Peugeot 3008 Allure SUV review

The Peugeot 3008 is making more than a ripple in the mid-size SUV pond. Thousands of families have fallen for its chunky and slightly futuristic looks, and it doesn't hurt that its front-wheel drive setup means fuel economy is decent. In fact, Peugeot's 3008 is arguably a more rounded choice than the supermini-derived Peugeot 2008 or the larger, bulkier Peugeot 5008.

The Peugeot 3008 is slightly more expensive than the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai but it matches the starting price of both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq. As you ascend the range lineup, however, both models from the Volkswagen Group grow rapidly more expensive, and the 3008 becomes better value for money – especially in Allure specification.

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The Allure trim level is the best value in the 3008 range. Though it adds around £2,000 to the price of the entry-level Active, that extra cost is well justified by the additional standard equipment. This includes active lane keeping assistance and an advanced driver attention alert system, active blind spot detection and automatic headlamp full beam. A standard reversing camera, all-round parking sensors and power folding exterior mirrors add convenience, and the infotainment system boasts 3D TomTom live navigation, with a three-year subscription for map updates.

All this comes in addition to the dual-zone climate control, autonomous emergency braking, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto of the Active trim level, but the Allure is decidedly more eye-catching, too. The 18-inch alloy wheels are more striking than the 17-inch versions of the Active, and the Allure also boasts privacy glass for rear seat occupants, smart looking front scuff plates and chrome exterior trim.

Most buyers will be happy with the cheapest engine option. The entry level 1.2-litre PureTech 130 provides 128bhp which, when teamed with a six speed manual gearbox, will take the 3008 from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds. Only the far more expensive 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 diesel is faster, and then by only half a second. If you need an automatic gearbox, the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 is the cheapest option at almost £2,000 more than the manual petrol.

It's debatable whether most drivers will actually benefit from the extra fuel economy that diesel brings. With the 18-inch wheels that are standard on the Allure, the 1.2-litre PureTech 130 petrol manual manages 53.3mpg, while the manual 1.5-litre BlueHDI 130 reaches 67.3mpg. You'd need to cover well over 12,000 miles a year or so before the saving becomes significant, and the petrol is a smoother and quieter engine than the diesel.

Whichever model you choose, the interior is sure to please. Its design is unlike any other SUV, with a futuristic layout and digital instrument display that you view over – rather than through – a small, sporty steering wheel. It looks strange at first, but proves easy to use, and the dashboard swoops around the driver in a very appealing way. A row of 'piano key' switches lends a real quality feel, and this is reinforced by the high quality materials used.

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If there's a negative to the 3008, it's that it falls a little short on driver appeal. While ride comfort is certainly a higher 3008 priority than cornering prowess, the Peugeot still entertains more than a Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Kodiaq. What it doesn't offer, though, is a four-wheel drive option. Peugeot's Advanced Grip Control is on hand to help on rougher surfaces and wet grass, but 4x4 versions of the Qashqai and Kodiaq will take you further off the beaten track.

So impressed were we with the 3008 that it received the Carbuyer Car Of The Year award in 2017, and owners tend to agree – it was the overall victor in our 2018 Driver Power survey, posting extremely strong scores in every category. With this in mind, the Peugeot 3008 Allure SUV is car we highly recommend.

Verdict: 4.0/5