| Week at the Wheel | Peugeot 3008 Sport 1.6 THP |

Inside & Out:

It's not often I'll say that a car looks like something else but I just can't get the image of a guinea pig out of my head when I look at Peugeot's 3008. It's unusual then, but not without appeal, especially as under that curvy, big-grilled exterior is a car that's both very practical and surprisingly nice to drive. The high driving position is great, better still as you're surrounded by a cockpit-like driving environment with a high centre console and handily-positioned gearlever.

The quality of the interior is something of a surprise too, the 3008 moving Peugeot forward significantly in regards to fit and finish, style and material quality. Then there's the boot and rear passenger space, which lives up to Peugeot's crossover claims with a variable level boot area, easy-folding seats and a split-tailgate giving great access to the large load area.

Engine & Transmission:

The 3008's lines give it a solidity and weighty look that leaves you questioning whether the 1.6 THP engine is going to be up to the task. It is, the 155bhp and 177lb.ft of torque available doing an excellent job in the 3008. The petrol unit is super smooth, with its strong delivery from low revs seriously impressing. If only the manual gearshift was slicker to enjoy the engine's performance more the 3008 would be an unlikely driver's choice in the crossover market. It'll reach 62mph in 8.9 seconds, but it's the engine's enormous flexibility that impresses more than its sprinting ability, making the 3008 a very comfortable and capable long-distance tool.

Ride & Handling:

Peugeot's chassis people have rediscovered the mojo that seemingly was lost with the 306. The 3008 feels remarkably wieldy, with agility and control that's difficult to associate with the lofty driving position and overall emphasis on practicality. There's some feel to the steering too, the 3008's reactions to input being accurate and quick, while body roll is kept in check by suspension that juggles comfort and control deftly thanks to a Dynamic Roll Control system in this Sport THP model - the HDi 150 manual version also benefits from this chassis enhancing kit.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Standard equipment levels in the middling Sport model are comprehensive for its circa £18,000 price point. For your hard-earned you'll get cruise control, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, ESP and an electric handbrake with hill assist. We'd happily bin that last item; although it frees up some space in the centre console area it's pretty hopeless in operation. Meanwhile, standard fit energy saver tyres help with economy and emissions, the 156 THP delivering 39.7mpg on the official combined cycle and emissions of 167g/km.

Overall:

With more conventional looks - and a proper handbrake - we'd give the Peugeot 3008 five stars. It's that good, Peugeot's crossover mixing practicality with driver appeal while bringing a new level of interior quality, fit, finish and styling to the lion badge. We can't wait until it's facelifted to echo the firm's new corporate look - which bins the gaping front grille. Even so, we'd put it very high on our list if we were looking for a practical, spacious and capable family car.