Peugeot

3008/E-3008

Billed as the ultimate crossover vehicle, Peugeot describes its 3008 model as a ‘game changer’ and it certainly lives up to all the hype. The all-new third-generation model has initially been launched in electric-only format, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will follow.

The good

Dynamic styling with a wealth of tech

The bad

Too much lighting throughout the cabin

Tech Specs

Price from

£34,640

Combined Fuel up to

327 miles (Standard Range)

0-62 from

8.8 seconds

max speed up to

125mph

co2 from

0g/km (EV)

Test Drive

Peugeot E-3008 – First Drive (2024)

Peugeot has just unleashed its all-new third generation 3008 fastback-styled SUV and it is in electric-only guise for now.

The 3008 has clocked up in excess of 3.1 million sales to date and now the French carmaker has really upped the ante with its E-3008, with prices starting from £45,850 for the Allure trim and £49,650 for the range-topping GT version.

The cars, for now, are front wheel drive and feature a 73kWh 210hp Standard Range battery, but there will be a 230hp Long Range version and a 320hp dual motor specification with all-wheel drive a little further down the line.

And for anyone not quite ready for full electrification, a mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid will also be available later in the year.

We tested the E-3008 GT and it was certainly a head-turner. Peugeot designers have cleverly created a practical SUV that boasts fastback styling thanks to its tapering rear end and it looks amazing, especially with the gloss black wheel arches and body trim on the GT version.

Other eye-catching features include the signature three-claw lights at the front and rear of the car. A black bar with ‘3008’ on it connects the front lights while, at the rear a similarly-styled bar has the ‘PEUGEOT’ name in neat lettering. The dynamic look is finished with 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

The interior is exceptionally modern and Peugeot has aimed for a ‘lounge-like’ feel with upmarket upholstery and a dashboard created from a type of mesh and material combination. The main focal point is a 21-inch curved panoramic infotainment screen on top of the dash and this offers all the information you could possibly wish for. It looks amazing but as the dash mesh lights up according to the drive mode, it is a bit of a sensory overload.

There are i-Toggles which are quick keys to access certain features and these can easily be personalised. And the level of on-board technology impresses with a navigation system, Bluetooth with connectivity for two devices, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, natural voice recognition, DAB radio, a six-speaker sound system, six USB-C ports, Chat GPT and a wireless charging pad.

With 210hp and 230Nm of torque, the E-3008 can complete the 0-62mph dash in a respectable 8.8 seconds and maxes out at 105mph. I say respectable because it’s not exactly blistering pace but is good enough for a car with a kerb weight of 2.1 tonnes. And in all reality, E-3008 owners will be prioritising comfort and practicality above brutal speed out the starting blocks.

That said; it’s no slouch and its low centre of gravity means it is beautifully grounded when faced with twisting country lanes. It’s a confident motorway cruiser effortlessly eating up the miles and the light steering feel, along with sensors and a reversing camera, help to make light work of busier city centre driving.

There are drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport that alter the driving dynamics of the car and three levels of regenerative braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel paddles, although single-pedal driving is not an option.

The vehicle’s suspension set-up is fairly firm which means you do feel the force from any unexpected potholes, but generally the E-3008 is a comfortable and refined car to drive.

It boasts a combined 327 miles of driving range between charges, increasing to 407 miles for city driving where the regenerative braking really comes into force. So, range anxiety shouldn’t be an issue, especially as you can navigate a route via charging points getting information on their status and availability along the way. You can even determine how much charge you will have left at the final destination.

The E-3008 has been built on a new platform called STLA Medium which will be used for ICE and hybrid vehicles moving forward. With the battery packs stored neatly beneath the floor of the car, it has resulted in a generously-sized cabin with room for two six footers up front and a trio of rear passengers.

The boot, which is accessed via a powered tailgate, can hold 520 litres of kit with a compartment beneath the floor which is ideal for storing the charging cables. With the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat, the boot capacity increases to 1,480 litres and there are four luggage tie down rings to prevent items rolling around, along with two bag hooks.

