Peugeot 3008 Exclusive Hdi 150

Jan 30 2010 Maxine Ashford

THE Peugeot 3008 has to be one of the most versatile vehicles I have ever come across but unlike many other crossovers it has maintained an exceptionally high standard of design flair and all-round appeal.

At first glance, you cannot fail to be impressed by the beautifully-crafted streamlining along with rough and ready bumpers, rugged front end, neat light clusters and a grille that almost seems to grin at you.

But it's when you take your seat behind the wheel that the real fun begins.

The intelligently-designed dashboard resembles a flight deck in many ways with a long line of switches to control many features and a state-of-the-art head-up display that shows your speed along with other vital information.

The cabin is packed to bursting with quality specifications like bi-zone air conditioning, electric front windows, rear parking aid, cruise control with limiter, an excellent sound system with MP3, a hard drive and Bluetooth connectivity, heated leather seats and plenty more.

There is ample space for five adults to travel in comfort with plenty of storage compartments throughout. The boot is generously sized and can become a vast storage area with the rear seats folded flat - the boot floor can even be positioned in three ways to increase versatility and then the split rear tailgate makes loading awkwardly-shaped or heavy items a lot easier.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility thanks to the high-seated driving position and the panoramic glass sunroof which lets in an abundance of light.

Driving in busy congested areas is a breeze thanks to the great visibility and despite its size, the 3008 is very agile and easy to manoeuvre.

Then, out on the open road, the 2.0-litre engine bursts into life delivering plenty of power and great road-holding even in wet and slippery conditions. In addition, the six-speed manual transmission was very responsive.

Peugeot has kitted out the 3008 with a plethora of safety features including anti-lock brakes, an automatic electric brake with hill assist, electronic stability programme, tyre pressure sensors, a distance alert, numerous airbags and a great security system to keep away any uninvited attention.

All in all, the 3008 seems to have it all, it performs well, has the looks and quality equipment levels we want and the price won't leave you gasping for breath either.

FAST FACTS

Price: £21,495

Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds

Combined mpg: 50.4

Insurance group: 9

CO2 emissions: 146g/km

BIK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles