Peugeot 3008 review

The Peugeot 3008 spearheaded something of a new lease of life for the French brand when it released in 2016. It replaced the 3008 MPV - a dowdy, pudgy thing - with a good-looking and comfortable SUV that's since become the best-selling car in its class across Europe.

Though it's styled as an SUV, it's still plenty practical, with family-friendly features all over and a large boot. Whatever the 3008 is, don’t think that it's an off-roader, though. Four-wheel drive is only available on the Hybrid4 and while traction-maximising Grip Control is available – a system that adapts to the type of surface you’re driving on – and might help in some circumstances, this is a car designed very much for tarmac. Peugeot goes as far as describing the 3008 as sporty - we'll take issue with that.

The 3008 faces a long list of established rivals that claim to offer the same recipe of a high driving position, practical interior and affordable running costs. Leading the charge is the Nissan Qashqai – which has sat high up the UK bestsellers’ list for several years – with the boldly styled Kia Sportage and pricier VW Tiguan gunning for the same customers.

Other competition comes in the form of the SEAT Ateca, plus the sleek and affordable Renault Kadjar and the fun-to-drive Mazda CX-5. Where the 3008 bests all rivals, however, is in its ultra-sharp styling and super-simple interior, which features a shrunken steering wheel, with digital dials above and a driver-canted centre console complete with large touchscreen infotainment system.

Even more eye-catching after 2020 facelift

The 3008's mid-life facelift is a successful one, taking a car that's already very good-looking and improving it even further. The boldest change is the grille, which is now frameless and extends right to the edges of the front fascia. 

It's flanked by Peugeot's now-signature 'sabre-tooth' LED daytime running lights underneath new LED headlights. 

Inside, you now get a larger infotainment screen, new trims and fabrics and a higher-contrast instrument panel. Really, though, this facelift is largely cosmetic - there simply wasn't much that needed changing.

Lots of well-equipped trim levels

Specification levels vary from Active Premium to range-topping GT Premium. All models are well -equipped, though - you get keyless start, dual-zone climate control and smartphone connectivity regardless of trim. Step one level up to Allure and you'll get the new, larger 10.0-inch touchscreen.

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Higher trim levels come with niceties such as massaging seats or a panoramic sunroof, plus posh leather and Alcantara upholstery. And GT models look the best, with large alloy wheels and an optional 'Black Pack'.

PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines available

Engines range from a 130hp turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech and 130hp 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel – both available in manual and automatic form – to a 180hp 1.6-litre PureTech petrol and a 180hp BlueHDi diesel, both only sold with an automatic gearbox.

The good news is there isn't a bad engine available in the 3008, but it's the two 130hp units that we prefer. They're refined and powerful enough for most buyers, while offering impressive running costs. They're also available across more of the 3008 trim levels than the more powerful options.

Plug-in hybrid models

Two plug-in hybrids - badged Hybrid and Hybrid4 - were added to the range, combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 13.2kWh battery. The Hybrid model is the lower-powered, front-wheel drive version, while the more powerful Hybrid4 brings an additional electric motor that also drives the rear wheels – bringing power up from the Hybrid’s 225hp to 300hp – but also making for the first four-wheel drive 3008 available.

There's actually a lot to like about these two cars - they're competent, offer super-low running costs and have surprising performance for what is still a fairly standard family SUV. More on these two cars in the Engines section of this review.

Leasing online

The Peugeot 3008 is available with some good deals, principally because resale values are quite strong. Monthly 3008 prices start from £327.

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• We rate the best hybrid SUVs for 2020
• Which are the best SUVs on sale in the UK?
• Group test: Peugeot 3008 vs Skoda Karoq, Honda CR-V & Hyundai Tucson

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Peugeot 3008 including its practicality, comfort, how much it costs to run, what it's like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.

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