Powertrain offer is not wide, with only two petrol engines initially. The promise for the future is a plug-in hybrid with petrol engine. The turbo-charged 3-cylinder 1.2 is a suitable entry option with a willing push from the130 hp. It combines with manual or automatic 6-gear boxes. The lively 1.6 THP is available only with automatic transmission. In the diesel department, a 100-hp 1.6 gets only a 5-gear box, while the 120 hp version has 6 speeds with either manual or automatic transmission. The 2.0 HDI, with 150 or 180 hp, has an automatic gearbox in both cases. No all-wheel-drive derivative is foreseen, and the potential off-road capabilities of the new 3008 reside in a 22-cm ground clearance, optional M+S tyres and a very efficient traction control with hill descent assistance.

The chassis, not having to cope with rear wheel drive, has a semi-independent rear suspension with suitable settings for the character of the car. The quick steering demands a brief period to get used to it. Driving dynamics are OK, in spite of a center of gravity not close to the ground, with less body roll than one would expect from the SUV silhouette. An average of 100-kg weight saving over the previous 3008 also helps in agility and handling.

As many cars with sales ambition, the 3008 can be loaded with equipment and, of course, connectivity items. MirrorLink function, to navigate in the touchscreen with the user’s smartphone software, is standard in the basic level. The driving assistance systems include active emergency braking and distance alert, lane departing warning, adaptive main-beam headlamps, driver attention warning and sign recognition for speed limits. And then the Peugeot can offer a myriad of refinements, as massaging front seats, hands-free tailgate opening, 360º camera view, active parking assist, full LED lighting… The car can even accommodate electrically assisted micro-scooter or folding bicycle with their batteries recharging when the engine is running.