Peugeot 3008 Exclusive HDi 112

I HAVE LOST count of the number of Peugeot 3008 Crossovers I’ve seen on the school run. It seems to be the law to buy one if you have kids. And there’s a reason for that: it’s versatile and roomy, but not too big to be intimidating.

Since its launch two years ago the French motor manufacturer’s 3008 model has been a great success with the UK car buying public. It has already won two major awards: Crossover of the Year and Car of the Year 2010, and it recorded over 10,000 sales in the UK last year.

The car has become even stronger lately with the introduction of a range of extra standard equipment. The Exclusive HDi 112 model, on test here, benefits from Peugeot Connect USB and Bluetooth, a flat folding passenger seat, electric folding mirrors, electro-chrome interior mirror and exterior courtesy lights. And, in this guise, it comes with a frugal and environmentally-friendly Euro 5 engine, providing low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Inside, the 3008 offers you and your passengers nearly 50 litres of storage space and three very useful12V power connections. The car also benefits from a user-friendly load space. Access is made easy by the split tailgate of which the lower part can become a seat or be used to support a weight of 200 kg. The load area floor can easily be compartmentalised thanks to the cleverly designed floor with its three adjustable positions.

From behind the wheel the 3008 resembles in many ways that of an aircraft’s cockpit, as it is truly designed for the user in mind. The fascia is orderly and elegant allowing a particularly good view of the outside. The spacious cabin ensures comfort for everyone. You and your front seat passenger benefit from a raised seating position whilst there’s bags of room in the rear for your young children and their obligatory child seats. There is also generous leg room behind the front seats for adults.

Another very good reason for buying this car is safety – especially in wintry conditions. If, like me, your school run involves tackling potentially muddy or icy country roads then Peugeot’s innovative Grip Control is worth considering. Available as standard on the Peugeot 3008 SR Crossover and as an option on the Exclusive HDi 112 model lent to me, this technology consists of an intelligent traction control system and special Mud & Snow tyres. It automatically improves the vehicle’s traction on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud, dirt tracks and wet grass. The system works with the vehicle’s ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) to maintain the best possible traction from both front wheels.

Grip Control also provides excellent towing and carrying capabilities for outdoor activities in better weather, making it a genuine car for all seasons. And, when the weather changes the system has none of the disadvantages with regards to increased weight and emissions of a standard mechanical 4×4 system.

It may not be the best looking vehicle on the road, and it’s not all that exciting to drive, but it’s a functional, comfortable and very safe car for anyone with a young family. And that’s priceless in my book.

 PROS ‘N’ CONS

 Spacious √

• Safe √
• Large boot √
• Not overly exciting X

 FAST FACTS

•  Max speed: 112 mph
• 0-62 mph: 13.6 secs
• Combined mpg: 55.6
• Engine: 1560 cc, 4 cylinder, 8 valve, turbo diesel
• Max. power (bhp): 112 at 3600 rpm
• Max. torque (Ib/ft): 199 at 1750 rpm
• Max. towing weight (braked) 1300 kg
• CO2: 135 g/km
• Price: £21,595
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