Peugeot 3008 full details

The company has only one off-roader in its lineup, the 4007, but has now added another option for buyers "wanting a more sophisticated alternative''.  The chunky 3008 looks like an off-roader but is in fact front wheel drive that is more a crossover than outback warrior.  It is available in two trim levels, the XSE and XTE with both petrol and turbo-diesel engines.

The car's party trick is a clever system called "grip control'', which consists of an advanced traction control sytem coupled with special mud and snow tyres.  The system is $300 on the XSE but free of charge on the XTE.

It is designed to optimise the traction of both front wheels to cope with some modest slippery driving conditions.  The driver controls the system by means of a knob with five settings - standard, snow, off-road (mud/dirt/wet grass), sand and ESP off.

In size the 3008 fits in between the 308 hatch and wagon.  However, the wider and higher body gives the 3008 more cabin room for passengers.

The car sits on a wheelbase of 2613mm, 95mm shorter than the 308 wagon.  The wagon also still has more luggage room - 674 litres versus 514 litres with the rear seats up and 2149 litres with the rear seats removed versus 1604 litres with the 3008's rear seats folded.  Apart from "grip control' the car's other nifty idea is a luggage area that can be compartmentalised because the floor has three-way height adjustment.

Both the XSE and XTE buyers have a choice of Euro 5 compliant 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6 or 2.0-litre HDi turbo-diesel engines.  The 1.6-litre engines will be familiar with Mini enthusiasts. In the 3008, the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol develops 115kW/240Nm and delivers 7.8 litres/100km and gets a six-speed automatic.

The 1.6-litre HDi develops 80kW/240Nm and is available with both six-speed manual and six-speed semi-automatic gearboxes. It has a combined fuel economy figure of 5.1 litres/100km.  The 2.0-litre diesel is a development of the previous 2.0-litre engine but power and torque have risen.  It now develops 120kW/340Nm and comes with a sequential six-speed automatic. The 2.0 HDi has a combined fuel figure is 6.7 litres/100km.

Apart from the petrol and diesels, Peugeot also has plans for a hybrid version to be launched in Europe in 2011.  Like the 308 hatch and wagon, the 3008 has a full complement of safety gear.

It gets a strong body that contributes to a five-star crash safety rating, six airbags, dynamic roll control and electronic stability control.  Prices open at $35,990 for the 1.6 XSE petrol, rising to $42,990 for the 2.0 HDi XTE.

Equipment levels are comparable to the 308, but the larger interior packaging will appeal to families.  Like the Mitsubishi Outlander, the 3008 has a split rear tailgate.  Stay tuned for Carsguide's driving impressions in coming days.

Peugeot 3008

XSE 1.6 turbo automatic $35,990
XSE 1.6 HDi EGC $36,490
XSE 2.0 HDi automatic $39,490
XTE 1.6 turbo automatic $39,490
XTE 1.6 HDi EGC $39,990
XTE 2.0 HDi automatic $42,990