Peugeot 3008 v Volkswagen Tiguan 2017 Comparison

Why are we comparing them?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has so far failed to triumph in any of our recent medium SUV comparisons but not for a lack of competence. Trumped on value by its competitors, the Tiguan executes all other aspects of its medium SUV remit very well.

On the other hand, the latest Peugeot 3008 has not yet been subjected to a medium SUV group test, but its accolades from our European counterparts suggest it will be a contender.

And the stakes are high because the medium SUV segment continues to cannibalise multiple market segments thanks to a winning combination of affordability, practicality and ease of use.

The reality is, for buyers looking for a touch of Euro class, but unable to step up to the BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz league, vehicles from premium brands such as Volkswagen and Peugeot tick plenty of boxes.

Of course the very worthy Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are similarly adept at box ticking, but for school pickup and golf club cachet, both the 3008 and Tiguan wear commendable badges.

Thankfully the French and German rivals are also both very good vehicles, particularly in their high-specification executions.

Both speak to the desires of contemporary medium SUV buyers; the Peugeot 3008 GT-Line features a suite of driver assistance technologies with an easy-to-use interface, while the Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI adds a similar level of features - via a $2000 option – and throws-in improved engine performance.

The Tiguan’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offers 162kW/350Nm and gear shifts are managed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. So, on that score it has an edge over the front-wheel drive 3008 which is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 121kW/240Nm and paired with a six-speed transmission.

Who will they appeal to?
These vehicles will appeal to a wide range of SUV buyers. Thanks to their specification level and pricing, they will attract buyers who want to transact at the top of the sub-$60,000 price bracket.

But with such strong specifications and features lists, they’ll also be on the radar for prestige brand customers. For those buyers, both the 3008 GT-Line and the Tiguan 162TSI represent good buying.

Buyers looking for style and attention to detail will be well served to consider either of these vehicles. The Tiguan’s latest update is sharp and to-the-minute, while the 3008 has toned down its previous ‘Euro-quirky’ to appeal to a broader audience.

Practicality abounds in each. Cargo space is similar – 615-litres in the Tiguan and 591-litres in the 3008. Fold the second row seats and the Tiguan’s capacity rises to 1655-litres, 15L less than the 3008 which delivers 1670-litres.

The front-wheel drive 3008 only offers 600kg of braked towing capacity, whereas the all-wheel drive Tiguan will tow up to 2500kg – and right there we may have a deal breaker for some buyers.

How much do they cost?
Peugeot offers the 3008 GT-Line for $43,490 (plus on-road costs), while the Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI is listed at $48,490 (plus on-road costs).

The Tiguan includes its leather upholstery as standard, while its driver assistance tech - which also includes auto parking - is an option. For this test, the Tiguan adds a $2000 driver assistance package comprising Park Assist, parking bay and parallel parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, active info display and 360 degree camera. The R Line pack including chassis control, 20-inch wheels and styling updates is $4000. So the Volkswagen’s as-tested price here is $54,490 (plus on-road costs).

With the Peugeot, pearl paint finish, Nappa Leather trim with electric driver seat (including a massage function), an electronic tailgate, panoramic roof and grip control package lift the as-tested price to $50,940 (plus on-road costs). Included in the GT-Line specification are driver assistance technologies including auto parking, 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

So, with both vehicles optioned to a similar specification, the loaded price difference is $4000 in favour of the Peugeot 3008.

Expect to see some differences in running costs too. Peugeot service intervals are 20,000kms/12 months, while Volkswagen wants to see you every 15,000kms/12 months.

Capped price servicing is offered by both brands. Pricing is mapped out for nine years in the case of the 3008 and five for the Tiguan.

In the first three years of ownership, expect to pay $1787 for the 3008 servicing and $1664 for the Tiguan.

Volkswagen offers an unlimited kilometre/ three year warranty while Peugeot’s warranty is 100,000km/three years. Both vehicles run on premium unleaded fuel

What do they do well?
With the updated Peugeot interface simplified - a clever combination of touchscreen and rocker buttons managing most of the functions – the 3008 is easy to learn, with minimum distractions, and an easy car to drive.

Peugeot’s configurable driver information display can be set up to display a simple digital speedo or personalised to show a combination of navigation, driver information and economy data. And the French brand’s adaptive cruise control is simple to engage and easy to set in 1km/h intervals.

While the 3008 offers less power, there is plenty for around town driving. Steering feel gives suitable feedback and the Peugeot is nimble on road, resulting in a satisfying driving experience.

The Tiguan is noticeably more powerful and its all-wheel drive system offers better on road feel. However there is a fuel consumption penalty - on the ADR Combined cycle, the

Tiguan has claimed fuel economy of 8.1L/100km, compared to the 3008’s 7.0L.
No doubt the Tiguan’s improved towing capacity and all-wheel-drive off-road capability will see it win favour with many local buyers.

What could they do better?
Both of these cars are line-ball on features, flexibility and driveability and they’re both good all-rounders. As such, there aren’t many areas for improvement.

For the price, it would be nice to see the driver assistance technology included as standard in the Tiguan, however the $2000 price tag for the driver assistance package is not an out-of-the world proposition. And, while the Peugeot may have a longer service interval, you’ll be replacing all the filters and spark plugs every two years/ 40,000kms at a cost of $833.

Which wins, and why?
It’s a very close call as each of these vehicles is an accomplished performer. By the end of our comparison we would have been more than happy to take either home for keeps.

The addition of the R-Line pack does add a fair chunk to the Tiguan’s purchase price, but the package inclusions are extensive and add markedly to both the drive experience and styling. On the other hand, the 3008’s standard driver assistance tech is great – but leather is an option.

So the winner is? Only because of its all-wheel drive configuration and towing capacity we’re opting to pick the Tiguan. If you’re not going to tow, then the 3008 will be more than adequate, but for the extra bit of flexibility, it’s the Tiguan which takes the nod by the very, very narrowest of margins.

2017 Peugeot 3008 GT-Line pricing and specifications:
Price: $50,940 as tested (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 121kW/240Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 156g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSi pricing and specifications:
Price: $54,940 as tested (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 162kW/350Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP