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Pros: Futuristic design, spacious, good engine range
Cons: No four wheel drive, display could be better
The Peugeot 3008 has evolved into a trendy SUV for 2017, and the transformation has been a real success too, as it has just won the coveted Car of the Year award. There is a seemingly endless choice of crossovers on the market right now and the 3008 has some great cars to contend however, including the SEAT Ateca, Renault Kadjar and Ireland’s best-selling SUV, the Hyundai Tucson. We spent time with the 3008 on Irish roads to see if it can take on the best in class and live up to its award-winning reputation.
What is it like?
The Peugeot 3008 is one of the most distinctive-looking SUVs on the market right now, which is a good thing, with its high front grille, sharply-shaped lights and contrasting roof colour scheme. Our test car is the highest specification 3008 GT, which means it has a whole host of high-end extras including 19-inch alloy wheels and full LED headlights, but even base specification models are very well equipped. We aren’t convinced that the 'sunset copper' colour scheme of our test car is the best option but there is a total of 10 colour choices to consider.
The 3008 feels very futuristic as you step inside and it has one of the best interiors in its class, with a curvaceous centre console that wraps around the driver and lots of eye-catching details such as an 8-inch touch screen display screen and piano key toggle switches. The touch screen display is easy to use and well finished, but the resolution could be more vibrant. With Peugeot’s Mirror Screen function, smartphones connect easily via Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink or Android Auto.
Peugeot’s 12.3-inch i-Cockpit display system above the steering wheel displays speed and other driving information digitally. The 3008 is certainly spacious with enough room to seat five adults in comfort, and it also has a bigger boot (520 litres) than rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and SEAT Ateca. The seats are supportive and offer a good range of adjustment, while taller passengers are treated to good levels of headroom and all of the materials throughout the cabin are of high quality.
We drove the 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel version of the 3008, which is the most powerful engine available (180hp) and a good option for those who need extra towing power. The smaller 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel and 1.2 Puretech petrol engines are likely to be the more popular in Ireland though. The 3008 is only available in two wheel drive which may be a drawback for those who want to go off-road, but Peugeot is offering it with Advanced Grip Control which allows the driver to manually adjust grip settings for different terrains.
Our test car is fitted with Peugeot’s EAT6 six-speed automatic transmission which shifts nicely, but a new eight-speed automatic transmission will also be available on the market later this year. We managed 6.2-litres per 100 kilometres in fuel economy (circa 45mpg) during our time with the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 3008, and annual motor tax is €270. The smaller 1.2-litre Puretech Petrol is a good option for urban drivers and it recently won the International Engine of the Year award for 2017, which is yet another trophy the 3008 can add to its name! Those covering lots of motorway-based driving should forgo this in favour of the 1.6 BlueHDi.
The 3008 isn’t quite as engaging to drive as the SEAT Ateca, which feels better composed on tight and twisty roads. That said, it’s very easy to get comfortable quickly at the wheel of the 3008 with its small steering wheel and high seating position, which offers a commanding view of the road. The suspension setup is harder than a lot of other mid-sized SUVs like the Renault Kadjar, but this means it’s more nimble around town.
Prices for the new Peugeot 3008 in Ireland start from €25,995 for the entry level Access 1.2 Puretech Petrol, which is similar to the comparable Renault Kadjar and SEAT Ateca. Standard specification is good with rear LED lights, electric and heated door mirrors, lots of safety tech and an eight-inch touchscreen display included as standard. Entry level models don’t get alloy wheels as standard which is a little disappointing, but our high specification GT test car is kitted out with a whole host of features including full Nappa leather upholstery, a GT exterior styling pack, full LED headlights and even an optional e-Kick electrically assisted scooter in the boot (from €1,375)! All GT models in Ireland now feature 18-inch alloy wheels and the aforementioned Advanced Grip control system as standard.
Carzone verdict: 4.5/5
The Peugeot 3008 is hugely deserving of its 2017 Car of the Year title and makes for a great SUV buy, thanks to its excellent interior, comprehensive engine range and stand-out styling. It’s practical too, with enough space for family buyers, and there's plenty of integrated displays and smart features to keep tech lovers satisfied. While there are some shortcomings, including no optional four-wheel-drive, the 3008 delivers in every other way. Those seeking an affordable mid-sized SUV with a little more style than most should definitely put it on their shortlist.
Test Car Details:
Model driven: Peugeot 3008 GT
Prices from: €25,995
Price as tested: €44,945 (including options)
Annual Road Tax: €270
Engine: 1997cc four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Power/Torque: 180bhp / 400Nm
Top Speed: 208km/h
0-100km/h: 8.9 seconds
Transmission: Six-speed Automatic
Body style: SUV
Boot Space: 520 litres