Throughout the cabin occupants have plenty of compartments to safely store their goodies too, including an illuminated glovebox, door bins with a bottle section, seat back nets, two deep central cubbies, plus front and rear cup holders.

When it comes charging the 73kWh 440v lithium-ion battery, it takes eight hours from a 7.4kW wallbox to get from 20 to 100 per cent or 35 minutes to boost from zero to 100 per cent using a 160kW fast charger.

Although the latest 3008 model has yet to be tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, the second-gen car gained a maximum five stars and this car should follow suit. It has a wealth of safety systems and driver assistance aids to help protect occupants and other road users alike. All of which is vital on a family car that will likely feature regularly on that dreaded school run.

All in all, the E-3008 is a fabulous car that does everything you could expect from a quality electric SUV. It looks great, drives well, is practical and has a decent range.

The interior is a tad over-the-top with all its lighting, but some owners love that attention to detail and it’s also reassuring that there will be hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions later this year just in case potential buyers are reluctant to take the leap to full electrification.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 4WD (2020)

With dynamic styling and performance capabilities to match, combined with a modern, feature-rich interior and impressive running costs, the new Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 really raises the bar in the SUV sector.

Viewed from any angle, there’s no denying the fact that this five-door plug-in hybrid model is a head-turner. Eye-catching features include a muscular, athletic profile, the instantly recognisable claw-effect rear lights, a panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights, a distinctive black grille with silver inserts and the Peugeot emblem, privacy glass, a black diamond roof and 19-inch two-tone alloys to complete the look.

Step inside and the wow factor continues with a thoroughly modern cockpit that is driver focused and packed to bursting with technology. Creature comforts include Nappa leather quilted upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, a compact steering wheel, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, heated seats, a DAB digital radio and a neat touchscreen with toggle switches for shortcuts to the likes of the climate control, sat nav, phone and music.

But the really clever technology is the power source behind the latest 3008. For this plug-in hybrid model features a 1.6-litre turbocharged 200hp petrol engine and two electric motors with each one driving an axle and producing additional horsepower. The end result is a car with a whopping 300hp and 450Nm of torque. And that power output means this practical family SUV can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in a very creditable 6.1 seconds maxing out at 149mph.

The driver can select from drive modes called Electric, Hybrid, Sport and AWD. Flick the car into Sport and the acceleration through the eight-speed gearbox is instant and there’s ample power on tap for short bursts of pace to overtake.

The ride is comfortable and the handling is well-balanced meaning bends can be attacked with a degree of confidence and there’s ample feedback from the nicely weighted steering wheel. The road holding is assured and the cabin is well insulated against any road surface, engine or wind noise. In addition, the suspension system does a worthy job of smoothing out the uneven road surfaces along the way.

If the 13.2kWh battery is kept topped up, you can drive in EV mode for about 34 to 40 miles. And that electric power can be saved for later if you’re planning on driving through low emission zones.

Charging the battery from a 7kW home charger will take less than two hours. And there is further good news too as the 3008 Hybrid4 has a low emissions figure of just 31g/km which brings with it all manner of financial savings, particularly for business drivers. The official WLTP combined fuel economy figure of 166.2-235.4mpg would be possible if the car was driven in EV mode much of the time which it could be if the daily commute is reasonably short.

On the downside though, this is not a cheap car to buy, especially the range-topping 4WD version in GT specification with a price-tag of £46,750 – increased to £47,745 on our test car with a few optional extras.

But that aside, this is a fabulous all-round family car with room in the back for two adults to sit comfortably – or three if they don’t mind rubbing shoulders. The boot can accommodate 520 litres of kit, a limit that is increased to 1,482 litres by dropping the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. And there are a number of convenient storage compartments scattered throughout the car, including deep cup holders front and rear, a central cubby box, a glovebox, door pockets and nets in the seat backs.

In addition, the 3008 Hybrid4 is packed with safety kit and driver assist systems to help protect occupants, pedestrians and also reduce the risk of accidents happening in the first place. On-board systems include blind spot detection, active lane keep assistance, driver attention alert and a full suite of airbags.

All in all, the latest 3008 Hybrid4 is the complete package for any active family with its smart styling, high standard of technology, clever hybrid engineering and not forgetting its go-anywhere 4WD system.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 GT Line Premium PureTech 130 s/s

In the bustling, ever-growing and fiercely competitive SUV market it’s not easy to stand out, but the Peugeot 3008 is an attention-grabber that’s guaranteed to turn heads thanks to its ultra-modern, muscular and athletic styling plus its futuristic feature-rich interior.

So, the looks lure in the customers, but the family car also needs to be practical, affordable, economical to run and be able to cater with modern day demands especially on the connectivity front – the 3008 scores highly on all counts.

Obviously first impressions mean a lot – after all, who would look twice at an ugly box on wheels? The 3008 looks dynamic from any approach thanks to its athletic stance, long bonnet, sweeping light clusters and rising waist line. Our GT Line Premium model also featured a black roof, a chequered radiator grille with black PEUGEOT lettering, twin exhaust effect trim, black door mirrors, 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof and plenty of chrome edging.

Step inside and the interior is beautifully styled. It has a premium, upmarket feel to it with a wealth of on-board technology to explore. The 3008 features Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design which is very driver focused. There is a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel so in the perfect line of vision for the driver and this displays all the car’s vital signs and can be configured according to taste. The steering wheel has a flat top and bottom which looks very sporty and there is also an easy-to-navigate eight-inch colour touchscreen with piano keys for shortcuts.

Connecting a smartphone is a simple process via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and the car’s in-built sat nav system is easy to use. The piano keys offer quick links to functions such as the climate control, but it does seem to overcomplicate things – sometimes trying to press touchscreen icons on the move is a tad tricky when a simple dial to reduce or increase the heating would be preferable.

But that was my only real gripe in an otherwise fabulous week behind that funky compact steering wheel.

Our test car, priced at £29,205, was powered by a punchy 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It could sprint from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, topped out at 117mph and, according to official figures, delivers combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg with carbon emissions of 117g/km.

Comfort levels within the 3008 are of a very high standard making it a car that’s easy to feel at home with. The seats look attractive with high quality fabric combined beautifully with leather-effect trim and they can be adjusted to find the perfect driving position. The massage function is another little luxury within the ergonomically-designed cabin.

The acceleration through the gears is both smooth and responsive with ample power on tap from the three-pot engine which makes light work of steep inclines or faster motorway driving. A little wind and road surface sound becomes noticeable at higher speeds, but that is the norm with compact SUVs. There is also some body sway if driven particularly enthusiastically into bends, but generally the all-round performance really impresses.

The driver can push a Sport button to sharpen up the car’s handling.

Another plus factor is the excellent all-round visibility especially in busy town centres. And the compact steering wheel makes light work of weaving through the congested traffic. It’s worth mentioning too that the car’s effective suspension set-up deals well with all but the most severe uneven road surfaces.

Obviously, a family car needs to be practical and the 3008 is just that. There is enough room in the back for two adults to stretch out with ample leg, head and shoulder space. A third can fit in, but it all becomes a little cosy.

There are lots of handy storage areas throughout the car, including a chilled central cubby box, door bins, cup holders and a glovebox. The cup holders will keep a drink safe and sound, but items such as small water bottles get in the way of the gear lever which can be annoying. The powered boot is also generously-sized with a capacity of 591 litres, which is increased to 1,670 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

The 3008 scored a maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and it features the likes of anti-lock brakes, lane departure warning, blind spot alert, driver attention alert, automatic emergency braking, dynamic stability control, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

All in all, the Peugeot 3008 is a fabulous family car that ticks all the boxes. It looks modern in its design, is packed with all the latest techno treats, it’s practical, economical and even fun to drive making it a very attractive option in the ever-expanding compact SUV sector.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 – first drive (2016)

When a company is bold enough to describe its latest vehicle as a ‘game changer’ then it has a lot to live up to and the all-new second generation Peugeot 3008 does just that.

