Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 (2023 - )

Peugeot launched its third generation 3008 SUV in all-electric guise, but has since introduced a hybrid version to the mix, which is considerably cheaper than its sibling.

Design-wise, it certainly makes a statement with a combination of SUV and fastback styling and, like most modern-day Peugeots, it comes packed with tech inside an upmarket and elegantly laid-out interior.

Practicality bases are covered well and customers can choose between two trim levels called Allure and GT. We opted for the range-topper for our test.

Historically, it was always the Stellantis Group stablemate Citroen that made the design statements with often outrageous looking models that would stand out in any crowd. Move forward a few years and now Peugeot seems to have caught the bug with the latest 3008 boasting a look that somehow combines an SUV with a fastback.

Approached from the front, it looks really classy with a black grille, signature three-claw lights, plus a black bar with ‘3008’ on it connecting the front light clusters.

The rear also boasts those three-claw taillights and these are connected by a further black bar with the ‘PEUGEOT’ name in neat lettering.

But it’s the side view that really makes this car stand out with its high sides and then sharply tapered rear end. There is privacy glass, a black diamond roof and rear spoiler, the Peugeot shield on the front wings, gloss black B pillars, lower door and wheel arch cladding, plus 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels to complete the look.

Moving inside and the cabin is dominated by the ultra-large 21-inch high-definition panoramic curved display screen, along with a dashboard that illuminates according to the drive mode. The doors and dash are upholstered in a classy textile material and there are soft-touch surfaces throughout.

On-board technology impresses with an upgraded Focal sound system, connected navigation with over-the-air updates, wireless Mirror Screen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth for two phones, four USB-C ports and lots more besides.

A sperate i-Toggle panel offers quick access to the home page, media, navigation, phone and Mirror Screen, and the icons on this display can be customised to taste.

It’s a very driver focused cockpit, but the display with all its energy surge graphics, can be a little off-putting.

Our test car was powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine assisted by a small electric motor that enables the vehicle to be driven in electric-only mode for short stints.

With 136hp and 230Nm of torque, it can complete the 0-62mph dash in 10.2 seconds and maxes out at 125mph.

The front-wheel drive 3008 features a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission which is smooth enough, although there is an element of lag when you floor the accelerator for a rapid burst of pace. But if driven with a degree of respect, the acceleration is smooth and responsive enough out the starting blocks.

It’s a car that can cruise effortlessly at 70mph on motorways and will also enjoy the challenge of more testing country lanes with lots of twists and turns. It is confident through tight corners with little sign of body sway and impressive levels of grip.

Drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport alter the dynamics of the vehicle and, in addition, there are steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gears manually for added driver engagement. 

The 3008 is agile in busier town centres with perfectly weighted steering helping to manoeuvre through the traffic.

Finding a comfortable driving position behind the wheel of the Peugeot 3008 is easy enough with ample manual seat and steering wheel adjustment. The front seats can be heated or ventilated, and the steering wheel can also be warmed against the winter chill.

Comfort levels on a long journey are good, but not great. I found the seats quite hard after a couple hours behind the wheel and missed the option of introducing extra lumbar support. The ride is also quite unforgiving over rougher road surfaces. 

The Peugeot 3008 is an exceptionally stylish family SUV that stretches 4,542mm in length, is 2,108mm across (with mirrors), 1,641mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,739mm.

The cabin is spacious with plenty of room up front for a couple of six footers to stretch out and there is enough room in the back for a couple more provided the front seats are not pushed too far back. 

The slightly elevated seating and wide opening rear doors offer easy access to child seats and there are Isofix anchors to the outer rear seats.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and it can accommodate 520 litres of luggage. Drop the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and the capacity increases to a very generous 1,480 litres and there is extra room to store stuff beneath the boot floor.

In addition, there are numerous storage options throughout the cabin, including two very deep central cubby bins, a glovebox, seat back nets, door pockets, front and rear cup holders, a sunglasses compartment and a wireless phone charging pad.

The latest Peugeot 3008 hybrid line-up costs £34,660 for the Allure model or £38,160 for the GT, as tested. By comparison, the fully electrified models cost from £45,840.

Our car featured a 360-degree Vision & Drive Pack that cost £600 extra and this added driver attention alert, long range blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, highway assist and additional exterior cameras. There was also a Sensation Pack, priced at £1,200 that introduced a panoramic split opening sunroof, an upgraded cabin air quality system, plus a Focal premium sound system. The total cost of the test car was £39,960.

That final figure is quite significant as all vehicles priced above £40k are subject to a government premium car tax levy which costs £410 annually from years two to six.

According to official WLTP-tested figures, the Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid can deliver a combined 44.6-52.5mpg with carbon emissions of 124g/km.

This CO2 output would result in a Vehicle Excise Duty charge (road tax) of £210 dropping to the reduced fee for hybrids of £180 after 12 months.

For any fleet drivers considering the 3008 as a business car, it has a Benefit in Kind rating of 29 per cent and the vehicle sits in insurance group 24.

It’s not easy designing an SUV that is both practical and easy on the eye, but Peugeot has achieved that with the 3008. Its styling is met with mixed views by people, but we quite like it.

Then, when you also factor in the wealth of on-board technology, decent if not blisteringly-quick handling, and good use of interior space for both occupants and luggage, then this car is certainly worth exploring further.