In MK2 model form, Peugeot's 3008 crossover makes much more sense. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised range.

Ten Second Review

This second generation version of Peugeot's 3008 SUV has much to offer buyers in search of a proper family-sized five-seat Qashqai-class Crossover model. Much smarter looks clothe familiar attributes like the huge versatile boot and a quality cabin. You have to really want a car of this kind to really appreciate it but if you do, then you'll probably love this one.

Background

These days, mainstream makers simply have to have a class-competitive portfolio of Crossover models on their books - and Peugeot is no different. The first model the company offered in this segment was the Qashqai-sized 3008, which turned out to be an unexpected sales success for the Gallic maker. In recent times though, this design found itself overtaken by more modern rivals, not only the rejuvenated second generation Nissan Qashqai but also cars like Renault's Kadjar and Honda's HR-V.

Hence the need for this second generation 3008, a car lighter, sleeker, larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor. Though the engines used are carried over from the previous model, almost everything else is new, including the distinctive 'i-Cockpit' dashboard design and the sophisticated infotainment and connectivity systems on offer.

Driving Experience

As before, the 3008 is built around a front wheel drive platform. There's nothing new in terms of the engine line-up, which is carried over from other models in the brand's range. That means the majority of customers will continue to choose the 1.6-litre BlueHdi engine, offered in either 100 or 120bhp guises. There's also a 2.0-litre BlueHDi unit developing 150bhp. The two pokier diesel variants come with the option of automatic transmission.

If your annual mileage isn't very great though, don't dismiss the petrol offerings. There's are primarily based around Peugeot's innovation three cylinder 1.2-litre PutreTech powerplant, offered with either manual or automatic transmission. At the top of the range, there's also a 1.6-litre THP turbo petrol engine with 165bhp, offered only with an auto 'box.

Design and Build

This second generation 3008 is a much sleeker-looking thing than its predecessor. At just 4450mm in length, it's one of the most compact models in its segment, offering greater passenger and luggage space over the outgoing model. With a longer wheelbase and an overall length which is just 80mm longer than the MK1 design, interior space has greatly improved, most notably for rear occupants who now have an additional 24mm legroom, 4mm elbow room and 36mm headroom. Front elbow space has also increased by 17mm, despite the width of the new model being identical to the outgoing version at 1840mm, and height being 19mm lower at 1620mm.

Inside, Peugeot has adopted its i-Cockpit design to suit this model, this set-up now also incorporating an 'Amplify' option that means you can quickly change things like ambient lighting and music settings - and even add in cabin fragrances and massaging seat intensity. Luggage space has also improved in this new 3008, the 520-litre luggage capacity being 90-litres greater than the previous version.

Market and Model

Expect prices to be pretty similar to those of the outgoing model, which means a likely span between £21,000 and £26,000. Connectivity is taken care of by facilities like MirrorScreen smartphone linking, induction Smartphone recharging and 3D connected navigation with TomTom traffic reports. TomTom connectivity also delivers information that could be essential to your journey on things like local weather, car-parks and the location of service stations. There's also the Peugeot Connect SOS & Assistance system that'll automatically alert the emergency services in the event of an accident.

As for safety, Peugeot is offering what it calls 'Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert' this time round, a system that combines autonomous braking with a lane departure warning system. There's also a Driver Alert Warning function which will warn you if the car notices fatigue in your driving reactions. Other systems include Automatic High Beam Assistance, to automatically switch between high beam and low beam depending on the lighting conditions and oncoming traffic; Speed Sign Detection; Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function; an Active Blind Spot Monitoring System; and Park Assist, which allows the vehicle to park itself with minimum input from the driver. There are also useful 'Visiopark' all-round camera view systems if you want them.

Cost of Ownership

Peugeot's BlueHDi diesel engines have already proved themselves to be paragons of cleanliness and frugality in the brand's other model and that's carried forward here. This second generation 3008 design's lighter weight and sleeker bodywork also helps, plus, as you would expect, there's an 'S&S' engine stop & start system to cut the powerplant when you don't need it, stuck at the lights or waiting in traffic.

As a result of all of this, the BlueHDi 120 variant that'll probably be the most popular choice manages around 70mpg on the combined cycle and not much more than 100g/km of CO2. Even if you go for the PureTech 1.2-litre petrol unit, you'll still be getting well over 65mpg and not much more than 110g/km of CO2.

Summary

So-called Crossover models like this might be the automotive equivalent of sitting on the fence but they do offer an attractive combination of many of the kind of qualities that a significant number of today's family buyers are looking for. If you're one of those people, uncertain whether to plump for the high driving position and chunky looks of an SUV 4x4 or the handling composure and fuel economy of a family hatchback, then try one of these first. Smarter, sleeker and more up-market, this second generation 3008 SUV is right back in contention with more modern rivals in this increasingly image-conscious segment.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Peugeot 3008 range

PRICES: £21,000-£26,500 [approx]

INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-26 [est]

CO2 EMISSIONS: [1.2] 115g/km [est]

PERFORMANCE: [1.2] 0-62mph 11s / top speed 125mph [est]

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2] (combined) 65mpg [est]

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: twin front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, ABS brakes with EBD and EBA

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4365/1837/1639 [est]