Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 150 review

"The 3008 has the dash of an Audi R8!"

What is it?
Peugeot’s new 3008 is another one of these niche-busting jack-of-all-trades crossovers that’s designed to offer the looks and commanding driving position of a proper SUV, the practicality of an MPV and the economy of a regular hatch all in one. It’s a tough brief, but the success of the Nissan Qashqai is testament to why Peugeot has created the 3008.

What does it look like?
I think it’s fair to say that the 3008 isn’t much of a looker. At the front, the gaping egg-crate grille makes the Pug seem really wide. At the side, the large amounts of curvy metal surrounding the wheels makes the alloys seem tiny, and the long front and rear overhangs make it look a little bloated and ungainly.

What’s it like inside?
While the 3008’s exterior might be easy to criticise, the interior is the complete opposite. For a start, the centre console design is nicked straight from the Audi R8. The console is set high too, so that you feel like you’re driving a normal car. It houses a massive, refrigerated cubbyhole that’s perfect for storing vast quantities of giant chocolate buttons. My top-spec Exclusive model also had a decent satnav and a cool head-up display which flips up when you start the engine.

My car also had family-unfriendly light grey upholstery – no so good when you drop one of the aforementioned chocolate buttons. However, combine this with the massive panoramic glass roof, and you’ve got an interior that’s light, airy and comfortable. Unlike the new Skoda Yeti there’s no super-clever fold-any-which-way rear seats, but there is a massive boot which has a split-folding tailgate for added practicality.

What’s it like to drive?
The 3008 I drove was fitted with the excellent 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that PSA co-developed with BMW to stick in the MINI. It’s punchy and overcomes the obvious weight that the 3008 carries thanks to its 240Nm of torque. I managed to match the manufacturer’s claimed 38.1mpg too. While the 16-inch wheels look a little small, they ensure that the ride remains nice and supple. There’s plenty of grip and not too much body roll for such a tall car too, and the steering is pretty direct.

Verdict
Creating a car that is so many things to so many people isn’t easy, but the Peugeot 3008 is a decent effort. The looks won’t be to everyone’s tastes and the interior could be more versatile, but it’s competitively priced, loaded with standard kit and drives surprisingly well for such a big car.

Car Specs - Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 150

We rate:
Audi R8-inspired interior
Engine punches well

We slate:
Not much of a looker
Rear seat practicality

Rating:

By Tom Phillips