Style: May 04, 2018

80 STYLE | motoring
PEUGEOT
with panache
Motoring writer Ross Kiddie puts the European
Car of the Year through its paces.
Peugeot has recently released two very important new
models, the 2008 and 3008. This evaluation focuses on
the latter, a mid-size sport utility vehicle. The price range
spreads from $39,990 to $54,990 for a 2-litre diesel GT.
In its latest iteration, the 3008 lands here with three
engine options; one petrol-powered model and two
diesels. The test car is the entry-level Active with a 1.6-litre
turbocharged petrol engine. It is pretty much a carryover
from the previous generation and that’s no surprise as it is
an honest, efficient and solid performer.
Peugeot rates it with 121kW and 240Nm power
outputs, the latter arriving at just 1400rpm, which is thanks
to the turbocharged boost. Never at any point during
my time with the car did I think the engine felt underequipped.
Performance is solid and this is backed up by
healthy acceleration figures – a standstill to 100km/h time
of 9sec can be expected.
The 3008 is only available here with automatic
transmission. The six-speeder has a broad spread of ratios,
the engine easily filling the gaps between gears, the two
elements combine to provide smooth application.
Like most manufacturers, Peugeot has included a manual
sequential shift system over the conventional six-speeder,
that is available at the main gearshift lever itself, there are
also several drive and uneven surface modes available
through dial and push-buttons. I used standard mode
mostly as it relaxes the engine, as opposed to a more lively
experience in sport mode.
Under those conditions the 3008 1.6 returns healthy
fuel usage figures. Although I couldn’t replicate Peugeot’s
seven-litre per 100km/h (40mpg) combined cycle claim,
the fuel usage readout was constantly reading around
8l/100km (35mpg) during my time in the car. At 100km/h
the engine is loping over at just 1800rpm, returning an
instantaneous reading of just 5.4l/100km (52mpg), yet
at the same time it is eager to be unleashed, the turbo
boosting well at that speed, offering eager overtaking
opportunities.
The 3008’s driveline is a cracker and has fluid
management protocols, Peugeot has landed on a
combination that works solidly and smoothly.
Peugeot has also long been regarded for ride quality in
relation to handling balance, and the 3008 is a product
of that ideology. The spring and damper rates on the
front-strut/rear-multiple link set-up are only moderately
firmed and that, in turn, provides occupant protection
from uneven road surfaces, and there are plenty of those
in Christchurch.