New styling for this French crossover

As the crossover SUV's dominance shows no sign of slowing down, these pages are being increasingly inundated with reviews of a class of car for which we usually have a fleeting interest at best. Naturally inclined towards the smaller or quirkier varieties of automobile, the crossover personally serves us little purpose, but, being readily aware they are the answer to many peoples' wishes we understand their increasing stranglehold on sales. We're just establishing where we are in the game to emphasise the surprise experienced when the Peugeot 3008 GT line caught our attention. Why? Its looks. Superficial we know, but compared to the previous edition, Peugeot have gone away and returned with a SUV that's easy on the eye by being worldlier and nice to drive. Who knew that would work!? Find out what else we thought.
What's different about the design?
For this model Peugeot have (thankfully) thrown out the old French people-carrier mould and made the 3008 a full-on global SUV meaning tighter, more dynamic lines as well as it being lighter and stronger as a result of being built on the company's newest platforms. A longer wheelbase elongates the body making it more appealing and gives it more than enough space for a family - comparable with others in its league including the Nissan Qashqai. Chrome highlights around the exterior and a floating roof are nice touches adding to the vehicle's elegance.
And inside?
Most Peugeots' interiors maintain a similar high standard of build quality and materials for their segment and the 3008 GT is no different. An avant-garde design including piano key shortcuts for various functions on the central column, fun sweeping lines throughout the cockpit and that now trademark small steering wheel let you know you're in an environment designers have taken care to produce. Just a note on their choice of steering wheel: at first you will baulk at it. We did. Strangely, however, it does grow on you. Combined with the handling, you feel even with the 3008's size you're able to dart about, adding an extra zest to any journey.
Does the engine have any zest?
We can't say the 3008 GT is the quickest car you will ever see reviewed here, nor is it the nippiest, but what we can say is it provides a smooth, safe ride, which is what you'll be looking for. A four-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine produces 165hp and a 0-100km/h time of nine seconds. That power is well distributed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox and, despite a slight lag when we slammed the accelerator down once or twice, is ultimately satisfactory. The top speed of just over 200km/h will never be needed, so rest assured for you're requirements, you're golden. The cabin is extremely quiet even on the motorway and we could only report minimal vibration in the back seats even on rougher road surfaces.
What else was good?
The boot has just under 520-litres of space, which is massive and this increases to 1600-litres when you drop the rear three seats. It's worth bearing in mind if you're constantly doubling up as a dog/ furniture/ sports equipment transport service. The 19-inch wheels are also a nice touch on what is a noteworthy car.
Specs
Engine: 1.6-litre
Power: 165hp
0-100km/h: 9secs
Top speed: 205km/h
david@khaleejtimes.com