Peugeot is pushing to go more upmarket, but does its mid-size 3008 GT Sport have what it takes to battle the Germans? We find out.
VALUE
Peugeot is trying to position itself as a premium brand in Australia and has priced its vehicles accordingly. The mid-sized 3008 SUV starts at about $49,000 drive-away in Allure trim. We are testing the top-of-the-range GT Sport, which costs about $60,000 drive-away. That is a big ask for a brand that isn’t generally a competitor to the German luxury marques. The GT Sport scores a punchier turbocharged petrol engine, black 19-inch alloy wheels, and black exterior accents to justify the extra spend over the cheaper models.
Inside is a large 12.3-inch digital display in front of the driver instead of the traditional dials and needles. The show can suit the driver’s tastes, from information-heavy to minimalist. In the center of the dash is a 10-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charge pad sits underneath, alongside a couple of USB points. The nine-speaker Focal stereo with subwoofer puts out an impressive sound. The French maker guarantees its vehicles for five years and unlimited kilometers. Servicing is expensive at more than $2600 over five years, but intervals are above average at 20,000km and 12 months.
COMFORT
The 3008’s cabin has a luxurious, hi-tech feel. Dash and door surfaces are soft, and front-seat passengers are treated to plush Nappa leather-trimmed heated and eight-way electronically adjustable seats. The back seat is roomy, and passengers are cared for by two rear air vents and a pair of USB charging points. The 591-liter boot is on the large side, and a power tailgate operated by a wave of your foot under a sensor is welcome for shoppers without a hand to spare.
SAFETY
Peugeot has all the necessary bases covered. The 3008 will need an auto brake for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists to detect an imminent collision. Driver aids will check your blind spot, keep you in your lane, and tell you if your driving is becoming erratic. A rear cross-traffic alert is the only essential item missing.
DRIVING
Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit making 133kW and 250Nm matched to an eight-speed auto driving the front wheels. This is a bit underpowered for the price. The top-shelf Volkswagen Tiguan has 162kW and 350Nm and has an all-wheel drive. Acceleration isn’t brisk, but it feels zippy enough around town and tackling hills. The stop-start function is a bit clunky, though, making for frustrating delays in traffic. The well-sorted suspension soaks up bumps and grooves of all sizes while delivering decent control at speed and the odd cornering ability for an SUV. Road noise is kept to a minimum. The 3008 feels smaller than it is, thanks to a small bonnet and great vision, which makes traversing urban environments and tight car parks a breeze.
