Peugeot 3008 review

This is the petrol-mild-hybrid version of the all-new Peugeot 3008. A crucial player in the midsize family crossover game, with a rather delightful cabin. At least for the people in front. Hey, parents deserve some privileges in return for the years of sleepness nights and mopping up the infants' sick.

So then, a rival for the huge-selling Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Ford Kuga. But it feels more premium than that, letting it take aim at the lower-engine editions of the Audi Q3s and Mini Countrymans (Countrymen?) of this world.

It really is all-new for 2024, running on a platform developed by the parent Stellantis conglomerate called STLA-Medium. The company made a lot of fuss during development about this being a pure-electric setup. But actually there are petrol-engined versions too – this plugless mild-hybrid, and later a PHEV.

The bodywork of EV and combustion are exactly the same, but the floor and suspension understructure are surprisingly different.

And the price. The full-electric version costs about £11k more, in like-for-like trim, than this mild hybrid. The EV also weighs half a tonne more than this milld-hybrid.

The old Peugeot 3008 helped turn Peugeot around, thanks to striking design and what was in its day a fine interior. Still is actually. This new one doesn't tear up those themes, but develops them. Existing owners will move to the new generation smoothly.

The most obvious difference is the fastback and roof spoiler, done to cut aero drag. Which improves EV range and petrol consumption.

HYBRID EH?

Well, mild hybrid. A 48V system with a small battery. The aim is to give you something like diesel consumption, at least in urban and suburban driving. But with less smell and disapproval. And much less noise. Peugeot admits motorway efficiency doesn't improve. Same for all hybrids – they do their thing only when you slow down and accelerate.

So we have a heavily reworked version of Peugeot's long-standing 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder engine. On the end of it is a new six-speed twin-clutch autobox with the electric motor integrated.

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

Peugeot always says it makes drivers' cars. Well yeah, but this isn't powerful, so a sprint to 62mph occupies 10.2 of your seconds. But the new powertrain is vastly quieter than Peugeot's outgoing 1.2, and less laggy at low revs. It's also properly civilised in stop-go traffic.

As for the rest of the dynamics, this is a solid effort. Again Peugeot's commitment to the driver shows up. It steers urgently. But there are compromises when that aim meets this tall car. The steering is numb, the body rocks and pitches, and the ride's jiggly at B-road speeds.

HOW DOES IT WORK AS A FAMILY CAR?

Peugeot hasn't allowed the dimensions to balloon, so it's the same size outside as the old one. Rear legroom isn't huge, but because you sit high with your legs tucked under it doesn't feel too cramped. The fastback doesn't hurt headroom either, and there are some handy storage spaces.

The huge curved screen screen and switchgear system is a development of Peugeot's i-Toggle system, and it's easy to use. The teenagers will be useful in setting up its many customisable layouts and shortcuts.

For an all-new start, the 3008 doesn't feel like a revolution. For many, that'll be a win. Design and cabin are evolved and improved from what was a strong base. The curved screen is a big talking point (literally), and genuinely useful. But taller families might want more rear space.

We like the powertrain even if overtaking performance is pretty limited. A better ride and more cornering engagement would sit higher on our to-do list.

The 3008 is refined and quiet and rides well, and is easygoing over long distances. The cabin beats the Germans for perceived quality, yet it's interesting and progressive, while easy to use. No shock tactics.