daring crossover

Peugeot is known for its daring, out-of-the-ordinary designs. Peugoet has a knack for making even its mundane sedans look exciting. The 407 is a good example. Now Peugoet has also joined the crossover bandwagon ? literally. First seen as a concept at last year's Paris Motorshow - Prologue Hybrid 4 - the new Peugeot 3008 cross-over wagon can now be revealed in all its glory.

This new, compact and spacious cross-over, represents a totally new offering. One can see the same premise in the Mercedes R-Class, but the 3008 will give the same feeling and effect for far less money. It is not a hatchback, nor is it an MPV. It is not a SUV either. But it is all these combined into one.

The 3008 is based on Peugeot's short wheelbase platform 2, which was chosen due to its exceptional rigidity and excellent acoustic and vibration properties. To reduce emissions and, therefore fuel consumption and running costs, the weight of the vehicle was kept to a minimum.

The driving position of the Peugeot 3008, is designed for the user in mind.

The fascia is uncluttered and elegant allowing a particularly good view of the outside.

Peugeot has used high quality materials and switchgear throughout the interior. No cheap plastics for Peugeot, then. According to the particular version, above the centre console incorporating the air conditioning and audio or telematics controls, the driver could have at their disposal a series of toggle switches that control two new systems - the 'Head Up Display' (driving information is projected outside the windscreen) and the 'Distance Alert' system (if the 3008 gets too close to the vehicle in front at high speed).

The roomy passenger compartment should ensure comfort for every occupant. The passenger like the driver benefits from a raised seating position. In addition, rear passengers have ample leg room, helped by the interior passenger compartment length of 1,690 mm and rear headroom of 876 mm.

Passengers benefit from the light coming from the large glazed area. An optional or standard glass panoramic roof is also available. The Peugeot 3008 benefits from the most efficient air conditioning unit fitted to a platform two vehicle.

The high volume air flow is distributed by four individual vents mounted in the fascia panel, heating ducts for the feet of the front rear occupants, and two adjustable vents for the rear passengers.

Two levels of air conditioning are available: manual or automatic. The latter can be adjusted individually by each of the front occupants and benefits from a new feature, the Air Quality Sensor (AQS).

The Peugeot 3008 offers occupants nearly 50 litres of storage space, three 12v power connections and according to the version, the rear occupants can also benefit from side sun-blinds and / or dark tinted windows.

The Peugeot 3008 benefits from an accessible and intelligent load space.

Access is made easy by the split tailgate of which the lower tailgate flap can become a seat or be used to support a weight of 200 kg. Inside the load area floor can easily be compartmentalised thanks to the cleverly designed floor with its three adjustable positions.

The load area has a constant width of 1,030 mm and a capacity of 512 litres or 1604 litres with the rear seats folded. On certain models the load area interior light is also a rechargeable portable torch as in the Peugeot 308 SW.

To assist the driver the Peugeot 3008 can be equipped with a 'Head Up Display' which communicates all essential information such as vehicle speed, cruise control/speed limiter and distance alert information.

The Distance Alert coupled with the 'Head Up Display' uses a special radar to help the driver maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Available as standard on all engines, the Peugeot 3008 is fitted with an electric parking brake enabling additional storage space to be created in the centre console.

Combined with the electronic handbrake the Peugeot 3008 is also available with Hill Assist for greater convenience and safety.

Directional bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear parking assistance, variable speed limiter / cruise control, tyre under-inflation detection, electric folding door mirrors, automatic headlamps / wipers and the full range of Peugeot's in-car entertainment and telematics systems are all available on the Peugeot 3008.

The sole agent for Peugeot in Sri Lanka is Car Mart Limited.