Byline: IAN JOHNSON
IN THE expanding world of the crossover - a mix of sports utility vehicle and hatchback - there are certainly some offerings with the wow factor.
One such is the Peugeot 3008, which woos the driver with its command module driving position.
It has a fighter-plane-style head-up display that flashes the vehicle's speed and other vital information on to the screen in order that the driver need not take his or her eyes off the road when maximum concentration is required.
The 3008 is the little brother to the 5008 and, though smaller, is big on specification, living space, performance and technical ingenuity.
The 3008 is pitching into the marketplace with some powerful credentials, including a five-star safety rating, ESP as standard, the innovative Peugeot Grip Control and automatic electric parking brake with hill assist.
This car was a petrol-powered THP 156 in Exclusive trim. In a range costing between pounds 16,695 and pounds 23,095 it tips the scale at pounds 20,095.
With a six-speed manual transmission, it has a combined economy figure of 39.7mpg and its 1.6 four-cylinder engine emits 167g/km of CO2, which is what you would expect from an engine of this type. Peugeot claim that fuel cost for 12,000 miles is pounds 1579.
On the road, the 3008 impresses by its calm and unruffled approach to everyday driving, with supremely comfortable seats and Cielo glass roof.
Its ride quality figures highly on the list of plus points as does the engine's sprightly performance.
Its maximum speed is a commendable 125mph, with a zippy 0-62mph sprint of 8.9 seconds.
The head-up display is interesting because its array of information includes speed and distance alerts.
But one of the most interesting features of the 3008 lies in the boot because there is a three position floor which is handy if you need a separate shelf for specific items.
When just one space is required, the shelf stows flat on the boot floor. Access is by a split rear tailgate and, if extra capacity is required, the rear seats can be folded flat.
A pounds 460 option on the car I drove was the Peugeot Grip Control combined with mud and snow tyres. This remarkable system provides a high element of adhesion on slippery surfaces without the motorist having to shell out on a full and often fuelthirsty 4x4.
Despite being a formidable contender, the 3008 has a fight on its hands because the Crossover market is growing with improved models all the time.
But, for now, the 3008 remains one of the top options in its field.
Factfile Model: Peugeot 3008 Exclusive THP 156 Engine: 1.6-litre petrol Power: 156bhp Top speed: 125mph 0-62mph: 8.9 seconds Fuel economy: 39.7mpg combined CO2 emissions: 167g/km Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles Price: pounds 20,095 On sale: Now
