s some stiff competition available for or at a lower price . . . 

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