Review Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDI Napapijri – Exclusivity and exceptionality

When the French car manufacturer Peugeot introduced the new 3008 model in May 2009, it caused quite a stir among fans of the brand, which was mainly due to the completely new concept and construction of the car. One group of fans liked the new 3008 , but the other did not. The Peugeot 3008 is built on the modular platform of the smaller 308 model, and thanks to its higher body structure and "bloated" appearance, it creates contradictory impressions.

When I learned about the possibility of testing the eccentric 3008, I did not hesitate for a minute. To make matters worse, the tested Peugeot 3008 was in the latest Napapijri exclusive edition and with a two-liter diesel under the hood, which attracted my attention even more.

Exterior

Thanks to its powerful body structure, the Peugeot 3008 could be classified between the MPV and SUV categories, while it does not quite fit into either. In this case, we are talking about the crossover segment, which is evidenced by its external dimensions and also the weight of 1.5 tons. The clothing company Napapijri highlighted the car and differentiated it from regular versions, thanks to which you will catch the attention of many drivers. The tested Peugeot 3008 Napapijri had a very attractive Rich Oak brown paint. However, those who would not like this shade on the car have the option of choosing between the other three lacquers on offer, which are only available for the Napapijri special edition.

You can recognize the limited edition at first sight by the numerous use of Napapijri badges. These found their place on the front doors, trunk lid, wheel spokes, inner door sills, backrest upholstery and even the steering wheel. The very appearance of the car is characterized by atypically shaped headlights that extend into the front fenders. Under the radiator mask, there is a lower safety coating, which protects the engine and important parts from potential pitfalls on the road. Plastics are used in abundance in the 3008, which helps mainly in urban maneuvers and in lighter terrain, where it gets stuck every now and then.

Looking at the rear, I was impressed by the attractive rear lamps, which unfortunately do not have LEDs. I was also interested in the massive bumper, which incorporates effective fog lights. A practical matter is the two-part lid of the luggage compartment , the lower hinged part of which can support a weight of up to 200 kilograms. In addition, the tested version was equipped with an optional panoramic sunroof, thanks to which passengers in the back seats can enjoy a great view of the passing endless sky.

Interior and equipment

The size of the car suggests that none of the passengers will be deprived in any way on board. The interior is designed very luxuriously and boasts sufficient space in all directions. After sitting behind the handsome three-spoke steering wheel, which is stitched with brown contrasting thread, I was greeted by heated seats with good lateral guidance. They also combine Claudia leather and suede, in which the Napapijri company logo is printed. It was not at all difficult to find the ideal position behind the wheel right away. The dashboard is neatly finished, in the tested version it has black leather and contrasting stitching. Perhaps the best feature is the retractable Head-Up Display under the windshield, which displays the current speed and other optional data. A separate chapter is the large central tunnel covered with shiny black plastic, complemented by a silver frame for the gear lever. It literally hugs the driver and passenger, which creates a greater sense of security. In the middle part of the central tunnel, a surprise awaited me in the form of the absence of a classic handbrake . In its place is a large button for the parking brake, which is automatically activated every time the car is parked. Behind it are two cup holders and a leather-covered armrest, under which a large box with lighting is hidden.

In terms of space, the car is in no way behind the competition. With a height of 182 centimeters, I had a sufficient reserve above my head despite the presence of a panoramic sunroof. For passengers on the back seats, there is enough space in the knee area, figures with a height of up to 180 centimeters will not feel anxious even above their heads. The luggage compartment offers a relatively decent basic volume of 432 liters and thanks to the intuitive folding of the rear seats, it can be increased up to the resulting 1241 liters . To transport extra long items, you can use the forward-folding passenger backrest, which creates a loading area of up to 2.7 meters in length.

The equipment list of the Napapijri edition does not lack cruise control, rear parking sensors, a hill start assistant or a system that monitors the distance from the vehicle in front of you. The safety of the crew is ensured by six airbags and a central display that signals passengers who are not wearing seat belts, doors that are not closed and the possible deactivation of the passenger's airbag. Even in the back seats, passengers are not deprived of luxury features, such as separate reading lights or dark retractable blinds in the side windows. They can completely darken the car and make it difficult for any intruders to pry.

Engine, driving

The tested Peugeot 3008 had a 150 hp 2.0 HDI FAP four-cylinder diesel under the hood, which meets the Euro 5 emission standard. Our performance version works exclusively with a direct-shift six-speed gearbox, and despite the car's weight exceeding 1.5 tons, it can provide unprecedented dynamics. If 110 kW is not enough, you can reach for a version with a power of 120 kW and a six-speed automatic transmission (not in the Napapijri edition, however). However, the power difference between these units is quite negligible and it is therefore only a choice between manual or automatic transmission.

The drive unit has a pleasant sound and its noise reduction is at a very good level. It starts to wake up just below 2000rpm, the throttle response is lightning fast in this area and the engine's strong pull persists up to 4000rpm. The driving style of the driver will of course affect the resulting consumption, which can sometimes really surprise. The stated combined consumption according to the manufacturer is 7.1 liters per 100 km, which is only partly true. When cruising around the city, the car can claim 9 liters, on the contrary, on the highway at a speed of 130 km/h and in 6th gear, you can even get to 6.2 l/100 km . If you are a fan of sporty driving or fast movements in the left lane of the highway, prepare for a consumption of around 10 l/100 km.

In terms of driving comfort, the car is very well tuned, the chassis is more sporty. You will appreciate this especially in corners, when the body leans too much. In this regard, thanks to the Dynamic Rolling Control system and the third shock absorber, which is located horizontally on the rear axle. The chassis of the Peugeot 3008 bravely copes with unevenness on the roads, and the shocks from the wheels penetrating into the interior are therefore rather an exceptional matter. The power steering with a variable effect is set to an optimal level, which ensures certain reactions during sharper maneuvers. Driving in moderate terrain is a little worse, which is mainly due to the absence of all-wheel drive, which is only available in the HYbrid4 version. It should be remembered that the 3008 is primarily built on roads with a high-quality (or Czech) surface.

Conclusion

During the test week, I got to know the Peugeot 3008 Napapijri perfectly and its versatile use in everyday life was no problem for me. The car is not afraid of sportier driving or easier terrain, but it is comfortable moving on roads with a high-quality surface. In addition, accessories from the clothing brand Napapijri gave it an even greater portion of exclusivity and elegance, distinguishing the car from the commonly available 3008 models. The pleasant price, which the Czech Peugeot representative set at 555,000 CZK, also tempts you to buy the exclusive limited edition.

Compare the parameters of the Peugeot 3008 with the competition