Peugeot 3008

Life was a lot simpler then, and so were the cars. They got you to the coast, in reasonable comfort, but the word “lifestyle” was not even in the motor manufacturers’ dictionary.

How times have changed. Peugeot’s new 3008 vehicle is testament to that.

At its launch on an airfield in StratFord, we invited motoring journalists watched it tow a glider across a field to show off its pulling power and ability to stick doggedly to a grassy surface, despite the tremendous pressure being exerted from the take-off sequence of the plane.

The following day, a bunch of journos from a diving magazine headed to the same airfield to check how much of their aqua paraphernalia they could load into this new model. As a child, my diving gear consisted of a facemask and snorkel, and it still does, come to think of it.

However, I accept that these days a great many people needs a lot of gear to do ridiculous things like climbing on to large pieces of fibre-glass in the sea and seeing how long it will be before a wave tosses them back into the briny. Or they climb mountains instead of making do with a trek across rolling hills, and they tow a whole lot more than trailer tents.

Enter the 3008, the Peugeot choice for customers looking for something different, something that offers the space and flexilibity of an MPV, the rugged looks of an SUV and the dynamics of a family hatchbacks.

It can be a conventional car for daily use, the family car for weekends and holidays and the adventurous vehicle for those with... an active lifestyle.

In direct competition with the Nissan Qashqai, Citroen C4 Picasso and Ford C Max, to name but three in this growing market, it is what the motor manufacturers call a crossover.

There are three trim levels – Active, Sport and Exclusive – and Peugeot has included six airbags and ESP as standard, together with the marvellously practical three-tier boot floor and split tailgate The cabin might even be described as plush, with materials that would not look out of place in the premium class. The centre console runs high between driver and front passenger, putting the gear lever in easy reach and incorporating a giant lidded storage box that is ideal for losing objects inside.

The top-trim version even has a small transparent panel above the main dials to give a head-up display that informs if you’re too close to the vehicle in front. Whatever happened to common sense?

For a high-riding vehicle of this type, the 3008 provides an accomplished ride that gives the confidence to explore its cornering behaviour and ability to stick to the road. And it’s very, very, good.

Versatility is the key, and the 3008 operates admirably on the motorway, in town and in the country, never feeling cumbersome.

On the motorway, the ride quality of the 2.0-litre diesel-equipped model is the equal of larger models in the French manufacturer’s range. Combined with the slightly elevated driving position, the 3008 proves adept at cruising. In 150bhp form, the 2.0-litre diesel unit uses a six-speed manual gearbox with sensibly spaced ratios that keep the revs down. Although less than exhilarating, it’s a worthy choice in a line-up full of worthy choices. Emissions and fuel economy figures are kept low across the range.

More surprising is the way the 3008 rides and handles away from the motorway. The increased height of the model ought to make it less stable on the road than a 308 hatchback. However, an additional lateral damper has been employed in the higher-powered models to prevent unwanted body roll. The Dynamic Roll Control system makes the 3008 as surefooted as a hatchback through the corners.

More technology is available in the shape of the Grip Control system that means the two-wheel drive 3008 can handle soft-roader tasks such as towing and mildly inhospitable terrain.

The lack of a four-wheel drive system means no bulging transmission tunnel in the rear, while head and legroom are good, with masses of storage availability.

In the range-topping Exclusive model, the full length glass roof will prove a big draw. So will the comfortable seats and raised seating position, offering a commanding view out of the side windows than a hatchback or estate model.

Although traditional in its basic interior layout, the 3008 features enough quirks give it some character of its own. It’s bursting with family appeal, and you won’t be disappointed behind the wheel.

Peugeot 3008

Model: Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi 150 Exclusive, £20,895 on the road.

Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 150bhp and 250lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: 6-speed manual, driving the front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 121mph, 0-62mph 9.7 seconds.

CO2 Rating: 146 g/km Economy: 50.5mpg combined