Peugeot 3008 HYbrid 4 road test

Peugeot has entered the rapidly-expanding hybrid market with its first diesel-electric hybrid, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid 4.

Based on the existing Peugeot 3008, it uses a diesel engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to propel the rear wheels. An automated six-speed manual gearbox and an electronic control system ensures that they work together effectively.

This allows the 3008 HYbrid 4 to average up to a claimed 74mpg, while CO2 emissions are rated at 99g/km of CO2. That means exemption from the London Congestion Charge fee, free road tax, free showroom tax and inexpensive company car tax.

Hybrid cars typically tend to use petrol engines alongside their electric drive systems. While seemingly counter-intuitive, there are reasons for this. Diesels are not favoured in the American markets, where hybrid sales are most prevalent, and diesel fumes can be more harmful than petrol equivalents.

The downside of petrol hybrids is that they tend to be rather uninspiring to drive, and they can have difficulty meeting their quoted economy figures. This is why Peugeot has chosen to go down the diesel-electric route. It allows the manufacturer to offer a car with low CO2 emissions, potentially good economy and strong performance.

With the 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 163bhp and 300Nm of pulling power, and the electric motor a maximum of 37bhp and 200Nm, the Peugeot can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds. Its top speed is 118mph. As a result, buyers won’t be frustrated by the lack of pace, particularly when trying to overtake at motorway speeds.

Inside, the HYbrid 4 is comfortable, well-finished and spacious. There aren't many differences from the standard car, as the only notable changes are a new gearlever and the addition of a dial on the centre console that allows you to pick from different modes of hybrid operation. Drivers can select from auto, all-electric, four-wheel drive and sport settings. Unless you need the additional control, the 3008 manages just fine in full-auto mode.

There's plenty of kit on offer as well. The standard model comes with stop/start, climate control, tinted windows, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a speed limiter, automatic headlights and wipers, alloy wheels and USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

There are oddities to the interior though, such as a hinged glove box that opens towards the driver, so they can’t see what’s inside it. The removal of any engine noise in electric mode also reveals a multitude of minor noises that may annoy some owners. The brakes, for example, are particularly audible when coming to a stop. The diesel engine also seems quite agricultural at idle, although this may be down to the fact that you quickly acclimatise to the relative silence of all-electric mode.

Driving the 3008 HYbrid 4 is an uncomplicated affair. Simply put the transmission into ‘Auto’ and off you go. The delivery of power from the diesel and electric motor is automatically controlled. The two can work independently or together, to assist acceleration or provide a limited four-wheel drive mode.

In normal use the Peugeot accelerates and decelerates smoothly, without interruption - even when switching from diesel to electric and back. Accelerate harder, however, and the automated manual gearbox can struggle to keep up. Most will find that the substantial pulling power on offer will mean that full throttle is rarely required anyway.

Around corners the 3008 proves composed, with well-weighted and relatively precise steering. There's little body roll, thanks to stiff suspension, but this brings about issues with ride quality. Instead of the car rolling a little, you simply rock around in your seat. Both passengers and drivers alike can very quickly become uncomfortable, particularly when driving across country.

During testing, which covered a mix of roads and traffic conditions, we averaged 42mpg. The economy you achieve will be heavily dependent on how and where you drive the car, so do make sure you try it before assuming you'll achieve the quoted figures. Even Peugeot are tentative about the 74mpg claim, and the additional cost of the HYbrid 4 can seem excessive when you consider that many conventional diesel models can easily return 50mpg.

Lastly, despite what Peugeot continually states, the 3008 HYbrid 4 isn’t the world's first diesel-electric hybrid. That accolade goes to Audi, which released a diesel-electric hybrid version of the A4 Avant in 1997.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid 4 is on sale now, with prices starting at £26,995 for the 99g/km model.

Also consider:

Mazda CX-5

With a range of economical and flexible engines the Mazda CX-5 is an interesting alternative. It relies on maximising efficiency, rather than complex technology. Four-wheel drive versions are available.

BMW 3-Series estate

It might not seem like a logical alternative but it’s spacious, practical and good to drive. The BMW also benefits from a premium image and a choice of frugal diesel engines.

Skoda Yeti

The Yeti is a distinctive combination of family hatch and four-wheel drive. It’s an ideal family car and buyers can pick from both two and four-wheel drive models, as well as petrol and diesel engines.