My weekend with the Peugeot 3008 SUV started on an overcast Friday afternoon when the car was delivered to my workplace. The 3008 compact SUV already stood out in the parking lot with it’s sleek, striking design and feline looks. The cars parked next to it looked subdued and meek. I was handed the keys to the 3008 Allure 1.6 THP automatic and was told to have a good time exploring the car. Last year I attended the launch of the Peugeot 3008 SUV so I was already familiar with the model but driving the car around in an afternoon does not compare to driving it for the weekend. I was also interested to see how it would fit into my lifestyle. See, I’ve never considered Peugeot a brand I’d spend my money on, but I stepped in with an open mind. I decided to go on a mini road trip with my girls to Hartebeesport to give me an opportunity to drive the car out of the city and then spend Sunday in Johannesburg and get on with my usual Sunday routine which involves many short drives to and fro in Johannesburg.
Firstly, let me say I am no petrol head. I’m simply a woman who enjoys driving and is interested in cars. I also don’t feel like I see many reviews written from a female’s perspective. We enjoy driving cars too! So here it goes.
The French are famous for a few things, buttery croissants, champagne, berets, couture and haute cuisine. One generally associates the French with the finer things in life. French cars, however, don’t seem to bask in the same glory of all things French. A bad rep seems to follow them around. I’ve heard it all, from parts being too expensive, they cost a fortune to maintain, they’re unreliable, to the petty excuse of them just not being good looking cars. Peugeot is working at changing that perception and the 3008 SUV is proof of Peugeot’s commitment to reinventing the brand’s image. It was apt then to drive down to Little Paris in Hartbeespoort for an afternoon away from Johannesburg’s noise and pollution and enjoy an afternoon nibbling on french toast, enjoying the fresh air and catching up with friends.
Exterior
Like I mentioned before the Peugeot’s exterior is striking and full of character. A huge departure from Peugeot’s previous models. The 3008 is a daring compact sports utility vehicle. The new aggressive looking, prominent chrome grille make it stand out from the crowd. The rear also features rear lights with full LED 3D "Claws” which suspiciously resemble a Mustang.
Fave Features
- Automatic LED daytime running lights and Follow me home lights which stay on for a configurable amount of time after you have exited and locked the car.
- Keyless Entry: I am constantly losing my keys in my handbag. With the Peugeot 3008, you don’t need to find the keys to unlock and start the car.
- Travelling Indicator lights: This feature made me consider purchasing a new Audi. Peugeot has the same tech.
Interior
The inside of the Peugeot was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. The interior of the Allure has grey denim like fabric across the door cards and dashboard which I'm not particularly a fan of. It's just a matter of taste, but I could have done without it. The cabin is roomy with ample space in the front as well as comfortable seating and leg room in the back for 3 adults. The interior looks modern and the chrome accents give off a sophisticated and modern feel.
Over and above everything, I feel what spoke to me the most was the technology which comes standard with the 3008. You aren't just paying for a good looking car, but you have some awesome features too. Peugeot's latest i-Cockpit provides a multi-sensory experience to heighten your experience while driving. Nestled snuggly behind the compact multifunction steering wheel, the fully customisable, digital instrument panel is unobtrusive and allows you to control what exactly you want to see while driving. There is also an 8-inch touch screen to access music, control the air conditioning, navigation, make calls, view information about the car and so much more.
The Peugeot 3008 also comes with Mirror Screen which allows you to mirror your smartphone to the car's screen either using Apple Car Play, Mirror Link or Android Auto depending on your smartphone. You can use your phones main features from the large 8-inch screen while driving. Peugeot thought about everything to create an enjoyable driving experience, from the basics to what might feel like premium nice-to-haves like configurable ambient lighting, musical ambience for ease of hearing, fragrance diffusers to keep the cabin smelling fresh and engine sound amplification when the car is in sports mode.
Fave Features
- Large boot space: There is ample boot space for shopping bags, luggage and sports bags. The boot measures 591l min and 1670l max.
- Road Sign Detection: I found this super handy because all too often I'll find myself driving on an unfamiliar road and if I've missed the speed limit road signs, so I have no idea how fast I should be driving. The Peugeot identifies road signs and displays what the road limit is on the instrument panel.
- Front and Rear Parking Assist
- Lane Departure Warning: The driver's seat vibrates to notify you when you're veering into the next lane if you have not used your indicators. This is an awesome safety feature to assist fatigued drivers, or if you've simply had a lapse in concentration.
By the time Monday morning came around I was sad knowing they'd be back to collect the car. I felt like there was so much more to discover, and that I had barely touched the surface. For more details on the Peugeot 3008 SUV see the brochure and spec sheet below.
Thank you Peugeot for the opportunity to explore your car!
View Brochure here
View Specs here
Photographs | Jashughatt
You look so Good, Great review think I will head to Peugeot to test drive just to add my options for my next car.