It looks great from any angle boasting a dynamic design and there is a wealth of on-board technology, innovative safety packages and all the practicality expected from a SUV, making the 3008 quite the all-round package.

It looks athletic and stylish from any approach thanks to elegant, sharp lines, a strong front face featuring Peugeot’s trademark vertical grille, a long bonnet, raised waist line, smart alloys, neat light clusters, and, at the rear, a gloss black strip that encases the tail lights.

Move inside and the interior is elegantly styled and boasts an upmarket and premium build quality. Techno treats in what Peugeot calls the i-Cockpit are plentiful and include a small, sporty steering wheel with a flat top and bottom (so it would seem that Peugeot has also reinvented the wheel), a 12.3-inch digital head-up instrument panel that can be modified to display specific information, piano key-style switches to access important systems quickly plus an 8-inch colour touchscreen.

Another rather clever feature worth exploring on the latest 3008 is the i-Cockpit Amplify function with a choice of two themes. Basically the driver can select between Boost and Relax modes and depending on the choice systems such as the mood lighting, audio settings, scented air freshener, massaging seat and dynamics can be adjusted accordingly.

Buyers can select between four richly-equipped trim levels called Active, Allure, GT Line and GT, with prices beginning from just £21,795. There is a range of three petrol and five diesel engines to choose from with the option of manual or automatic transmissions on certain models.

Another area that the car really excels in is safety with a whole array of advanced driver assistance systems including distance alert with active safety brake, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, dynamic cruise control with stop function and plenty more besides. The car features advanced grip control with hill assist descent control plus a ground clearance of 22cms so it will scramble across bumpy surfaces and damp grass tracks with ease.

We tested out a couple of models and they both impressed and were up to the challenge. First up was the 1.6-litre BlueHDi 120bhp diesel-powered model with six-speed manual transmission in Allure trim. This particular version is likely to be the best-seller according to Peugeot’s predictions. The car was priced at £26,395 (plus £4,825 optional extras) and could reach 62mph from a standing start in 11.6 seconds, topped out at 115mph and, according to official figures, delivers combined fuel economy of 64.2mpg with carbon emissions of 108g/km.

This car was an absolute delight to drive. It confidently hugged the sweeping country lanes around the Peak District and localised flooding, of which there was plenty, posed no problems whatsoever. The acceleration through the gears was smooth and responsive and there was always a constant supply of power on tap.

The steering was precise and the well-insulated cabin kept any engine, road surface and wind noise at bay. There was a little body roll if pushed particularly hard into bends, but to be honest it was minimal.

The driver benefits from an elevated driving position so the all-round visibility is good, although the wide door pillars make looking back over your shoulder a little tricky at times.

All the on-board technology is simple to use and the instrumentation is clear, precise and driver-focused. The option to personalise the read-out display is most impressive. That said; even with the fast access toggle switches, adjusting the temperature still involves tapping a touchscreen which can be tricky when driving along bumpy roads.

The interior of the 3008 is bright and spacious with ample room in the back for three adults to stretch out in comfort. The boot capacity is 591 litres, which is 100 litres more than the outgoing model, and this can be increased to a very generous 1,670 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

Next up was the range-topping 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180bhp GT model, which is completely new to the range. It was fitted with an automatic six-speed gearbox and priced at £32,995 with a further £2,865 of options. This car could reach from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds, maxed out at 131mph, has combined fuel economy of 58.9mpg with carbon emissions of 124g/km.

The GT model is sportier in appearance with 19-inch two-tone finish diamond-cut alloy wheels, additional wheel arch protection, a panoramic glass roof, full leather upholstery and a smart electric tailgate which includes a foot movement operation to open the boot when your hands are full.

