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Pros: Style, interior quality, performance.
Cons: Hybrid is expensive.
The Peugeot 3008 mid-size SUV is Peugeot’s bestselling model in Ireland and one of the brand’s most successful models to date - a former European Car of the Year and a former Irish Car of the Year.
Now in its second generation, the Peugeot 3008 remains a popular new and used car buy on the Irish market. It’s a stylish French alternative to the likes of the Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The latest version of the Peugeot 3008 goes on sale in Ireland priced from €39,460, with mildly revised styling and a new hybrid addition to the range. But is it enough to keep the 3008 competitive in the very busy family SUV segment?
Peugeot 3008 Design
The Peugeot 3008 is a smart and stylish SUV that looks good just about everywhere. The latest round of updates keep it looking modern and fresh. At the front there’s a new frameless front grille, gloss black air intakes, new headlights and distinctive fang-like daytime running lights. The feline theme continues at the rear with Peugeot’s trademark ‘tri-claw’ taillights now being housed behind smoked glass. There are also new sequential indicators for a premium finish to the 3008’s light signature.
Other rugged SUV features include roof rails, plastic cladding around the wheel arches and sills, and integrated skid plate front and rear. Trim detailing differs depending on what model you go for – Active, Allure or GT. Alloy wheels come as standard across the model range; mid-range Allure models like the one on test for Carzone get 18” diamond cut. The hybrid can be distinguished from the outside by new hybrid badges and two filler caps – one for petrol and one for electricity.
Peugeot 3008 Interior
The Peugeot 3008 has a very stylish and unique interior, which has aged very well considering this generation of it launched back in 2017. Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ interior design stands out with a compact steering wheel, which you look over to view the full digital driver display rather than through the steering wheel, like in most cars. There’s plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seat but it’s always worth getting in behind the wheel to make sure you can get comfortable easily with this unique arrangement.
The 3008 is still one of the most upmarket SUVs in the segment. There are lots of nice materials in the cabin, including fabric in the doors and on the dash panels in Allure models, and part-leather seat upholstery. An 8” touchscreen comes as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and one USB port, while mid-range Allure models have a more impressive 10” touchscreen. Other standard features include automatic climate control, keyless start and reversing camera.
The rear doors open reasonably wide in the 3008. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom for two adults to sit comfortably; it will be tighter for three, though a flat floor means there won't be any competition for legroom. There are Isofix anchors on the two outer seats, and the front passenger seat. There’s also a centre armrest with two cupholders. But only top of the range GT models get two USB ports in the rear to charge devices.
In standard petrol and diesel versions of the 3008 there’s over 500 litres of boot space, which is competitive for this class of vehicle. The hybrid loses some of that space to accommodate the battery but it’s still a bigger boot than in many hatchbacks. The rear seats split fold and fold flat from simple switches located in the boot. The loading sill is low and flat, and the boot floor also gets a handy waterproof surface. There are two sets of cables with the hybrid, with one set at least stored neatly under the boot floor.
Peugeot 3008 Performance & Drive
The most affordable entry into the 3008 range is still the 1.2-litre petrol with 130hp and the choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel with 130hp, again with the choice of a manual or automatic gearbox. It offers good economy in high-speed motorway driving for example.
The new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid uses a 1.6 petrol engine, a battery, and an electric motor. It’s now the most expensive of the range but it offers the most power: 225hp in front wheel drive models and 300hp in all-wheel drive. Motor tax is just €140 per year. It’s a plug-in hybrid so you can charge the battery and drive it electric for a limited range of up to 60km according to the manufacturer (though 40-50km seems more realistic). That’s ideal if you have a short commute or do a lot of driving around town for example. You can use the energy stored in the battery and save money on your fuel bills, while contributing to better air quality in cities. With the standard 3.7kW on-board charger, it will take just under four hours to charge the battery to full.
Elsewhere, the 3008 is a smooth and agile drive. It’s not the most fun to drive SUV of its class. But it does offer impressive levels of comfort and refinement, particularly in the hybrid.
Peugeot 3008 Pricing
The latest Peugeot 3008 goes on sale in Ireland priced from €39,460 for a 1.2 petrol manual in Active trim. The 1.5 diesel range starts from €40,400. Allure models add more features and start from €41,625. The top of the range GT model starts from €44,145 and has a high specification and sportier features. The new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid is available in Allure and GT trim and starts from €47,795, rising to €56,695 for the top of the range Hybrid4 model with 300 hp.
Carzone Verdict
The Peugeot 3008 is one of Ireland’s favourite family cars and it’s easy to see why. It stands out for its cool cabin and feline good looks, with generous interior space. The latest round of updates keep the 3008 competitive in what is a very crowded slice of the market. Hybrid models boast more power, punchy performance and a limited electric range, though they are more expensive to buy. But whether you go for a petrol, diesel, or the new plug-in hybrid, the Peugeot 3008 remains a stylish, efficient and well-equipped family SUV.