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Number's Up For Peugeot MPV

The '00' range from Peugeot is licensed to thrill! Images in the current issue of Auto Express magazine reveal the company's compact MPV, set to wear the 3008 badge.

By Matt Joy

04th May 2005

The mag's pictures show the car will have all the style and versatility to transport passengers and luggage in comfort. And the newcomer completes a line-up which consists of three and five-door hatchbacks, an SW estate and a CC folding hard-top.

As with the 1007 - due on sale in July - the 3008 will be marketed as a niche product, hence its radical appearance. But it shares some cues with other models in the forthcoming 308 range, such as the triangular headlamps and wide air intake below the imposing badge. However, the overall shape is designed for more generous interior space than other variants.

A relatively compact bonnet and a deep windscreen create a large glass area, resulting in an airy feel for the cabin, while a short overhang and a reverse-angle C-pillar add style to the rear. Although powered sliding doors are available on the 1007 and larger 807 people carrier, it's likely that the 3008 will have conventional openings at the front and back in a bid to avoid weight and cost penalties.

As Peugeot's first entry into the compact MPV sector, the 3008 takes on the Ford Focus C-MAX and VW Touran. However, designers have yet to decide if the new model will have seven seats - as the VW does - or a more conventional five, like the Ford.

In either case, the aim is to deliver competitive amounts of storage space with all the chairs occupied. A folding-seat mechanism will allow full use of the interior for carrying large loads.

The cabin will also benefit from an upmarket dashboard, which has to be practical and tough enough to cope with occupants of all ages. High-spec options will be available, including a Bluetooth mobile phone connection and a DVD-based entertainment system for rear passengers.

Meanwhile, the 3008 shares its chassis with Citroen's next Picasso. This will provide it with impressive structural strength, excellent handling, a smooth ride and the kind of safety family buyers demand. Engineers are hoping the 3008 achieves a perfect five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and a good score in the pedestrian impact assessment.

Power is likely to come from existing PSA Peugeot Citroen engines, including 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol units. Diesels will undoubtedly prove more popular, so 1.6 and 2.0-litre HDi variants are to be offered with outputs up to 136bhp.

And, after the success of sporty MPVs such as the Vauxhall Zafira GSi, a performance version is also feasible, using the 180bhp 2.0-litre engine from the 206 GTi. Six-speed gearboxes will be standard on diesels, with five-ratio manuals and an auto for petrol cars.

The hatchback 308 models will reach showrooms first, making their world debut in 2006. The remainder
of the range - including the 3008 - is set to arrive by the end of 2007.

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