Once again when put to the test, the 3008 was an outstanding performer and the sharp handling from the higher-powered engine was quite noticeable. The acceleration was instant and there is a Sport mode to sharpen the dynamics up even further.

But obviously the initial outlay and running costs on the GT model are higher, so sales of this particular model are likely to be determined by budgets.

Another positive factor worth mentioning about the newer version of the 3008 is the updated insurance rating which has improved quite dramatically with former 3008 models being classed in group 28, while the latest car is rated from group 11.

All in all, the new 3008 is a fabulous all-round package and will see Peugeot make quite a significant impact in the ever-growing SUV segment.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 Allure HDi 115

Peugeot has been taking great pride in the fact that it is successfully competing against some stiff opposition from the premium marques and certainly holding its own thanks to class-leading technology, excellent build quality and beautiful craftsmanship.

And the newly revised 3008 is another example of all those factors. Boasting all the very best elements of an SUV, hatchback and MPV, the crossover was greeted with much acclaim when it was launched in 2009. And now it has got even better with some design tweaks, improved on-board technology and even a reduction in the price-tag.

Admittedly the changes are not exactly profound, but they do keep the 3008 bang up to date with the company’s styling traits. For example the new model boasts refreshed light clusters, the “floating claw” LED tail lights with 3D effect, the new floating front grille, extra paintwork options and an increased level of technology to be explored within the car.

The range-topping Allure model looked fabulous from any angle thanks to its athletic sweeping lines, 18-inch alloys, xenon lights, panoramic glass roof and split tailgate which makes loading heavy or awkwardly-shaped items much simpler.

And once inside, it’s difficult not to be impressed with the quality interior that surrounds you such as a soft-touch dashboard, leather seats, a head-up display and plenty more besides.

The high seated driving position results in excellent all-round visibility and all controls, dials and read-outs are ideally positioned for driver usability.

Other top notch qualities include a great sound system with CD player, Bluetooth, dual zone air conditioning and sat-nav.

But fixtures and fittings aside, there’s certainly no mistaking that the Peugeot 3008 is all about practicality, flexibility and versatility.

An ideal example of this is the central armrest which opens up to reveal a Tardis-like ventilated storage area with 13.5 litres volume. A sunglasses holder is above the driver’s door and there is an array of storage options scattered throughout the car.

The boot has a floor with a choice of three possible positions. And this generously-sized boot can accommodate 512 litres of luggage – a capacity that can be increased to 1,604 litres with the split-folding rear seats flat.

The tailgate can bear a load of 200kg.

Light floods into the cabin through the massive glass roof which creates a bright and welcoming environment for occupants and even the back seat passengers are treated to ample leg, head and shoulder space.

So it would certainly be fair to say that the newly-revised 3008 looks the business and is bursting with techno treats, but how does it handle? The answer to that is rather well.

Despite its fairly low output of 115bhp, there’s bags of power in the 1.6-litre diesel engine. Acceleration through the six-speed manual transmission is nice and smooth and there always seems to be enough power on tap.

Admittedly, there is a little bit of engine noise and it’s not the fastest kid on the block taking 13.6 seconds to reach 62mph from a standing start with a top speed of 112mph.

But the combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg certainly makes up for any downfalls and these stats are aided by a gear-shift prompter which helps to maximise the fuel economy.

It seems the 3008 is equally capable on faster lanes and motorways as it is manoeuvring through busy town centres where it proved deceptively agile – the reversing camera will also make you look like an expert when parking!

As one would expect, Peugeot has packed a comprehensive range of safety specifications into the car, including electronic stability programme, traction control, anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, hill assist and numerous airbags.

All in all, the 3008 is a brilliant all-rounder and very competitively priced. The test car carried a price-tag of £22,445 plus £2,415 extras, but for that outlay you have a vehicle that is capable of clocking up the business miles one day and coping with the demands of an active family the next.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

Few companies can claim world premieres these days but that is the case for Peugeot with it’s unveiling of the very first diesel-electric hybrid car.

