Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid - long-term review

A short while ago I ran an Alfa Romeo Tonale. It was quite the conversation starter. I suspect mainly because there were so few of them on the road – I think I must have seen only a handful during our six months together. A rare commodity.

But the Peugeot is quite a different beast. Still a conversation starter, but immeasurably more popular. I feel like I see absolutely loads of them on the roads. At first, I thought I was seeing more because I was driving one and so they were uppermost in my mind, but the truth is, there are just a lot of them around.

Incoming stat alert… a quick bout of research shows that, incredibly, the 3008 has sold 100,000 units since its launch just over six months ago. In the UK alone – the second biggest market after the French home territory, where the company has sold 35,000 cars – Peugeot has sold 25,000 units. No wonder I think I’m seeing them everywhere… it’s because I am!

And quite right too. It’s proved to be comfortable, stress-free, economical, commodious, stylish and popular with the neighbours. And, if the worst of my complaints is that there’s no low washer fluid warning, then Peugeot must be on to a winner.

While we’re talking about winning, I like to challenge myself with my driving. In the 3008, this manifests itself as a desire to get the economy as high as possible – no mean feat for a person with a legendarily leaden right foot. And, as pointed out by my colleague Sam, I seem to have pulled a bit of a blinder. The stated combined economy for the 3008 is 44.6mpg, which is pretty good.

However, with judicious driving, I regularly get a better result. Obviously the regen system gives the economy a notable boost, and the 50mph limit roadworks on the M25 also help, but essentially my ahem unique style of driving means this past month I have averaged 47.0mpg. I think we can all agree that’s a bit marvellous. Now, I’m not certain exactly what the requirements are to be nominated for an MBE or OBE, but surely such parsimonious – but still very enjoyable – driving must qualify me for the first round knockout stage?

No? OK, maybe that’s a bit unreasonable, considering it’s a French company I guess I stand a better chance of getting the Legion d'Honneur.