What we like when it comes to regular family cars is a great underdog story. The VW Tiguan seems like an untouchable 4x4, engineered by the biggest carmaker in Europe. But plucky Peugeot has chipped away at the opposition with its brand new 3008.
The last one drove great but looked like an old warthog with wheels. Its replacement can compete in a beauty pageant and show the Tiguan that it's had one too many bratwursts, especially from the front angle.
The only problem with the 3008 is that it's available in front-wheel drive until 2017. But the engines are more than up to our standard. Just take the lower output 2.0 BlueHDi, which matches the Tiguan's 2.0 TDI regarding power, 150 PS, but delivers 30 more Nm of torque.
If both models are front-wheel drive and fitted with manual gearboxes, the 3008 is also a little lighter - 1,425 vs. 1,493 kg.
In this independent acceleration test, YouTuber Sawomann was able to do 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. Meanwhile, a 4Motion Tiguan was able to do it in 9.4 seconds, so the FWD version will take about 10s.
On paper at least, the Peugeot 3008 is also about 8% more economical than its German rival. And because CO2 emissions only count "on paper," the French car is going to be cheaper to tax.
The 2.0 BlueHDI is going to be one of the most popular engines, but there are alternatives. For example, you could save a lot of cash and go for the entry-level 1.2-liter turbo if you're going to spend most of your time around town. There is also a 1.6-liter turbo, though that one is thirsty and is only available with an automatic.
Peugeot has even revealed a 3008 GT model, which will share its engines with the 308 GT hatchback and estate model. You're going to spend a lot of money on that, but it's even better looking.
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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