Peugeot 3008 review

It's the Peugeot 3008, launched in its current, third generation in 2023, and now available with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. Yep, it's more electrified than a cattle fence.

The previous generation helped turn Peugeot around, thanks to striking design and what was in its day a fine interior. Still is actually. This one doesn't tear up those themes, but develops them, with style tweaks and an equally rather delightful cabin.

It's also a crucial player in the mid-size family crossover game, a rival for the huge-selling Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Ford Kuga. But it feels more premium than that, letting it take aim at the lower-engine editions of the Audi Q3s, Volvo XC40s and Mini Countrymans (Countrymen?) of this world.

Hybrid eh?

Indeed. The mild hybrid is a 48V system with a small battery. The aim is to give you something like diesel consumption, at least in urban and suburban driving. But with less smell and disapproval. And much less noise. Peugeot admits motorway efficiency doesn't improve. Same for all mild hybrids – they do their thing only when you slow down and accelerate.

So we have a heavily reworked version of Peugeot's long-standing 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder engine. On the end of it is a six-speed twin-clutch autobox with the electric motor integrated. If you really want to know the full ins and outs, you can read our handy guide by clicking here.

Upping the ante is a plug-in hybird which mates a 1.6-litre engine with a 123bhp electric motor for a system total of 195bhp, plus a 21kWh battery good for up to 52 miles of electric range. Theoretically, anyway. We'll get onto that.

Click these blue words if it’s the fully electric e-3008 that you're interest in.

How does it drive?

Peugeot always says it makes drivers' cars. That's a stretch, but in terms of dynamics this is a solid effort. It steers urgently and cornering is confident, but it lacks the kind of connection that'd give the marketing spiel some substance. The steering is numb, the body rocks and pitches, and the ride's jiggly at B-road speeds.

The mild hybrid isn't powerful, so a zero to 62mph sprint occupies 10.2 of your precious seconds. The PHEV is more respectable at 7.8s.

At least the powertrain is vastly quieter than Peugeot's old 1.2, and less laggy at low revs. It's also properly civilised in stop-go traffic.

How does it work as a family car?

Rear legroom isn't huge, but because you sit high with your legs tucked under it doesn't feel too cramped. The fastback doesn't hurt headroom either, and there are some handy storage spaces.

The huge curved screen and switchgear system is a development of Peugeot's i-Toggle system, and it's easy to use. The teenagers will be useful in setting up its many customisable layouts and shortcuts.

And the price?

It's £37,920 for the hybrid, while the plug-in is about five-and-a-half grand more. The e-3008 starts at £8k above base, and that's for the smaller battery one. Sheesh.

The third gen 3008 doesn't feel like a revolution on what’s gone before. For many, that'll be a win. Design and cabin are evolved and improved from what was a strong base. The curved screen is a big talking point (literally), and genuinely useful. But taller families might want more rear space.

Overall, though, it beats the Germans for perceived quality, yet it's interesting and progressive, while easy to use. Otherwise, the 3008 is refined and quiet and rides reasonably well, and is easygoing over long distances. We like the powertrains even if overtaking performance is pretty limited. But there are no big shocks here. Nor any killer flaws, come to think of it.