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Peugeot 3008 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT: Game-changing SUV

PEUGEOT_3008_SUV_RHD_GT_with_Coupe_Franche_paint_option_1
Peugeot 3008 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT in Franche paint option

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30 January 2017

Peugeot 3008 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT

What is it?

The game-changing new Peugeot 3008. Now an SUV, the 1.6 BlueHDI impressed on the International drive last autumn. Now Business Car Manager has got to try it in range-topping Peugeot 3008 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT form.

And as it arrives at UK dealers, we find out is it still as impressive on UK roads?

What’s hot

  • The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 turbo-diesel engine, which delivers its peak torque below 3,750 revs and as thus, makes this Peugeot feel quick off the mark. With the EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Transmission 6), it certainly feels quicker to 60mph than the 8.9 secs figure would suggest – top speed is a licence-losing 131mph.
  • Yet, given this performance, even in the sportiest GT version and with the most powerful 180 PS engine, the latest 3008 still boasts a 58.9mpg combined consumption figure and 124g/km emissions, meaning just £143 a month in company car tax in the new rate from April.
  • It might have a GT badge on the back and be the most powerful 3008 available, but its performance isn’t really sporty, with 0-60mph acceleration taking 8.9 seconds. Instead what we reckon you should focus on with this 3008 is the sharp, sporty feel to the steering and tidy handling. We also felt there was a question mark over the ride on the bigger wheels after sampling the 3008 on the international earlier this year. However, we’re pleased to report that even with this GT’s biggest 19-inch wheels, the ride is still comfortable and dealt with the potholes on the UK test route surprisingly well.
  • Despite the move from left to right-hand drive, one of the biggest highlights of the new 3008 has to be the latest and boldest version of the i-Cockpit. On top of the expected tall dashboard, high-set instruments and small steering wheel, the new 3008 adds instruments provided electronically via a 12.3-inch high-resolution panel – with the choice of five-different display modes.
Peugeot 3008
Upmarket cabin with i-Cockpit in dials mode
  • That’s not it for the 3008 interior innovations, as there’s also now an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. All of this adding up to give a new and unique driver-focused feel to the dashboard design. The quality of the plastics and trim also show Peugeot’s intent to move the 3008 upmarket, as the dashboard and door cards are finished in quality slush-grained plastic, with flashes of metal trim around the air-vents and the styled automatic selector. Although our favourite interior feature has to be the seven tactile ‘piano key’ shortcuts mounted below the screen.
  • The 3008’s driving position is excellent too, with pleasingly supportive seats, which on the GT feature a relaxing massaging function, that should prove welcome on long trips. All-round visibility is also generally good, despite the high-set instruments. The massive, practically-shaped boot is welcome too.
  • The Peugeot 3008 is an interesting car to look at on the outside and hope this is a signal of French style returning to future models. At the front, the 3008’s distinctive style is signalled with the distinctive vertical Peugeot family grille and the slashed full-LED headlights. The 3008 remains instantly recognisable from the side, with this Peugeot’s raised belt-line, chrome detailing, chunky roof bars and side protection. You won’t miss the 3008 from the back either, with the raised LED ‘lion claw’ rear lights and shiny black plastic panel to break them up. Surely this has to be the most interesting-looking SUV in its class?
  • Our GT is the range-topper and priced at £32,995, but we reckon includes all of the kit you’ll ever need including leather heated and massaging seats, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, rear screen, cruise control, the 3D Tom Tom-based navigations system, plus Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility.
  • The 3008 might be an SUV, but there’s no four-wheel drive version – apparently because of what the market has dictated. Instead Peugeot’s clever, proven Grip Control system is offered and there’s also an enhanced traction system that features Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC).

What’s not

    • Yes, legroom is better in the back of the Peugeot 3008, but it’s no better than average – the curvy roofline also means the headroom is compromised. The GT also has the standard glass roof, which eats into rear headroom further!
    • The 3008 drives well in GT form, but it doesn’t match up to the sporty GT badging. The drive modes don’t help things – in Sport, it gives artificial weight to the steering.
    • Peugeot are expecting a 20% take up for its odd-looking GTi-like ‘Coupe Franche’ two-tone paint, but we’re not convinced and think it doesn’t work with the expressive lines of this new SUV.

Verdict

It might be the range-topping 3008 GT, but it still holds true to the new model’s values of style, quality and refinement which are more than a match for SUV rivals.

We just wish it was a bit more interesting to drive and at £32,995, think that the smaller-engined, lower spec models such as the BlueHDi 120 GT-Line offer more value for business buyers.

The lowdown on Peugeot 3008 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT

List price £32,995
Doors and body style 5-door SUV
Engine/gearbox: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo diesel/6-speed automatic transmission
CO2 Emissions: 124g/km
Economy (combined): 58.9mpg
Power/torque: 178bhp/400Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 8.9sec/131mph
Insurance group: 24

What it Costs:

P11D value £32,940
Road Tax (VED) from April 2017: £160 first year/then £140 p.a.
Company Car Tax Band 2017/18 to 2019/20: 26%, 28%, 31%
Benefit in Kind 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20: £8,564, £9,223, £10,211
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%): £1,175/£98
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%): £2,350/£196
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (20%): £1,713/£143
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (40%): £3,426/£286
Peugeot 3008
Distinctive styling of the new Peugeot 3008 with ‘Lion claw’ rear lights

 

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