The Peugeot 3008 Crossover, with good looks and loads of room inside. Picture by Peter Boam.
ROADTEST FACTFILE
Car...Peugeot 3008
Model...Exclusive HDi 1106-Speed
mpg (comb cycle)...55.4mpg
CO2 emissions...137 g/km
Price...£20,495
Loaned by Staddlestones Peugeot, Bembridge
MOTORISTS looking for something bigger and better should cross over to the stunning new addition in Peugeot’s fleet.
Why? Because the 3008 Crossover is an absolute gem, combining all the needs of an everyday conventional car, perfect for either the family or someone with a sense of adventure.
Immediately after collecting the car from Staddlestones Peugeot, Bembridge, I set off around the Island and covered almost every corner to ensure I gave it the ultimate IW road test.
As it was dark at the time, I shall concentrate first on the Crossover’s impressive features at night, particularly the illuminated dash and the glass roof, which, on a clear moonlit evening, added to the ambience its driving experience.
The interior features a host of gadgets, including a retractable digital display featuring information for the driver, such as speed, cruise control and distance alert settings.
The handbrake, or lack of it, took a bit of getting used, as it is basically a button. But drivers can’t really go wrong, because as soon as it is on, a message appears on the dash to say so. And it automatically releases itself when the driver moves away. Parking is made easy, with front and rear sensors, designed to assist with parallel parking and identifying if a space is big enough, and the Crossover is very spacious inside, as tested by the family during a Sunday afternoon drive.
But even though my nan commented on how smooth it was, she was more impressed with the front seat arm rest, which doubles up as a huge storage box, because it enabled her to keep her broken wrist comfortable. Bless her.
Although to be fair to nan, who is hardly Jeremy Clarkson, she was spot on about the Crossover’s performance and road handling, as it offered an ultra-smooth ride, not at all hindered by the tricky winter road conditions.
But then it does come with the facility to adapt itself to different surfaces and conditions, such as snow, mud or sand, and in case you didn’t know already, it warns about the risk of ice when it’s chilly.
Safety is a key feature inside too, with six airbags in total, one in the adjustable steering wheel, another in the dash for the front-seat passenger and one in each of the front and rear doors.
The boot had ample room for my golf bag, and probably another four had the lads needed a lift, and I did feel good pulling into my local golf club, as it was nice to at least look the part for a change.
The boot also has a manoeuvrable floor, which can be manually adjusted to create more space, and it provides increased security for valuables.
Outside the car, the Crossover boasts a stunning front sports grille, complemented by its chrome features and huge alloy wheels.
And the model I borrowed, the Exclusive HDi 110 6-Speed, looked particularly stunning in black.
Its 1.6-litre HDi engine emits just 137g/km CO2, and despite all the driving I did in it, I only used a third of the fuel, given to me by the good people at Staddle-stones.
It was hard to find fault with the Crossover and motorists will not be cross if they buy one.