Peugeot 3008 review (2009-on)

What is the Peugeot 3008?

This is Peugeot’s take on an MPV. It looks like a people carrier that is the result of cross-breeding a hatchback and 4×4, and to our eyes it’s no oil painting – despite a facelift in early 2014. However, it is practical and reasonably good to drive, especially the 1.6 THP petrol model, which would be our pick of the range. So if you can see beyond the styling, it’s worth a test drive. The cabin seats only five, which immediately limits its appeal to many buyers. Rival models such as the Ford S-Max, Mazda5 and Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will seat seven adults. The HDi turbodiesel engines are all good performers, but avoid the HYbrid4 version as it’s expensive.

The drive

As with any family car these days, it pays to crunch your numbers carefully before choosing between petrol and diesel power. A diesel 3008 is about £1,000 more expensive than a THP model, and given the premium price of diesel fuel, only drivers covering exceptionally high mileage would ever recoup that loss through the diesel’s superior fuel economy. We highly rate the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine, as it offers good fuel economy — almost 40mpg — together with refinement and excellent driving characteristics.

It will accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 8.9 seconds; not many years ago that would be the pace of a GTI. Better still, peak torque is generated at 1400rpm, which illustrates just how flexible this model is to drive. An EGC semi-automatic gearbox is available but it’s slow to change gear and not very smooth in operation, so we’d stick with the manual transmission. The ride is impressive, smothering badly surfaced roads so passengers remain comfortable at all times. With dynamic roll control, it takes bends with a flat stance, even when fully laden. Long trips are comfortable and refinement is impressive.

The interior

Let’s assume five seats are sufficient for your needs. In which case, the 3008’s cabin is very practical for family duties. There’s plenty of space, as the car has a long wheelbase and tall roofline, and you can sit three passengers in the rear in comfort. It also boasts a large, 512-litre boot, and there’s a movable floor (with three levels) and split tailgate.



Up in the front, the driving position is raised, affording a good view of the surrounding world. The dashboard is dominated by the centre console. It’s well made and logically laid out, but with so much switchgear it takes some time to get familiar and comfortable with all the 3008’s controls.

The one to buy

Peugeot 3008 Allure 1.6 THP

Factfile

Price:

£21,745 (price correct at publication)

Engine:

1598cc, 4 cylinders, turbo

Power:

156bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque:

177 lb ft @ 1400rpm

Transmission:

6-speed manual

Acceleration:

0-62mph in 8.9sec

Top speed:

125mph

Fuel:

39.7mpg (combined)

CO2:

167g/km

Road tax band:

H

Dimensions:

L 4365mm, W 1837mm, H 1639mm

Peugeot 3008 used car rivals

Volvo XC60
Ford S-Max
Mazda5