The first model Peugeot offered in the crossover 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 Seat’s Ateca.
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.
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 150 or 180bhp.
If your annual mileage isn’t very great, don’t dismiss the petrol offerings. These are primarily based around Peugeot’s innovative 130bhp three cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech 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 the auto ‘box.
As already suggested, there’s no 4WD option in the range, but this Mk2 3008 does get a more driver-orientated feel, thanks to the installation of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit compact steering wheel that allows for wrist-flick direction changes.
This second generation 3008 is a much sleeker-looking thing than its predecessor.
At just 4,450mm in length, it’s one of the more compact models in its segment, yet offers 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.
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.
Fold the second row of seats flat and this results in a total luggage capacity of 1,580 litres, one of the largest and most versatile load capacities in the segment.
The folding bench seat has a 2/3 – 1/3 Magic Flat capability to optimise loading with a flat floor.
The very original adaptable moving boot floor, initiated on the original 3008, has been evolved with two positions to allow the optimisation of boot space and removable side-panels that can be affixed to the side boot trim.
Prices sit in the £23,000 to £32,000 bracket, so Peugeot isn’t shy about charging for this car.
There are five trim levels – Active, Allure, GT Line, GT and GT Line Premium.
Whichever variant you decide upon, equipment levels are pretty complete.
Connectivity is taken care of by facilities like MirrorScreen smartphone linking, induction Smartphone recharging and 3D connected navigation with TomTom traffic reports.
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.
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 and 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 104g/km of CO2.
Even if you go for the PureTech 1.2-litre petrol unit, you’ll still be getting well over 65mpg and 117g/km of CO2.
Servicing on most models is needed every year or every 12,500 miles and the cost of garage visits should be affordable too, though Peugeot’s fixed-price maintenance package (there’s a choice of three, four or five-year plans) is a touch more expensive than rival schemes.
You won’t have to worry about that if you’re buying on finance using Peugeot’s attractive Just Add Fuel scheme: this wraps up all your monthly costs in one easy payment, so as the name suggests, your only other cost will lie in fuel.
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 4×4 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.
Model: Peugeot 3008
Price: From £23,000
Engine: 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel producing 120bhp
Economy: 70mpg
CO2 emissions: 104g/km