Peugeot 3008

For SUV lovers out there, you can now get your hands on the slick, bold Peugeot 3008 on the Motability Scheme

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vailable in a range of engines and trims, advance payments are on the pricier side between £2,699 - £3,599, but the price tag can be offset by the efficiency offered by the plug-in hybrid models if used effectively.

DRIVING

It may look a little bulky on the road, but from a driving perspective it doesn’t feel like this. The car grips the road well, comfortably tackles potholes and bumps, and offers drivers a nippy and overall fun drive on the road. The 19-inch alloys are recommended as they don’t compromise the cars comfort. The small petrol engines are surprisingly sharp for such a big car, there is one diesel option which performs well, and then there are two hybrid options. Both the hybrid versions come with an eightspeed automatic gearbox, the one named Hybrid offers just frontwheel drive, while the Hybrid4 300 offers rear-wheel drive by using a second electric motor to power them. The Hybrid4 boasts an allelectric range of 40 miles and a combined range of 222 miles. An impressive showing for a large SUV. Due to the rear-wheel drive the Hybrid4 outputs good traction on corners and although it can feel heavy with the second motor, it still makes for a smooth and powerful ride.

INSIDE

The interior serves up high-end, quality surroundings that match that of premium badge rivals. The introduction of the new Peugeot i-Cockpit treats drivers to a more intuitive driving experience. The 10-inch touchscreen is combined with 3D navigation, voice control and multi-touch technology that provides greater functionality and a safer driving experience. The head-up digital display also ensures drivers don’t need to take their eyes off the road to check digital dials and displays.

Space is at a premium inside the Peugeot 3008, passengers in both the front and the back are accommodated comfortably with plenty of room for taller individuals to stretch their legs. The car is well equipped with storage bins, pockets and drink holders, handy for travelling with companions or for families with kids who need to hide their toys and snacks throughout the vehicle. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 formation and take only a pull of a lever to operate. Once they are folded down they make the rear completely flat (this is the case in all apart from the Hybrid model). Interestingly the Allure Premium model also has a folding front passenger seat, which allows you to carry any really long loads, but also acts as a picnic table for any day trips you fancy taking! Boot space is enviable, and the non-hybrid models offer a fantastic height-adjustable floor, allowing for easy loading of wheelchairs, buggies, mobility scooters, suitcases and any number of large items.

MODELS

Entry-level models are certainly worth considering as they are packed with equipment, from climate control, power-folding door mirrors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and 17-inch alloy wheels. However, if you step up a notch you will get the upgraded infotainment system, a safety package, 18-inch alloys and a higher end interior. Opting for the hybrid versions will earn you an eight-year or 100,000 mile warranty on your battery and if charged often and used effectively the hybrids will offer real economic appeal.

SAFETY OPTIONS

Peugeot have developed the exclusive ‘Night Vision I’ system that uses an infrared camera to detect pedestrians and animals on the road at night up to 200m away, that triggers an alert signal in the vehicle. Automatic braking can also be activated when cyclists or pedestrians are too close to the vehicle. Other safety features include lane departure warning system that corrects your trajectory if you are veering out of lane. Then there is the speed limit sign recognition and recommendation system that can read the speed limit from a road sign and display them on the instrument panel. It also offers drivers the option to adapt their speed to the speed limit read by the car’s camera through the cruise control function. With the UK’s commitment to rid the country of all petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035, it may be time to start looking at our greener options and getting used to charging points at home and on the road. The Peugeot 3008 could be an easy first step towards that transition.

PEUGEOT 3008 1.6 HYBRID4 300 ALLURE E-EAT8

Motability Advance Payment: £2,999 Fuel Type: Hybrid-

Petrol

Range:

222 miles

0-62mph: 8.9secs CO2 Emissions (g/km): 29 Boot Capacity (litres): 395