The 3008 HYbrid4 features the clever combination of a 2.0-litre, 163bhp diesel engine along with a 37bhp electric motor which results in an economical-to-run vehicle that is equally at home in busy city centre traffic as it is out on the faster roads.

We live in a day and age where motoring manufacturers are under constant pressure to reduce carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency, but we don’t want to compromise on performance. And the 3008 HYbrid4 is just the car to meet those demands.

One of the three models boasts vital 99g/km statistics which makes it exempt from road tax and congestion charges and Peugeot claims it can achieve 74mpg. Now that is one giant leap forward for a vehicle that has buyers in the fleet and business markets in mind.

Along with the 99g/km model, which runs on 16-inch alloy wheels and is priced at £26,995, is the 104g/km that runs on 17-inch alloy wheels and costs £28,495 and finally a limited edition 104g/km model that costs £29,950.

The 3008 HYbrid4 looks fabulous from all angles and striking design features include privacy glass, a rear spoiler, a panoramic sunroof, body-coloured door handles, LED daytime running lights, chrome trim door surrounds, an eye-catching grille with Peugeot’s new lion emblem sitting above it on the bonnet and very subtle HYbrid4 badging.

But the quality doesn’t end there because once you take your seat in the bright and spacious cabin, you cannot fail to be impressed with the build quality and technology that surrounds you.

It really is similar to that usually found in a premium luxury model.

The 104g/km model tested boasted a whole array of technical wizardry with all controls and levers perfectly positioned for driver usability.

Even the main read-out dials are protected from any glare issues thanks to a large half-moon shaped hood.

The seats offer lumbar support, can be electrically adjustable and have a heating option.

Creature comforts include a head up display with distance alert, cruise control, dual-zone digital air conditioning, window blinds, a leather multi-function steering wheel and Peugeot’s Connect system which incorporates the sat nav along with the audio and media set-up.

Up to five adults can travel in comfort with plenty of head room in the rear and storage options are catered for via the generously-sized boot with additional under-floor space.

There are even quick release buttons to utilise the split-folding rear seats option if extra storage space is needed and a split tailgate makes it easier to load awkwardly-shaped items.

The driver can select from four driving modes. The first is the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode which is perfect for city centre driving. This all-electric option results in no engine noise and the absence of carbon emissions. At speeds of less than 30mph, between 2.5 and 3 miles can be achieved in this mode alone.

Next is the Auto mode whereby the entire system is automatically controlled, including the engine and motor operation. It is suggested that this mode is the best choice for fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.

Next is the Sport mode which produces an edgier sharper performance with the automatic transmission favouring quicker gear changes through the six speeds.

Finally, the Four-wheel-drive mode, which allows the 3008 HYbrid4 to take on much more challenging terrains.

During an extensive test drive, all driving modes were incorporated and they all lived up to the challenge and seemed perfectly efficient.

Acceleration was smooth and responsive and there is the option of using steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gear if so desired.

I did think the ride was a little rigid and bouncy at times, but my biggest gripe was the fact that the gear select lever completely blocks out the letters. This means that the only way to check you have selected reverse or drive etc is to look over the gear lever or check on your display screen.

However, that whinge aside, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is quite an amazing car. It boasts excellent handling, great economy, technical features galore, brilliant design spec and a pretty reasonable price-tag.

You can even check your driving perfomance and see how economical you have been via the read-outs. All these factors add up to money-saving motoring.

And, of course, Peugeot has packed in a very comprehensive list of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme and traction control, hill assist, numerous airbags, rear parking aids and lots more.

Peugeot described this vehicle as the Holy Grail and after putting it through its paces, it’s evident that rival manufacturers will be in hot pursuit.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 Exclusive Hdi 150

Stylish, spacious, accomplished and great value – all accolades that can be heaped on Peugeot’s stunning 3008.

For this crossover vehicle proves that you really can have it all. It can be used as a conventional vehicle for everyday use but is just as at home as an adventurous model for those with an active lifestyle.

