WE TOLD YOU a couple of weeks ago that a shiny new Peugeot 3008 would be joining our fleet. Well, it’s here, and we can’t wait to get a caravan attached to see what it can do. Unfortunately, for now, we can’t. You see, we chose the Peugeot’s 1300kg tow limit and efficient 112bhp diesel engine because we have an Elddis Avante 372 arriving very soon, with a plated MTPLM of 1090kg. 

 

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A large chunk of next-generation of caravanners might seek an outfit very much like the 3008 and Elddis 372. With budgets set to be reigned in even more, and an increasing number of young families restricted by driving licence weight laws, this outfit could be the perfect step-up from a tent.

 

Practical prices

As we all know, the majority of a towcar’s life is spent carrying out solo duties, so it’s important that it does the basics well, too. First, let’s talk money. In top Exclusive trim, our test car costs a reasonable £21,810, with it’s sat-nav and leather, heated seats, the price jumps to £23,595. The silver metallic paint adds a further £440. Alternatively, the same engine is available in entry level Active spec, costing a sensible £18,895.

 

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Cheap to run

Whichever trim level you choose, once the 3008 HDi 112 is on your drive, it shouldn’t cost you much to keep it there. The small 1.6-litre diesel engine manages a claimed 60mpg, which we think isn’t too far fetched considering we’re getting 50mpg in stop-start London traffic. Sitting comfortably in car tax band E and insurance group 5, the 3008 HDi 112 will set you back £115 a year in tax and insurance quotes should please owners, too. 

 

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The 3008’s weight figures are conservative, but more than suitable for pulling smaller, lightweight vans. It has a kerbweight of 1504kg, an 85% weight of 1278kg and a maximum tow limit of 1300kg. There are bigger 150bhp and 163bhp 2.0-litre diesels available, but the tow limit only creeps up 1500kg with these models. 

 

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Things we like

Driving the 3008 solo is a pleasant experience. It’s supremely comfortable and irons out bumps with ease. In particular, sleeping policeman are dealt with better than just about anything we’ve driven other than the much bigger 4x4s, such as Land Rover’s Discovery.

 

Together with the ride, the 3008’s seats support well, and an upright driving position with elevated gearstick ensure a great visibility and simple gear changes. Despite our test car sporting the top trim, the soft touch plastics inside will feature throughout out the range and look and feel good quality.

 

One of the best aspects of the 3008, though, is it’s practicality and space. With the rear seats up you’ll have 512-litres of boot space. With them down, that becomes 1604-litres. A tall, wide boot opening thanks to a split rear tailgate helps make the best use of the space, while a solid parcel shelf-type divide in the boot itself provides two separate areas should you need it.

 

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Niggles

The Peugeot 3008 is comfortable, cheap to buy, cheap to run and economical. As with most cars, though, there are small parts we think could be done better. In the cabin for instance, the driver arm rest opens the wrong way to reveal a large cubby hole, probably due to the car’s French origins and design. Also, like our recent long term VW Tiguan, the 3008’s sat-nav only allows you to enter the first part of a postcode, leaving you stuck if that’s all you have to go on.

 

These are small grievances, however. In truth, the 3008 is a superb car to live with, and despite having less power than our usual fleet cars, we don’t think it there’s enough of a deficit to affect towing vans as light as our soon to be delivered Elddis.

 

Before then, you can see how the 3008 got on against Ford’s C-max in our December-issue twin test.