I suppose at some stage most families will have to think about buying a new car. For those with young, growing, entourages there are fairly big decisions hovering somewhere on the horizon, be it next year or the year after.
You can only get by with a three-door city car for so long. Indeed, some people I know with even a decent-sized sedan are on the prowl for something more accommodating for their growing passengers.
It is no surprise they're not necessarily looking for a larger sedan.
The Nissan Qashqai has come up in conversations more than once, as has the likes of the Ford C-Max and, of course, the Renault Scenic.
There is, apparently, a trend across Europe where demand for people carriers and (that awful term) "crossovers" such as the Peugeot 3008, is bucking the overall trend and exceeding projections by a significant distance.
I think I'm gauging the mindset correctly when I say potential buyers are looking for practicality with a bit of brio. They want something flexible that is reasonable to run and will get them and their growing children over the next three or four years. But it has to be a bit different as well.
Finding that package is not as simple as it sounds. For a start, finance is a major stumbling block. Decision day is being put off for as long as possible.
Peugeot's 3008 crossover - scheduled for SA release in February 2010 - will be one of those in contention when needs must. It is probably most directly comparable to the Qashqai.
It tries, without much success, to replicate off-road looks. It tries, with a lot of success, to do people carrier. That's good because the whole off-road charade is a complete bore and comes to nothing more than a useless boast.
The 3008 certainly attempts to please. It has several clever and helpful additions in the cabin - which is where, after all, you want whatever extra you can get.
I tested a left-hand drive, French-registered version for the week. I took to it straightaway, though I think it lacks something the Qashqai has.
That said, there's a fair bit going for it, even if the lack of sliding/removable rear seats reduces flexibility. But the multi-level boot is a great idea and has more room than the Nissan.
The high roof made the cabin feel spacious and the handling was, well, like a hatchback most of the time.
DIFFERENT BUT NOT GAUCHE
Not a bad combination at all. I'd say the 1.6-litre diesel engine will be the least of your concerns. If it were anything other than frugal, willing and quiet, I'd be kicking up a stink.
Maybe it needs more power but what family is going to complain about performance - and anyway South Africans will get the two-litre diesel.
The 3008 looks different too. I think those going to spend their own money want to see and feel that difference. They can hardly miss the chrome mesh grille, chunky wheel arches and oversized headlights. Different enough without being gauche, I'd say.
I did like the way the fascia encircled the domain of the front. The windscreen was huge and my version had a full-length glass roof. Yet I felt quite snug, thank you, in my nicely raised driver's seat that gave me plenty of visibility - you need it when you're driving from the kerb side of the car.
Sometimes taller cars like this rock and roll a bit when, let's say, an enthusiastic driver gets cracking. This one, however, stood up well and ironed out the bumps while gripping strongly on the bends.
I don't want to jump to conclusions, given it was left-hand drive and all that, but the steering felt particularly precise.
SNAZZY BITS AND PIECES
Just be aware, however, that there are a lot of switches and controls on this - they look well but it took me a long time to sort out what was what.
I was glad - as I'm sure most parents would be - of the large, deep storage box at my right elbow to dispose of bits and pieces that can clutter and distract when you're driving.
My test car had a few extra snazzy bits and pieces. A little 'pane' of glass emerged on top of the dash when I'd start up to reflect my speed. The main "screen" to show radio station, CD choices, satnav and so on also popped up further to the right. Call me childish but I love little things like that.
This is different, with a touch of adventure. It's a decent rival for the Qashqai but will not overwhelm it. More importantly, it's a lot more interesting than a sedan and well priced. Worth a test drive, definitely. - Irish Independent