THOSE talented motoring hacks at ‘What Car’ normally know what they are talking about so I was anxious to know just why they had named Peugeot’s 3008 as their car of the year for 2010.
After all those boys get to grips with every possible car there is and are not easily influenced.
So what is it about this crossover vehicle that so engaged the hardy journalists from one of the country’s leading motoring magazines?
The crossover market is relatively new, but particularly tough, as all the manufacturers look to take a lead. But it’s easy to see why What Car plumped for the 3008.
Peugeot have produced a fine all-rounder and it’s got just about everything, the looks, versatility and refinement that you would be looking for in this type of vehicle and probably a bit more too.
On test was the Sport HDi 150 with an on-the-road basic price of £20,195. The test car had metallic paint, Sat Nav, a visibility pack and a spectacular electronically controlled panoramic glass roof to push the price up to £21,835.
The two litre diesel has bags of energy and can produce 0-62mph in 9.7sceonds and has a maximum speed of 121mph.
The beauty of the Sport is that it comes complete with Peugeot’s Dynamic Roll Control System, eliminating any bend lean and ensuring a smooth low-speed ride.
There’s also 17’’ alloys, a rear parking aid, cruise control and speed limiter, ESP, Grip control, automatic electric brake with hill control and a neat leather steering wheel.
But one of the 3008’s most endearing features is to be found inside with its ‘Multiflex Interior’.
Back seats can be folded flat to the floor with no need for lifting and tugging but it’s the boot that does it for me.
There’s exceptional load capacity thanks to a unique three position boot load area floor and a forward folding tailgate. Don’t even ask if this vehicle passed the golf club test – it may well have been made with the golfer in mind.
The 3008 is well-finished with high-quality materials, and with Peugeot renowned for its safety approach there’s all the equipment you would expect.
All models come with six airbags and electronic stability control as standard helping the 3008 gain a five star Euro NCAP rating.
The electronic grip control system allows you to choose between five different settings to boost traction on slippery surfaces, meaning that you should never really get into too much trouble.
The centre console totally dominate, splitting the front section of the cabin in two giving a high driving position. You could easily be in the cockpit of an airliner with the array of switches and clocks on display.
Those boys down at the What Car office know what they are talking about – this Peugeot is one of the best to come out of their workshops.