We remember looking at a rendering of a hot Peugeot 3008 only a few hours ago. We would never have suspected that the French would put it into production so soon. It might not be as perfect as a 3008 GTI, but a GT model is still good enough for most people.
Yet here it is, the 3008 GT, arriving even before the vanilla version hits showrooms. To be honest, we already know what this car is all about, even before reading a word of the press release.
The 2.0-liter turbodiesel standard remains the golden standard in the crossover market. It offers decent power with fuel consumption levels most people would consider acceptable.
The Ford Kuga has one; so does the Tiguan and the new SEAT Ateca. Peugeot joins the friendly competition with its 2.0 BlueHDi, the same engine featured on the 308 GT hatchback and wagon. At 180 PS, it's 10 ponies down on VW's unit. However, there's a little more torque available.
Another difference is that the 3008 GT uses the EAT6 automatic six-speed gearbox. Peugeot has not released the important numbers, but we suspect it will reach 100 km/h in around 8 seconds.
Besides the engine, the 3008 GT model comes with other features that will encourage you to buy one. 19-inch wheels are standard, shod in 235/50 R19 tires. The body kit is tweaked, and the paintjob is a duller version of the one used by the GTi models.
Continuing our French power trip inside, we see that the GT gets copper topstitching on the dashboard trim, door trim panels, and central armrests. Peugeot also points out the full leather seats, genuine aged-oak trim, touches of satin chrome, a flat bottom steering wheel and a copper shade for the digital instrument panel display. It's all inspired by the concept cars released in recent years.
Just as Renault does, the Lion brand offers an alternative for those seeking the look but not the power. It's called the 3008 GT Line and features slightly smaller wheels and regular engines, mainly the 1.6 BlueHDI. All will be revealed this fall, so we'll have to wait patiently for the Paris Motor Show.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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