Cat Pawed

What we like:

Equipment levels

Radical styling

Fuel-sipping diesel engine

What we dislike:

Build quality could be better

Does not like tight corners

non-electric passenger-side seat

That steering wheel does induce change your driving habits, as the flat top entices you to place your hand at the 12 o’clock position very often. Variable power assistance also means that the steering does not become too light at speeds.

The 3008 is powered by a 4 cylinder 1.6 litre common rail turbodiesel, which produces a very healthy 300Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. Accelerating from a standstill would require a little bit of time for the turbocharger to spool up, but once it does, the compact SUV pulls away briskly. While the 0-100km/h is at a leisurely 12.7 seconds, the 3008 does feel quite alive on the run, and does well at picking up from city to highway speeds. Fuel consumption is good, as it is after all a diesel, with a combined 22.7Km/L.

The 225/55 R18 tyres aid in providing ample comfort for highway cruising. The 3008 does not like to be rushed we discovered, as it would protest quite a bit during multiple directional changes. The higher centre of gravity gets the rear feeling rather light around tighter bends; thankfully the Pug comes equipped with traction control, helping to keep things in-check if you were to “over-do” a corner.

The 3008 comes with a drive select knob, to aid you in sticky situations, including Mud and Sand settings, which automatically reduce wheel slippage on such surfaces, and not forgetting standard Regular Road type terrain settings. But wait… the Pug is front-driven. But it doesn’t seem know that… the clever electronics managing the driving wheels does work, allowing the 3008 the ability to be a competent enough softroader.

Driving dynamics aside, what the 3008 does deliver for the driver is satisfaction in cruising in an urban setting, with that slight off-roading ability (if needed). Mood lighting, scent selection and diver-side massaging, together with a radically different dash design makes the Pug that little more special.

Credits: