MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 1,391
Peugeot has always been known for its diesel engines, so it’s with significant sadness that I report that the third-generation 3008 has been engineered without an engine that drinks from the black pump. And while the different forms of propulsion are impressive – multi electric options, a plug-in hybrid alternative and mild hybrid petrol engine – it’s sad that Peugeot didn’t think there was room in the lineup for a DERV edition, to satisfy those buyers that need a long-distance express. So, we’ve had to plump for the next best thing, and that’s the 1.2-litre mild hybrid petrol edition that serves up a range of 635 miles between trips to the petrol station. It’s particularly eye-catching and stands out in a sea of SUVs.
The bold Peugeot shield is repeated on the front wings on our ‘GT’ specification car, and the model name is proudly announced ahead of the leading edge of the bonnet. The daytime running lights are distinctive and reminiscent of claw marks made by a savage tiger. As you walk up to the car, the sequential lights perform a dance to draw your attention to the 3008, shouting ‘I’m here and ready’, just in case you’ve forgotten which vehicle is yours. The 21-inch widescreen high-definition display that doubles up as driver instruments and a touchscreen infotainment interface is impressive, and we like the cockpit-like segregated zones that make it clear which is the driver’s domain and that of the passenger.
Less impressive is the fabric attached to the dashboard, which is reminiscent of cheap office carpet tiles and could do with feeling a little more upscale and plusher, especially as this ‘GT’ model is towards the top of the 3008 range. We’re sure that in time there will be a higher GT Premium version added, as has already happened with the 208, 2008 and 408 ranges. The 3008 and 5008 have been spared, for now, but it’s likely to coincide with the Dual Motor Launch Editions becoming permanent range members.Aside from white metallic paint, our 3008 is completely stock, with no optional extras. Had I been able to specify the 3008, rather than plucking an existing car from stock, I think I would have opted for the tyre inflation kit (£20), advanced grip control (£300), Mistral black embossed Alcantara upholstery that includes electric massaging front seats, memory functionality for the driver’s side and heated rear seats (£1,000). I’m a big music fan, so I would have been attracted to the 690-watt, 10-speaker Focal audio system (£1,200) that also adds a panoramic sunroof to the repertoire. I have no need for a £600 tow bar these days, but I think I could be tempted by the 360-degree vision and drive assist pack at £600 which includes driver drowsiness detection, long range blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and highway assist 2.0.
The advanced grip control in particular is very handy in wintry weather as it gives an extra dimension in slippery conditions. Having had the technology demonstrated in extreme conditions on the 2008, both driving in sandy, beach-like conditions, and driving up the steep icy inclines of a snow dome, it’s £300 well spent. Much of the heavy lifting is done by the mud and snow tyres, as well as trick electronics that works with the electronic stability control.As for the white paintwork, it results in the 3008 standing out, but I think I would probably have opted for Obsession Blue given a choice. It’s the brightest shade out of the six options, and best of all, it’s the standard colour, so means that you save £750 forking out for a different hue. I’m a big fan of bright colours, and it’s a shame that Peugeot’s Elixir Red isn’t offered as a choice, or perhaps something zany like an eye-catchingly bright metallic green. With such a flamboyant exterior, similarly expressive paintwork would be really nice to see.
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: It’s a striking looking SUV and couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a Peugeot.
WHAT’S NOT: The price tag slid over the £40k luxury vehicle excise duty threshold meaning payment of £620 per annum from years two to six, instead of just £195.
Facts & Figures
MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 2,097
The elevated stance of the 3008 is proving to be handy of late. My sister has recently undergone surgery and she has found getting in and out of the 3008 to be much easier than more ordinary hatchbacks and estates that you climb down into. It’s also something you appreciate more as you get older, as your mobility becomes more restricted. The wide opening doors make it easier, too, and means the medium-sized SUV is even more appealing to live with.It’s spacious inside, too, with space to carry five adults in comfort. Move to the rear of the car and there’s a very handy 588 litres of carrying capacity that can be extended to 1,487 litres by folding the rear seats down. An electric tailgate is standard on GT models, and while I generally think electric assistance is a frivolous extra, I’m actually warming to its inclusion on the 3008. Disappointingly, Peugeot’s designers decided to omit a rear wiper, probably because they think it looks better without, and in order to achieve cleaner aerodynamics and ultimately better efficiency. And while I agree that the rear looks less cluttered, it’s a pain that you can’t sweep away rain when you’re on the motorway, improving the rearward view. Already it is quite limited, thanks to its shallow depth, so omitting the back wiper just amplifies problematic rearward vision. Perhaps a digital rear view mirror might solve that issue, even though I’m not the biggest fan of those either.
I’m a big supporter of ambient lighting, however, and it’s very effective in the 3008 and permeates from behind the instruments and infotainment display, the front doors, and highlights the wireless smartphone charger. There’s a choice of eight colours, and right now I’m enjoying the beautiful ‘Peugeot Blue’ hue. I’m surprised there isn’t a bright red included, considering there are four shades of blue, a lime green, fluorescent yellow, rose gold, and ice white. The impressive 21-inch display is within easy reach, but it’s a bit of a dust trap, and the same could be said for the ‘i-toggle’ shortcut buttons that sit underneath the air vents. They are a great idea, but dirty fingermarks and the aforementioned dust infuriate, unless you’ve got a handy placed duster to forever wipe them. The digital shortcuts are all customisable, to make life easier. One thing that constantly frustrates is the location of the gear selector, next to the steering wheel and engine start button. It should be on the centre console, and exactly where the drive mode selector switch is currently located. Swapping them around would make perfect sense, and I’m surprised that the 3008 reached production as it has. But I guess there is some logic, as you press the button to start the car, select the gear, and then off you go. I’m finding the small circumference steering wheel perfectly orchestrated, and I like the flat top and bottom. It feels like it probably should be in a fighter jet, rather than a car, and certainly adds to the sense of dynamism that the 3008 embodies.
Our GT specification car has some useful upgrades over the entry-level Allure trim, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a heated steering wheel, the previously mentioned electric rear tailgate with foot operation, front parking sensors, eight colour ambient lighting, a rear central armrest, heated front seats, stainless steel sill protectors, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, pixel LED headlights, claw-effect 3D rear lights, and the prominent Peugeot shield on the front wings.
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: The pumped stance of the 3008 makes getting in and out very easy.
WHAT’S NOT: The lack of a rear wiper is unforgivable on a mainstream SUV.
FACTS & FIGURES
Our cars: Peugeot 3008 Report 3
MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 2,466
With a choice of mild and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, as well as being available in electric form with standard, long range and performance dual motor derivatives, almost all of the bases are covered with the latest 3008. I say almost, as the icing on the cake would be a diesel version, with the accomplished 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 engine under the bonnet. Sadly, that isn’t an option, even in Europe, and so I had to opt for the next best thing, and that’s the 143bhp 1.2-litre triple-cylinder turbocharged mild hybrid edition. And while an engine that size sounds puny for the size of vehicle, it never feels out of its depth. The characterful off-balance triple delivers as much punch as you could ever want, and develops 134bhp, with an additional 21bhp taken care by its mild hybrid gubbins. The KERS-like system is neatly integrated and delivers a goldilocks-like solution when harnessing lost energy, in that it isn’t too strong, and isn’t too weak. You can feel the system working away in the background, and it scrubs off speed in a nice, measured way, and with some familiarity and planning, you don’t always need to use the brakes to stop. It makes for a restful driving experience, particularly when you’re in an urban environment.
The cabin feels cosy, modern and hi-tech, however, I’m not totally convinced by the fabric covering of the dashboard, which reminds me of 1980s carpet tiles, the kind that you used to get in offices. The steering wheel is both flat at the top and bottom, and it’s great to hold, especially if you’re driving in a spirited manner along back roads, or tackling a series of roundabouts. The 21-inch panoramic instrument cluster that merges with the infotainment touchscreen is neat and information rich, and you already know that I adore the ambient backlighting from previous reports – it’s lime green this week, by the way. The wireless smartphone charger is hidden away underneath the main dashboard, and I don’t always remember that it is there. Similarly, when I get out of the car I often forget that my iPhone is lurking there, and so I have to go back out to the car to collect it. I’ve encountered the common problem with various Stellantis products that utilise the switch-like gear selector, in that when it comes to pressing ‘Park’, it doesn’t always engage first time. Often it needs a second press when I realise that the car is still edging forwards. It isn’t just me, either, as colleagues have experienced it on other cars, and so have I. Because I’m in and out of other cars all day long, I always forget that I need to be more decisive with the park button press, and get caught out.
Storage around the cabin of the 3008 is top-notch, with a large bin with a lid on the passenger side of the central divider, together with a pair of cupholders, an area underneath the armrest that opens in a butterfly-like fashion, as well as decently sized door pockets. Peugeot says there’s almost 34 litres of carrying capacity around the car, and while I haven’t measured for myself, the figure appears credible. Move to the boot and there’s a double height floor that can deliver a flat surface with the rear seats folded down, or extra volume if positioned at the lower setting. The electric rear tailgate can be opened using a kicking motion under the rear bumper on GT and GT Premium models, though I always seem to forget and I’ve already got the key out and pressing the fob before I remember that I could just do a silly dance to entertain passers by in order to get it to open.
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: The shield-like Peugeot badge stands out and is distinctive
WHAT’S NOT: Sometimes Park doesn’t engage first time and needs a second press to get it to work. This is common to most Stellantis cars with the same switch-like gear selector.
FACTS & FIGURES
Our cars: Peugeot 3008 Report 4
MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 2,853
One of the aspects of Peugeot design that gets most criticism is the i-Cockpit, first introduced on the 208 back in 2012.The design consists of a smaller than usual steering wheel, and that means that you view the instruments above the shrunken wheel, rather than through it like on more traditional cars. Now, being of average height – 5 foot 10 – I don’t have any problems with this, but I’ve heard plenty of criticism from others that do.The much- missed Sue Baker was very critical of the arrangement, and she struggled to get a comfortable driving position, however, my sister, who is quite a lot shorter than me and similar in height to what Sue was, finds it easy to drive and really loves the seating position of the 3008. Sometimes she likes it too much, though, and I struggle to regain the keys after she’s concocted a reason why she ‘needs’ my car. I no longer argue, and if the car is missing from the driveway, I invariably know where it is temporarily residing.
The i-Cockpit amplifies the dynamism, as the smaller wheel makes the 3008 feel sharper to drive, and more driver- focused.This attention continues with the wrap around dashboard that has been designed so that all of the controls are close to hand.The central divide between driver and passenger reinforces that idea, and does so without making you feel hemmed in.The elevated centre console has a series of controls along it that include the electric handbrake, shortcuts for the ventilation controls, the drive modes, and essentials like the hazard warning lights.The gear selector is curiously placed on the dashboard rather than the more traditional placing of the centre console, and this still catches me out, even now, several months in.To the left of the central divide there’s a pair of cupholders and a rather handy lidded cubby box that is huge. When closed it hides away all manner of clutter, making the cabin appear neat and tidy. I’ve mentioned the wireless charging pad previously that nestles underneath the upper dashboard, and there’s also a roller for adjusting the volume of the audio system. If you, like me, strangely prefer to use the controls away from the steering wheel, it’s ideally placed and user friendly, even though common sense would say that extending a right digit when holding the steering wheel would seem easier and more convenient. Yes, I don’t need to be told that I’m odd!
And while we’re mentioning the steering wheel, it’s comprehensively kitted out, with the left-hand zone taking care of the adaptive cruise control, while the other side looks after the audio controls, access to the voice control, instrument menus and for answering calls via the Bluetooth, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration. There’s a ‘GT’ badge to remind you that you’re driving a model in the upper echelons of the 3008 model range, and a sporty, perforated leather treatment exactly where you naturally place your hands for a safe and comfortable driving position. Both top and bottom the leather is smooth, with stitching all the way around that delivers a premium ambience. And finally, the wheel isn’t round at all, as the top and bottom have been squished to create an Austin Allegro-like quartic steering wheel that was heavily criticised on that car, but I say is perfectly formed on my 3008, making it easier to get in and out of the driver’s seat. Time is obviously a great healer!
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: The steering wheel is squished top and bottom, making an irregular shape, and I rather like it.
WHAT’S NOT: The i-cockpit design gets mixed reactions from some people, but it works for me.
FACTS & FIGURES
Our cars: Peugeot 3008 Report 5
MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 3,296
A friend of mine who knows nothing about cars and just drives them into the ground commented that my 3008 is quite coupé-like. He said that it looked quite shapely at the rear, and it set me thinking about the medium-sized SUV. I have to admit that I didn’t think of the Peugeot in that way, but he’s right. I had pigeon-holed the 3008 as a five-seat version of the 5008, and it is, but the two shapes are markedly different. The 5008 is quite square at the back, on account of having to accommodate a couple
of extra people in the rear, whereas the 3008 can afford to be more rakish.The shape of my Pug is certainly distinctive, and it’s more fastback-like than its predecessors. The first-generation car was quite gawky – some might unkindly say ugly – while the follow up was really when the sales took off, thanks to its pretty design and stunning interior. So by the time it came to the mark III, launched in 2024, it had evolved into a design that turned heads and shocked in equal measure. Last year, it won a lot of new friends, as 2025 was the best year yet for the 3008 in the UK, with registrations up 31.6% compared to 2024.
The larger 5008 had a phenomenal year, too, with registrations rising by 125.1% on 2024, but the 3008 almost outsold its bigger brother by two to one. It was enough to propel the 3008 into second place for best-selling Peugeot in the UK last year, with 20,563 examples of the medium SUV to be found on UK driveways. And Peugeot managed to outsell the previous generation car without a diesel engine under the bonnet, with 75.6% of buyers opting for the mild hybrid edition, less than 1% choosing the plug-in hybrid that has only just started arriving in dealerships, and 23.7% deciding upon an electric drivetrain. Ten years ago, in 2016, 3008 sales were 93.5% diesel, and the remaining 6.5% petrol. Look how the market has changed, and all because Volkswagen (and a few others) managed to destroy the reputation of diesel thanks to its dishonest practices.
Just recently, I’ve had a number of readers ask me about my 3008 and whether it was a sound choice, and I’ve taken time to explore what it is that attracted them to the Peugeot, and what they don’t like. Most have said that they like the appearance, the generous equipment levels and the way that it drives, but the downsides have been the price, the limited colour palette, and the lack of a diesel engine. A version that starts a few thousand pounds cheaper – maybe using the Style name that the 208 has coined – would mean that it appeals to a wider audience, even if the equipment levels aren’t as generous. I must admit that I would like to see a wider colour choice – where’s the bright red, a dark blue, or a metallic green option? Look at other SUV ranges, and most car companies have one or two more distinctive hues to opt for. And the final niggle, yes it’s disappointing that Peugeot didn’t put the proven 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 engine into this 3008. It would suit it so well.
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: The mild hybrid 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine is punchy and delivers excellent
fuel economy, even when mostly operating around town.
WHAT’S NOT: With prices starting at £37,790, that’s perilously close to the £40k threshold for the luxury car tax. You can get a top specification Citroën C5 Aircross for the same price as an entry-level Peugeot 3008. Even the cheapest Vauxhall Grandland is £1,190 less expensive.
FACTS & FIGURES
Our cars: Peugeot 3008 Report 6
MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 3,924
Electrification has introduced all kinds of complexities compared to a more traditional petrol or diesel powerplant, none more so than the terminology used to refer to the different kinds of technology. The Hybrid badge on the back of the 3008 muddies the water even more, as normally such a badge would refer to a fully hybridised model, but in this case, the Peugeot sports a petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. In other words, there’s a 134bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, together with a 21bhp 48-volt electric motor and 0.4kWh battery pack located under the front passenger seat, and all is married together by a six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.With both powerplants working together there’s a maximum of 143bhp and 170lb ft of torque. Peugeot says that in urban motoring, the 3008 can operate for more than 50% of the time in its zero-emissions electric mode.This brings down CO2 emissions and enhances fuel economy, and in some cases can result in efficiency figures that better the diesel engine versions of the previous model 3008. Most importantly, there’s no need to plug the 3008 mild hybrid version in, as the battery pack is charged during deceleration, harnessing the lost energy when braking and getting it ready for use later down the line to boost the speediness or enhance overall frugality.
We experienced a small hiccup in the 3008’s usually flawless operation this month. It only occurred the once, and I haven’t been able to replicate the fault again, but it still sticks in the back of my mind. Our 3008 firstly refused to engage reverse gear and when I gave up trying and instead continued
in a forward direction, on the dual carriageway to head home, it felt like it didn’t want to change up at the usual times,with engine sound elevated and the impression that it was revving higher than it normally would. I got home alright, but I wondered whether I would need to visit a Peugeot dealer to get its mechanicals looked at. I left it 20 minutes or so and it started up alright, reverse gear engaged cleanly and a quick blast down the bypass proved that everything was operating as it should. I’ve put it down to an isolated electrical glitch and there hasn’t been a repeat, and hopefully it’ll never do so again.
In a world where big grilles and bold headlights are the order of the day, I’m quite pleased that the 3008’s design is quite unique. It stands out in a car park thanks to its prominent shield-like badge with lion proudly placed, and the way that the daytime running lights appear like claws underneath the slim headlights. And there’s no confusion as to which model it is, as the 3008 logo is placed on an appliqué that bridges those lamps. All versions of the 3008 have 19-inch alloy wheels or larger, and while that normally would mean an uncomfortable, jittery ride, Peugeot engineers have done a decent job to calm proceedings along all but the most heavily potholed of roads.
