By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist
www.carwriteups.co.uk      Twitter: @carwriteups

I have lost count of the number of Peugeot 3008 Crossovers I’ve seen on the school run. It seems to be the law to buy one if you have kids. And there’s a reason for that: it’s versatile and roomy, but not too big to be intimidating.

Since its launch in November 2009 the French motor manufacturer’s 3008 has been a great success with the car buying public. It has already won two major awards: Crossover of the Year and Car of the Year 2010, and has recorded thousands of sales in the UK.

Now the Peugeot 3008 has been comprehensively restyled, with even greater levels of equipment available as standard. In addition, prices across the range have been lowered, making the popular Peugeot 3008 Crossover even better value for money.

The distinctive character of the Crossover’s nose has been redesigned with a bold new grille and fog light surrounds, both edged in chrome. The headlights feature a new LED signature and chromed projector components. Overall, it’s a softer, more modern and visually streamlined nose, and the contemporary feel also extends to the rear of the car. New light clusters feature a dark tint, while the three ‘floating claw’ LED lamps have a sharp, fresh, design and appear to emerge from the lamp with a 3D effect.

 

The Allure HDi 115 model, on test here, has decent kit. It includes Bluetooth, a flat folding passenger seat, electric folding mirrors, electro-chrome interior mirror and exterior courtesy lights. And, in this guise, it comes with a frugal and environmentally-friendly engine, providing low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Inside, the 3008 offers you and your passengers nearly 50 litres of storage space and three very useful12V power connections. The car also benefits from a user-friendly load space. Access is made easy by the split tailgate of which the lower part can become a seat or be used to support a weight of 200 kg. The load area floor can easily be compartmentalised thanks to the cleverly designed floor with its three adjustable positions.

From behind the wheel the 3008 resembles that of an aircraft’s cockpit, as it is truly designed for the user in mind. The fascia is orderly and elegant allowing a particularly good view of the outside. The spacious cabin ensures comfort for everyone. You and your front seat passenger have a raised seating position whilst there’s stacks of room in the rear for your young children and their essential booster seats. There is also generous leg room behind the front seats for adults.

Another very good reason for buying this car is safety – especially in wintery conditions. If, like me, the kids’ school run involves tackling potentially muddy, twisty, country roads then Peugeot’s innovative Grip Control is worth considering. Available as an option on the car lent to me, this technology consists of an intelligent traction control system and special Mud & Snow tyres. It automatically improves the vehicle’s toehold on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud, dirt tracks and wet grass. The system works with the vehicle’s ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) to maintain the best possible traction from both front wheels.

Grip Control also provides excellent towing and carrying capabilities for outdoor activities in better weather, making it a genuine car for all seasons. And, when the weather changes the system has none of the disadvantages with regards to increased weight and emissions of a standard mechanical 4×4 system.

It may not be the best looking vehicle on the road, and it’s not all that stimulating to drive, but it’s a functional, comfortable and very safe car for anyone with a young family. And that’s priceless in my book.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

• Spacious √
• Safe √
• Large boot √
• Tame X

FAST FACTS

• Max speed: 112 mph
• 0-62 mph: 13.6 secs
• Combined mpg: 57.6
• Engine: 1560 cc, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, turbo diesel
• Max. power (bhp): 115 at 3600 rpm
• Max. torque (Ib/ft): 199 at 1750 rpm
• CO2: 127 g/km
• Price: £22,445