Peugeot 3008 review

Driving position

Compared with 3008s of old, the latest coupé-like crossover feels much more SUV-like, which means you have a higher seating position and a better view of the road ahead – you look down on more car roofs than before.

The size of the Peugeot 3008 is also pretty evident – you’ll notice how much wider it feels than its predecessors and the extra length in the bonnet.

There’s plenty of adjustment in the seating position and steering wheel to provide good ergonomics, but some drivers may struggle to get used to the so-called i-Cockpit.

That’s the name given to the cabin setup – the steering wheel sits pretty low, and you look over it at the speedo, not through it.

Early versions of this concept were criticised, but we think it works really well in the new Peugeot 3008 thanks to a well-thought-out dash layout. It actually makes the car feel more engaging to drive.

Tech and features

Compared with previous-generation models, the newer Peugeots have come a long way, and the interior of this third-generation 3008 is a tech fest.

The 3008 is only available with two high-spec trim levels, Allure and GT, so the list of standard equipment is long.

All cars get a wide 21-inch HD display that curves around the driver. It comprises a digital instrument cluster area and a touchscreen section for the infotainment – it works like the usual twin-display setup, but because it’s one big screen, it looks a lot smarter.

There’s a second display underneath for Peugeot’s i-Toggles – configurable shortcut keys to things like climate control and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

On that, it’s a shame that the climate controls are only accessible via certain menus on the touchscreen. We’d prefer physical controls or adjustments that remain on the bottom of all screens like VW does.

At least there are some physical shortcuts for the front and rear windscreen demisters.

All models also get a reversing camera, keyless entry and a wireless phone charger, but our sporty-looking GT car had an upgraded 360-degree parking camera with added front sensors as well as Pixel LED headlights, which are meant to prevent you from blinding oncoming traffic.

You also get the usual array of driver aids, like a lane-keeping assist and an audible alert if the car thinks you’re speeding – thankfully it’s not as intrusive as in other cars. You’ll need to pay more for GT spec if you want adaptive cruise control.

Engines and power

There are no pure combustion models anymore – every 3008 comes with a varying degree of electrification.

The most affordable is the 1.2-litre mild hybrid, which has 136hp. It might not sound like a lot in a fairly large family crossover, but we think this is a great engine.

Its small electric motor does a good job of plugging torque gaps between gear changes, which are mostly smooth because it’s a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The mild hybrid system boosts efficiency in and around town where you can lift off the throttle to coast and recharge the battery. It’ll also drive you a few hundred metres without petrol power if you’re extremely careful with your right foot.

We’ve tested this same engine in several other cars, including the Peugeot 5008 and Vauxhall Astra, and we’re consistently impressed. It’s up there with the best mild hybrid systems from any manufacturer.

If you need more power, there’s a 195hp plug-in hybrid. Power comes from a 150hp 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 125hp electric motor (though not all at the same time, hence why the system output is 195hp and not 275hp).

Electric energy is stored in a large 21kWh battery, it’s just a shame that charging is limited to 3.7kW and not 7kW. A full charge will take 5.5 hours.

We’ve reviewed the electric Peugeot e-3008 separately, but to summarise, you can have 73kWh or 97kWh battery packs – good for 339 and 435 miles of range respectively.

Handling and ride comfort

On the whole, the steering is light and quick to react, but it’s not as sharp and engaging as in other Peugeot models, including the smaller 408.

There’s also an element of body roll in corners, but that’s a trait that all SUVs find hard to shake off.

The Peugeot 3008 is geared more towards comfort, which is fine for most buyers, but if you’re upgrading from a slightly older model, it might not feel as fun to drive.

It’s quiet and refined at low speeds, and the wind noise isn’t intrusive at motorway speeds.

Boot space

On paper, the 520-litre boot sounds strong. Even with its coupé-like sloping rear roofline, it’s ahead of key rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, but there are plenty of cars with more storage, including the Renault Austral.

In terms of capacity, the 3008’s boot is good, but if you’re looking to load longer items, you’ll want to fold the seats flat.

We loved the variable boot floor, which can be placed low to maximise storage or high to eliminate the loading lip.

Rear seats

Rear-seat space is average – there’s room for two adults in the back or three children, but we found legroom to be on the limited side. Especially with the driver’s seat set for a 5’11 driver.

Thankfully, headroom is adequate, even with the panoramic sunroof fitted to our test car.

Storage solutions

The third-generation Peugeot 3008 excels when it comes to storage solutions and it’s clear its designers built it with families in mind.

The design of the cockpit, with multiple levels, opens up a lot of space in the centre console for storage.

Ahead of the two cupholders is a door storage area with a 12V socket and two USB-C ports, covered by a pivoting lid.

There’s also a neat compartment under the armrest with cooling for drinks and a wireless phone charging tray under the i-Toggles display.

In the back, there are more open storage compartments in the centre console as well as two more USB-C ports and a 12V socket. Space in the door bins, front and back, is good too.

Towing

The mild hybrid model is rated to tow 1,000kg, or up to 1,200kg if you choose to have Peugeot’s own tow bar fitted from the factory.

For the highest rating, consider the plug-in hybrid 3008, which will pull up to 1,550kg legally and safely.

Both have a maximum tow ball weight rating of 80kg.

The electric models will tow 1,200-1,250kg, depending on battery size.

Safety

Safety equipment is more or less the same across the board, but there are some benefits to going for the GT trim. For example, adaptive cruise control can help stop you from going into the car in front.

The 3008 is yet to be tested by Euro NCAP, but all models that have gone through the procedures since 2014 have received either four or five stars.

The previous-generation 3008 was a five-star car.

Fuel economy

Peugeot says the mild hybrid system will average 45-53mpg – in smaller cars with this engine, we were able to get close to the manufacturer’s figures.

Over nearly 400 miles, we averaged 41mpg with a fair mix of town, city and motorway driving.

The plug-in hybrid’s fuel economy figures are overly inflated because of the way the official tests work – through no fault of Peugeot’s.

Up to 356mpg is possible if you listen to the experts, but in other Peugeot and Citroen plug-in hybrids (they’re part of the same company), we’ve averaged anywhere between 50-100mpg.

How much petrol you use will depend entirely on how often you charge the car. The 21kWh battery is large enough for up to 55 miles of electric-only range, so you might never need to use the petrol engine if your trips are very short.

If that’s the case, why not consider the electric e-3008?

Reliability

Peugeot has improved its reliability and brand image in recent years, going from a budget-friendly manufacturer to a high-quality car maker (that retains its wallet-friendly price tags).

As a result, Peugeot cars tend to score well in owner satisfaction surveys. The third-generation 3008 is too new to know how it’ll perform, but it shares tried-and-tested parts from other models like the 5008 and 408.

Insurance groups

So far, all we know is that the plug-in hybrid is in groups 32-33. That’s the same as the e-3008 with the smaller 73kWh battery.

For reference, plug-in hybrid versions of the 3008’s rivals are usually in the 20s when it comes to insurance groups, so how affordable the mild hybrid model is will be an important factor in recommending the 3008 as an affordable family SUV.