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: All mild hybrid versions of the 3008 come with 19-inch alloy wheels that look great and still deliver decent ride comfort.
WHAT’S NOT: I think the hybrid badge on the back could cause some confusion, plus road tax has risen to £200 a year.
FACTS & FIGURES
Our cars: Peugeot 3008 Final report
MODEL ON TEST: GT HYBRID 145 – MILEAGE – 4,796
As you read this, a driver from Stellantis will be knocking on our door to collect our beloved 3008. That is if we haven’t parked it up somewhere and hidden the keys.You see, our Peugeot has been a much-loved member of the fleet.This is especially evidenced by the number of times that my sister finds excuses to borrow it. She has done a lot of DIY over the past seven months and needed a bigger car to transport people and items that her Kia cee’d can’t cope with. More often than not I have to remind her to bring the car back, and I’m sure she would rather have it parked outside of her house than mine.
While I’m exactly average height at 5 foot 10, my sister is, how do I say it, vertically challenged.And while she should be at home driving a supermini, she actually prefers to be behind the wheel of an SUV…my SUV. She reckons that the 3008 fits her like a glove and is the comfiest of all of the car’s she’s driven. And I concur, it is easy to get a suitable driving position, thanks to the multi adjustable seats and steering wheel.It’s the kind of car that you get into at the beginning of a three- or four-hour journey and climb out feeling alright. Thanks to its mild hybrid drivetrain, you don’t have to worry about whether you’re going to get to your destination on a single charge, you just know you’ll be able to get there and fill up with petrol when you need to. No messing around with chargers, working out whether you’ve got the right app on your phone, or whether the charger will be working.
We’ve loved the cabin of the 3008, particularly at night, because the configurable mood lighting is awesome. We’ve got it set to blue, but we equally like the lime green, too. Aside from the gear selector being in the wrong place, I reckon the designers have got the 3008 spot on. I’d prefer that you chose your gears using a switch on the central tunnel, but I can see the logic of it being next to the engine start button. We also like the large stowage bin on the centre console, as it swallows up a huge amount of paraphernalia, and it can all be hidden by the lid.The wireless smartphone charger is handily placed, but I still manage to forget to collect my phone when I get out of the car all too regularly.The stylish screen that delivers the instruments and infotainment display is perfectly placed and easy to reach if you want to alter the settings.The steering wheel is squished both top and bottom, and that makes it easier to get in and out of the 3008. Only a yoke steering wheel would make it easier.
With a multi energy approach to the 3008, we’re obviously still disappointed that diesel power has been vetoed, though the 1.2-litre mild hybrid is a decent second prize. For those that like to plug the car in, there’s a choice of a 1.6- litre petrol plug-in hybrid that has been recently bumped up from 192 to 222bhp. Alongside there’s a 211bhp electric motor equipped 3008, supplanted by 228bhp long-range and 320bhp dual-motor all- wheel drive editions. I do struggle, though, with the idea of a 3008 costing £54,590 though, which is what it’ll cost if you opt for GT Premium and the all-wheel drive electric version.
Our 3008 has been a car that has been extremely easy to live with. Whether it is driven one-up or carrying five occupants, it’s a great companion. It swallows all of the shopping that it needs to for two families on a weekly basis, and the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay makes it a joy to use day-to- day. I have to confess to not using the Peugeot-installed navigation system, as it’s so much easier to punch the details into my iPhone and the car then picks it all up when I get inside. Invariably I’m listening to podcasts while on the move and the pitch is perfect to be able to hear what is being said, and that’s without the upgraded Focal audio system that we would have loved to have had.Thanks to the smaller steering wheel it feels light and agile to drive, and even though the wheels are quite chunky at 19-inches, the ride comfort is really good. It certainly doesn’t transmit poor surfaces into the cabin any more than other cars in the segment. Noise levels are decent at a 70mph gallop, too, so you can speak quite comfortably to the people sitting behind.
I guess the ultimate question is – would I recommend the 3008 to anyone looking for an SUV, and it is with considerable ease that I can say yes. It looks great,
is accomplished to drive, comes well kitted out and swallows passengers and luggage without objection.What more could you want from a family SUV?
IAN ROBERTSON
WHAT’S HOT: I look forward to every journey in the 3008 thanks to its great road manners and welcoming interior.
WHAT’S NOT: Can we have some more interesting colours to choose from please? A lovely copper, a green like on the 308, and a lovely bright blue.
FACTS & FIGURES
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