Last week I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 – the world’s first diesel electric hybrid.
The event started at the Malmaison in Birmingham where a room full of journalists received a briefing on Peugeot and the plans for the next six months, as well as an informative overview of the spec of the new 3008 Hybrid4.
We were then directed to a car and sent on a mystery tour to the West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley. The route as planned by the Peugeot team, allowed the drivers to utilise all of the modes within the car including: auto, sport, 4x4 and ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle aka electric).
When we arrived at the park, we were directed onto an off road trail which allowed us to really test out the car’s 4x4 capabilities. We then had an amazing opportunity to drive the car through the animal enclosures where we came face to face with rhinos, tigers and most notably a Hybrid White Lion!
I was travelling with Tangerine PR group managing director Sandy Lindsay and consumer team account director Jo Dudley – two major petrol heads. As an automatic car driver virgin I decided to step aside and let them share the driving (I decided it probably wasn’t the best setting in the world for my automatic debut!).
With plenty of space in the back and comfy leather interior it was the perfect setting for me to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery. The rear windows were tinted but also had the advantage of a retractable guard which is a great added extra. The panoramic roof also added to my ‘back-seat experience’, providing spectacular views which were particularly invaluable when visiting the safari park.
When looking in the front of the vehicle my eyes widened due to the gadget packed front console. The car contains all of the features you would expect from a technologically advanced model, Bluetooth and a sat nav system as well as a floating speedometer directly within the driver’s eye line. The most innovative aspect of the dashboard is the information screen which allows the driver to see at any one time, which mode is being utilised, the charge being delivered to the battery and the points at which the electric engine kicks in to ensure the car is driving in its most fuel efficient mode.
As mentioned earlier, I didn’t actually drive the car as part of the launch, so throughout the event I watched Sandy and Jo drive and I reviewed the car to see how it would fit my individual driving needs.
As a mum I need a family car that can fit a pram, child seat and everything else my almost two year old could possibly need at any given time. However, I have to admit I do like to put my foot down and have a good run out in the car every so often (obviously when my son isn’t with me). When I purchased my last car, I was particularly impressed with the impact of the eco benefits ie the reduced car tax and fuel efficiency so the eco aspect of the Hybrid4 is a great attraction. The four wheel drive offers a fun aspect, which will be perfect for the more adventurous family activities like camping/hiking which will require us driving out into some off-road territory. So putting all this together I think the 3008 Hybrid4 would be a great car for me. All I have to do now is actually drive an automatic and then I can give the Hybrid4 an official driving review.
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