Peugeot 3008 – Still As Alluring As Ever

The second generation of the 3008 has been on sale for over five years. Time then for a mid-life refresh and the chance for me to get back behind the wheel once again.

Exterior styling has been smartened up, most noticeably around the radiator grille and headlights. Buyers of top spec models can opt for a ‘Black Pack’ styling theme which brings with it smart gloss black alloy wheels and body trim.

A large range of efficient engines are offered, with hybrid power being available for the first time. Take that route and up to 39 miles of electric only driving may well be possible. Peugeot still offer buyers a choice of diesel engines and for the high mileage driver there is still something to be said for burning the black stuff.

On test here however is a mid-spec ‘Allure’ model powered by a 1,200cc 3-cylinder petrol engine and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Prices have crept up since I was last behind the wheel of a 3008, my test car with the metallic paint option listing at £31,085.

Some may feel that such a small engine might struggle to propel a family sized car with any meaningful gusto, but they would be wrong. The peppy 131hp turbocharged motor rarely feels underpowered, aided by the smooth shifting automatic transmission which changes down eagerly and almost imperceptibly. As such the engine remains in its power band and the 3008 positively bowls along.

Peugeot quotes up to 46mpg for the combined economy cycle, my average for the week settling at a shade under 40mpg. This included some local running and a 300-mile return trip to the northeast, taking in stretches of motorway.

High speed cruising was a relaxed affair with wind and road noise pleasantly hushed. Stability was good too, despite the car’s high sides.

Subjected to some of my usual challenging test routes, I can report that the 3008 is quite fun to hustle along. Light steering and high levels of grip ensure a safe and secure drive.

Select ‘sport’ mode and the steering weights up nicely and the throttle becomes more responsive. It was my default option. There is also an ‘economy’ mode, but the dull responses meant it wasn’t for me.

The 3008 boasts a generally comfortable ride, but just occasionally some patches of badly maintained roads can send shock waves through the cabin.

A useful option, not fitted to the test car, is the Advanced Grip Control system. With super grippy Goodyear tyres, the system features four modes: Normal, Sand, Mud and Snow. Aimed at the rural motorist, it offers superior traction without the complication of a weighty all-wheel drive system.

I would guess that most buyers of this type of car are perhaps more interested in practicality than driving dynamics and here the 3008 scores highly, boasting as it does a classy and spacious cabin.

The i-Cockpit still takes a little getting used to with its small, low set steering wheel and raised digital instrument cluster, but it soon becomes second nature.

The quality of the trim materials is especially impressive for this class of car, making some rivals feel somewhat dowdy by comparison. Equipment count is high with such niceties as dual-zone climate-controlled air conditioning, a 10-inch high definition infotainment screen and LED lighting amongst the highlights.

Leather seating (with heaters up front) is a £1,300 option and may well be a box worth ticking.

Those in need of a family SUV would be well advised to pop along to their local showroom for a closer look at the 3008. With an excellent choice of powertrains, striking good looks and a spacious, premium quality cabin, there is much to like. And let’s not forget that the 3008 is one of the more engaging cars of its type when you slip behind the wheel.

Fast Facts

Peugeot 3008 Allure PureTech 130 EAT8
Price £30,360 (£31,085 as tested)
131hp 3-cylinder petrol engine
Maximum torque 230Nm
8-speed automatic gearbox
0-62mph in 9.7 seconds
Top speed 117mph
Combined economy 46mpg
Test economy 39.1mpg
Emissions 146g/km CO2
BIK banding 32%
Insurance group 21E
Maximum trailer weight 1,400kg (braked)
Luggage capacity 520-1482 litres
Warranty 3 years or 60,000 miles