This is informed by the decision that the French does not sell as much one would have expected, thus we took the new ‘Gold peppered‘ Peugeot 3008 for a test drive, and see how would the market react?
Unreliable, expensive parts -are some of the pointers we got from Peugeot aficionados yet “we still love the brand” they agreed in unison, basking under the sun in the North West Province.
Starting from the outside, the 3008 looks steadily bold and smart. On the road, the 3008 manages to deliver a superb ride on ordinary roads, as you would expect in the Platinum Province. What’s so platinum about it- beats me…
At first sight- the 3008 SUV GT Line captivates. Its powerful front appearance has a chiselled, chequered grille enhanced by a captivating LED lighting signature. The profile is highlighted by the line of the stainless steel rear quarter light and window trim finishers. The rear is the epitome of elegance, with a gloss black band enhanced by 3-claw LED lights.
It also features high tech sensors, prides itself with safety requirements and touchable screen, amongst others.
So with the benefit of hindsight, Peugeot has fixed what was wrong with the original 3008 and developed what was right. The new one moves on to the Group’s newest platform, so it’s light, strong and has a longer wheelbase before for better proportions.
Ah yes, proportions – what was wrong with the old one was its guppy looks, over-influenced by the old French MPV obsession. Peugeot realised the new one had to look like a proper crossover SUV, even if it’s FWD-only. And the company has also put massive commitment into a high-quality high-tech new interior.
Once you enter the cabin, one is greeted by a concept-like interior which boasts a fabric trim that feels great – a bit of a change from the leather and plastic trims and first i-cockpit which is the next best thing as it makes you feel like you are piloting a jet.
Travelling with family members is a good sight (that’s if they don’t manipulate your budget) as they regaled on its designs, height and particularly the Gold colour.
The 1.6-litre diesel with 121kW and 240Nm delivers enough shove as it surged at 7.9-litres/100km.
‘Mnr John’ gave a brief description on its intricacies -although it took a while to get used to the tiny leather steering wheel.
Featuring sleek designs combined with robust elegance the Peugeot 3008 SUV despite its unfortunate perceptions as indicated in my opening stanza, has bagged titles: such as named European Car of the Year 2017, SA Car of the Year 2018 Finalists, amongst others.
The six-speed automatic 3008 SUV GT Line does a great job be it on-off road, thus demystifies any perceptions about it.
It comes with a four year/60 000km service plan, a three-year/100 000km manufacturer warranty, plus an optional five-year/100 000km full maintenance plan.
The price includes VAT and Co2 Tax and are subject to change without notification, 3 Year Warranty and Road-side assistance standard.
It retails for R532 900
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Diesel 1-10 (8)
Image SLM (The sleek Peugeot 3008 demystifies the logic about French models).
