Skip advert
Advertisement

Peugeot 3008 1.6 Exclusive

Is newcomer’s blend of SUV looks and MPV practicality a success?

Search Peugeot’s history books for successful compact MPVs or off-road vehicles, and you’ll come up short. However, the firm’s new 3008 is aiming to change all that. By mixing chunky SUV styling with people carrier practicality, the crossover aims to blend fashion and flexibility.

The newcomer certainly has presence. Bulging wheelarches, scalloped body panels and clever detailing provide an aggressive shape. But you’d hardly call the 3008 pretty. The gaping grille and long overhangs make it look a little ungainly, while those large wheelarches dwarf the 16-inch wheels of our car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The designers have been much more successful inside. The most striking feature is the sweeping dashboard, which resembles that of Audi’s R8 supercar. Cowled dials, a high-set centre console, a head-up display and a bank of toggle-style switches make you feel as if you’re at the wheel of something special. As with the Renault, it offers a car-like seating position, too.

Our range-topping Exclusive test model had a panoramic glass roof and light grey leather trim, which helped give the cabin a light and airy feel. This is especially welcome in the back, where legroom is only adequate. Plus, there’s nothing clever about the rear bench – it just folds flat to accommodate large loads. The boot is a useful size, though, and it features a neat adjustable floor that allows you to hide items of varying sizes out of sight.

Our left-hand-drive French-registered example was available only with the firm’s punchy 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine. But when UK sales start in November, buyers will also be able to choose from the same 108bhp 1.6-litre oil-burner as found in the C4 Picasso, plus a torquey 148bhp 2.0-litre unit. On the move, the 3008 displays great composure, and offers the best ride and handling balance here. Supple suspension combines with good body control and strong grip to inspire confidence.

The Peugeot’s SUV cues don’t extend to a four-wheel drive system, but our car came with the firm’s £300 Grip Control option. This allows drivers to manually adjust the electronic traction control, using a dial on the transmission tunnel, to improve grip in extremely slippery conditions.

The £19,195 Peugeot is the priciest car here. However, it comes overflowing with standard equipment, including a head-up display for the driver, a full-length glass roof and dual-zone climate control. The flipside to this is that, for the money, the cabin doesn’t match rivals’ versatility.

Do the 3008’s rugged looks and limited off-road ability help to offset this?

Details

Chart position: 4
WHY: Peugeot’s all-new 3008 crossover mixes style of an SUV with practicality of an MPV.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025