First impressions are vital these days and to be fair, the 3008 looks great from every angle. The test model was supplied in Babylon Red and that helped it stand out even more in a crowded car park.

It boasts tinted windows, smart allows, electric folding door mirrors, a neatly crafted front end that almost seems to welcome you with a smile and a panoramic sunroof that stretches the length of the vehicle.

It’s thanks to this sunroof and the larger-than-life windows that the cabin is flooded with light from every angle which means occupants benefit from a bright and spacious cabin.

The interior is just as impressive with incredible thought given to ergonomics. All the features are perfectly positioned for ease of use and the heads-up display means the driver can concentrate fully on the road ahead with all vital information available at a glance.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include a great sat nav system, a brilliant audio system compatible with all the modern day devices, Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone digital air con with air quality sensor, a multi-function leather steering wheel, heated leather seats, automatic sensing wipers and automatic headlamps, plus plenty more besides.

There is ample room for five adults to travel in style – four in complete comfort – and storage is not an issue either as the generously sized boot can be increased further thanks to split-folding rear seats and an underfloor storage compartment. Another great feature on the 3008 is the split tailgate which is a real bonus when loading difficult or heavy objects.

So the 3008 looks great, has bags of wizardry onboard and is reasonably priced (from £22,705), but what about the performance?

Top marks once again. The 2.0-litre, diesel engine delivers plenty of power and the six-speed manual transmission is nice and responsive.

City centre driving is made easier thanks to the high-seated driving position, and the front parking aid with parallel assist (£210 extra) makes squeezing into tight spaces a complete doddle.

Then out on the faster roads, the drive was very smooth and cabin noise relatively quiet even on rougher road surfaces.

Peugeot has laden the vehicle with a whole host of safety features which has resulted in a 5 star NCAP safety rating. These include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, tyre pressure sensors, traction control, a reinforced body structure, numerous airbags and lots more.

To sum up, the 3008 can be just what you want it to be. It has the driving dynamics of a family hatchback, all the space and flexibility of a multi-purpose vehicle and the eye-catching good looks of a sport SUV.

Test Drive

Peugeot 3008 Exclusive Hdi 150

If it’s versatility, great looks, excellent performance figures and a reasonable price tag you’re looking for then enter the Peugeot 3008 for this crossover really does have it all.

You cannot fail to be impressed with the beautifully-designed look of the vehicle with eye-catching streamlining, rugged bumpers and a grille that looks like it is grinning about the next challenge you throw in its path.

And those first impressions are not wrong, because from the second you take your seat behind the steering wheel, a whole world of state-of-the-art technology opens up before you.

The dashboard boasts a row of switches to control many vital functions rather like in an aircraft cockpit and as soon as you pull away the heads-up display shows your speed along with other vital information.

Throughout the vehicle, the quality of features is outstanding and includes a fantastic sound system which for an optional extra of about £1.5k can have Bluetooth, MP3 and hard drive connectivity too.

There is cruise control, electric front windows, bi-zone air conditioning (which at times was a tad slow clearing the huge windscreen), a rear parking aid, heated leather seats and plenty more.

Space inside the cabin is plentiful and there is a light and airy feel for all occupants mainly thanks to the massive glass panoramic sunroof.

The driver also benefits from excellent all-round visibility thanks to the high-seated driving position and this makes driving in congested city centre traffic along with parking the vehicle in tight spaces an absolute doddle.

Then out on the open road, the 2.0-litre engine delivered plenty of oomph and road-holding in all conditions was exceptionally good.

One of the main features of the 3008 is its versatility and this is the case with the boot area which has three different floor positions depending what needs carrying, and the split rear tailgate makes loading awkwardly-shaped or extra heavy goods that little bit easier too.

And then when you add in a plethora of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, distance alert, numerous airbags and lots more, you really do have the complete package.

All in all, the 3008 is a fantastic drive, delivers excellent comfort levels, has eye-catching good looks and won’t leave you dodging your bank manager for the next five years.