Overview

The Peugeot 3008 spearheaded something of a new lease of life for the French brand when it released in 2016. It replaced and MPV that went by the same name – 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 is consistently the UK’s best-selling family car – with the boldly styled Kia Sportage and pricier Volkswagen Tiguan gunning for the same customers.

Other competition comes in the form of the SEAT Ateca, plus the good-value Skoda Karoq, 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.

So, it’s a busy class, but the 3008 geniunely stands out as the French firm continues to pitch itself as a rival to Volkswagen while putting up a convincing fight against the best from Hyundai and Kia. 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 for its infotainment set-up.

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’. All in all, it’s the quality of the trims and materials that really set the 3008 aside from its rivals though.

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.