Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 (4WD) 300 EAT8 (2020 - 2024)

The second-generation Peugeot 3008 has been given a mild make-over with a sharper, more aggressive design, a stunning interior with digital dials and plenty of on-board tech plus a huge choice of engines, transmissions and drive systems to suit all tastes and budgets

The family SUV is available in trim levels called Active Premium+, Allure Premium+, GT and GT Premium with customers able to select from petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains with the option of four-wheel drive.

The Plug-in Hybrid version, as tested, offers outstanding efficiency with impressive fuel economy, especially if you can make the most of the battery charge with its EV-only driving range of up to 40 miles.

Approach the Peugeot 3008 from any angle and it looks great with its bold, dynamic design, upright stance and five-door practicality. It really is a head-turner with the instantly recognisable claw-effect rear lights, LED daytime running lights, a distinctive black grille with silver inserts and the Peugeot emblem. It has a panoramic sunroof, twin exhausts, privacy glass, a black diamond roof and 19-inch two-tone alloys.

Move inside and that wow factor is just as prevalent with a modern, clutter-free interior featuring Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout which includes a tiny steering wheel – it takes a little getting used to but is easy to come to terms with (and it looks great!).

Creature comforts include a power-adjustable driver’s seat with the finest Nappa leather quilted upholstery. There is smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay, a Focal sound system, digital dials, heated seats, sat nav, a DAB digital radio and a smart 10-inch touchscreen with toggle switches for shortcuts to the likes of the music system, phone, air conditioning, sat nav and music.

On the downside, despite fast access keys and all the shortcuts in the world, I would still prefer a simple dial to increase or lower the car’s climate control.

We tested the Peugeot 3008 in high-end GT specification with Hybrid4 technology. This saw a 1.6-litre petrol engine working in tandem with a 13.2kWh battery and two electric motors with each one driving an axle and producing additional horsepower. 

That results in a car delivering 300hp and 450Nm of torque. And that power output means this SUV can sprint to 62mph from a standstill in a very creditable 6.1 seconds and tops out at 149mph or 84mph in pure electric mode.

There is an eight-speed fully automatic transmission which is perfectly timed along with drive modes called Electric, Hybrid, Sport and AWD.

The acceleration is instant and there is always enough power for sharp bursts of pace to overtake. Despite its tall styling, the 3008 was assured and poised into tight bends even when pushed quite hard and there was little sign of body sway.

It eats up motorway miles for fun so is an ideal cruiser, yet is deceptively agile in busier town centres where the impressive all-round driver visibility is a bonus.

The EV range is quite limited at 34 to 40 miles, but this can be saved for when you are travelling through a congestion charge zone.

The Peugeot 3008 is large family SUV that stretches 4,447mm in length, is 2,098mm including mirrors and 1,624mm high. Those dimensions mean it is designed with practicality in mind and has ample room for all the family and their belongings. 

There is space in the back for a trio of adults to sit comfortably and the boot can hold 520 litres of kit – a capacity that increases to 1,482 litres by dropping the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Opt for ICE models and that capacity is larger.

Elsewhere, there are numerous convenient storage compartments, including a glovebox, deep cup holders (front and rear), a central cubby box, door pockets and nets in the seat backs.

Charging the 13.2kWh battery from a 7kW home charger will take less than two hours.

And it’s worth remembering the Peugeot 3008 has AWD so is very capable away from the Tarmac and can tow a trailer or caravan weighing up to 1,250kg for family get-aways.

There are Isofix fixtures to the outer rear seats and front passenger seat to easily attach child seats and the vehicle is ideal for anyone with mobility issues thanks to wide opening doors and the elevated seating position.

The Peugeot 3008 line-up starts from £29,435 and rises to a whopping £47,380 for the top version.

Our test car in GT guise with 4WD was priced at £46,750, although pearlescent paint, an on-board charger and a 230V socket saw the final cost creep up to £47,745.

The official combined fuel economy figure, under WLT P testing, is 166.2-235.4mpg. This would only ever be seen if the car’s battery was regularly charged and the vehicle was driven for the majority of its life in EV-only mode.

However, the low carbon emissions figure of 31g/km will bring financial rewards as the road tax fee for the first year would be just £10. This would increase to the standard fee for Plug-in Hybrids of £155 after 12 months.

And for business drivers, the car has an attractive Benefit in Kind tax rate of 8 per cent.

But the taxman gives with one hand and takes away with the other, because any vehicle, apart from EVs, that top the £40k figure are subject to an additional premium car levy, which is £335, for five years.

The Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 4WD 300PS sits in insurance group 38.

Admittedly there are cheaper family SUVs out there than the Peugeot 3008, but not many can offer such a complete all-round package. The interior is premium in its styling and the car has looks that are bold and guaranteed to attract attention. Factor in the raft of safety kit and vast choice of engines and trims, then the 3008 really will make sense to a lot of families out there.