2017 Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 165 Allure EAT6 first drive

It's true that Peugeot's previous 3008 was something of a 'crossover', but it always leant more heavily towards being a five-seat MPV than an outright SUV. However, the tides have changed, with buyers now wanting the reassurance of more ground clearance, chunky styling and better all-weather capability, without compromising on space and practicality.

And so, the 3008 you see before you is quite firmly in the SUV camp this time around, which isn't surprising, given the sales success enjoyed by rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti, as well as the likely success of the Seat Seat Ateca. 

But while the 3008 now has the increased ground clearance, large arches and wheels that scream SUV, it is, in fact, lower to the ground than before by around 20mm. Still, it is some 80mm longer, allowing for a longer wheelbase and more rear leg room, while despite losing some height, this new 3008 has also been packaged to offer more head room. On average, it's 100kg lighter than before, too. 

The majority of 3008 buyers will buy diesel, of which there are four choices: a 1.6 in 99bhp and 118bhp outputs, and a 2.0 with 148bhp or 178bhp. Here, though, we're driving a petrol version - not the entry-level 129bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder Puretech but the second petrol choice: a 163bhp 1.6 that gets Peugeot's six-speed EAT6 automatic gearbox as standard.

While not likely to be a big seller, there's still lots to like about this turbo 1.6. For starters, it has more than adequate shove for building up motorway speeds quickly and tackling hilly terrain with a family and their luggage aboard, even if its best work is done in the upper reaches of its rev range. Crucially, no matter how hard you push it, it's always smooth, with little boom in the cabin.

Peugeot's six-speed automatic ’box doesn't have the finger-click fast changes of a dual-clutch auto, but it's no slusher, being intelligent enough to merrily flick down a ratio at the right time yet choose to change up and keep the 1.6 at a near-silent hum on the motorway. 

Pressing the 3008's Sport driving mode button undoes this a little as it begins hunting for a lower ratio too often, while the 3008's steering also becomes too heavily weighted. It needn't be that way, because staying out of Sport mode leaves the steering feeling more naturally weighted, with a pleasing evenness. There's an argument for the rack being a little too quick, but given that the 3008's body is nicely laterally controlled, it's not a huge issue.

But while laterally there's little give, the 3008 is fundamentally a softer-sprung small SUV than its rivals. Fast undulations see noticeable but well-controlled vertical movements. Road scars, ruts and potholes are all dealt with well, even if mid-corner bumps are more of a problem for the 3008's chassis.

Like its rivals, push hard and eventually the front wheels give up grip, but there's more than enough for brisk country blasts and no unwanted rear axle movement off the throttle. No 3008 gets all-wheel drive, but Grip Control (advanced traction control) with mud and snow tyres and a hill descent function is an option instead. 

This 3008 is a marked improvement from Peugeot in the ride and handling department, then, and also a real step forward inside. It's clear that perceived quality and a premium feel were the target here, and the 3008's new 'i-Cockpit' cabin is good news.