Back in April we were full of the joys of spring about the 3008, even referencing The Black Eyed Peas lyrics concerning its “Boom, Boom Pow” potential (“I’m so 3008, you so 2000 and late”). But six months later, is the feeling as strong?
Firmly in the ‘yes’ folder is the 3008’s clever boot, with rear seats that fold flat, a useful three-position load floor plus a handy split rear tailgate [1]. Upfront the dash’s big wraparound high centre console and massive cubbyhole received almost consistent praise [2] and details such as the detachable boot torch that had always theoretically impressed [3] finally became useful one dark night trying to locate something deep within the boot.
The frugal 110hp 1.6 110 HDi was a hit, too, with enough refinement and grunt for most journeys but still boasting overall economy a fraction under 40mpg despite mainly urban driving (admittedly boosted by a comfortable 44.7mpg rural-only stint).
In the ‘no’ folder the inability of the satnav to accept a full postcode and sending us horribly off-course twice plus the left-hand drive opening to the centre armrest lid were maddening. More minor gripes include manual window wipers in the rear because they took control away from the driver and into the hands of little kids, and finally, a slightly uneasy feeling about the coherence of the car’s design – and thus its long-term used car desirability and RVs – especially in profile around the weirdly proportioned wheel arches. In other matters, reliability and quality seemed high, with nothing coming loose or falling off and materials retaining their lustre.
In summary, and to finish on the same lyrical analogy, the compact MPV/crossover is far from “2000 and late” but not quite a “so 3008” leader of the pack either. I’d still opt for a 1.5 Qashqai for desirability and economy, even if it doesn’t quite match the functionality.
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