Peugeot 3008: distinctive design, luxurious interior, technological hybrid – what in the end?
Logically, the Peugeot 3008 was supposed to be the first hero of detailed reviews of the new SUV models from Stellantis. However, it so happened that this honor fell to the “older brother” Peugeot 5008 – and perhaps that is even for the better. After all, it allowed not only to prepare a detailed review of the Peugeot 3008, but also to find absentee answers to certain questions that arose during this review. So…
Design: Coupe-like crossover in Peugeot style
What happens if you combine a compact crossover C-SUV, a coupe-like silhouette of the body with an aerodynamic roof shape, and then add characteristic details from the world of Peugeot? Of course, it will be the new Peugeot 3008! By the way, it is already the third generation. And it is very interesting how noticeably the Peugeot 3008 car changed its own style from generation to generation. First, in the first generation – a crossover and a minivan “in one bottle”. Then, in the second generation – a classic crossover. And now, in the third generation – now it is a crossover with “overgrown” rear roof pillars and a wing above the rear window. Plus, add a characteristic radiator grille, which seems to be part of the front bumper, and headlights and taillights with triple elements. Bright, you can’t say anything!
But what happened to the body proportions? Why is the lower part so visually “heavy” and the upper part of the body “light”? Well, why is the upper part of the body visually “light” – this is understandable: a small roof, small windows. But it does not leave the impression that the lower part should have been visually reduced – instead we have large door areas, a massive front bumper, voluminous rear wings and a high trunk lid. The design of the new Peugeot 3008 turned out to be interesting; however, this does not mean that it is perfect. Is it possible that I am just getting old? After all, other newer SUV models from Stellantis in a more traditional style – for example, the Peugeot 5008 and Opel Grandland – I personally like better.
The coupe-like crossover Peugeot 3008 is located in the very center of the C-class SUV in terms of dimensions: length – 4.54 meters; width – 1.9 meters; height – 1.64 meters; wheelbase – 2.74 meters; ground clearance is declared at 198 mm. The dimensions allow you to create a spacious interior; but will the “collapsed” roof allow this?
The first glance at the cabin evokes a feeling of “déjà vu” and frankly resembles the Peugeot 5008 cabin from the previous review. The general concept of the Peugeot Panoramic i – Cockpit cabin involves one large panoramic display or a pair of smaller ones, connected together – but in any case, all this will “envelop” the driver. The steering wheel is traditionally small in size and has an unconventional new shape; the center console has turned into either a waterfall or a mountain range – but there is also a place for switches, wireless charging, and a hidden niche. Everything is familiar; and the comments too: the front passenger has to move a lot to get to the displays, the center console is quite massive, a lot of black gloss is used in the trim, which needs to be wiped.
So: the Peugeot 3008 interior is familiar in front – both its advantages and disadvantages. But what about the back? Firstly, we have a reserve of space at the back on the verge of minimally sufficient for cars of this class (I will give the measurements below). Secondly, the same can be said about the convenience of the interior: an armrest and ventilation deflectors are provided, in the maximum GT configuration you can find heated seats; however, there is no separate climate control zone or numerous adjustments for the rear sofa. That is: the Peugeot 3008 crossover offers more compared to the Peugeot 2008, but is inferior to the Peugeot 5008; which is logical from the point of view of the positioning of the models. And another interesting observation: the designers understood that the aerodynamic roof can cause a feeling of tightness above the heads of rear passengers – and therefore there are additional recesses for the head on the right and left.
Finally, a few words about the trunk. It starts with opening the rather massive and high-placed lid; but suddenly it turns out that the trunk threshold is placed even higher! An unpleasant feature... However, if you still lift and load your bags into the trunk, then many advantages await you: an adjustable 2-level floor, a deep underground with a wheel-roller, a pair of side niches, hooks for bags.
The interior of the new Peugeot 3008 is generally familiar in the front: an interesting concept and design, but also a lot of comments on ergonomics. But behind it is a child of intra-class subordination: there is an opportunity to give more, but not to suddenly jump above the "big brother". The trunk is quite large (520 cubic dm or 588 l), plus there are many niches and latches for small things; the only remark is a high threshold.
Finally, a few measurements of the interior space; and traditionally, let's start with the front part. The length of the front seat cushion in the standard version is 52 cm; however, thanks to the retractable support, the cushion can be extended to 53.5 cm. The distance from the edge of the cushion to the accelerator pedal varies within 46-71 cm depending on the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the seat. The headroom, from the seat cushion to the ceiling, is a maximum of 106 cm (measured along the backrest and headrest, the seat is fully lowered, the backrest is set at an angle of 105-110 degrees).
Now about the back sofa. We have a body/legroom of 55-80 cm (from the base of the second-row sofa to the back of the front seat, depending on the position of the front seat). Regarding the body and headroom: the distance from the sofa cushion to the ceiling is 90 cm, but if you measure deep into the aforementioned recesses in the roof, it turns out to be 95 cm (measured along the back and headrest).
Finally, the trunk measurements. The trunk width within the wheel arches is 103 cm; however, keep in mind that when the trunk floor panel is lowered, the side latches “eat” approximately -6.5 cm on the right/left. The trunk depth in the standard version is 89 cm (up to the back of the sofa); or the depth is 148 cm (with the second row seats folded, along the folded seat backs); or the maximum trunk depth is 167 cm (with the second row seats folded, up to the back of the first row seat).
In principle, everything is expected: in terms of interior space, the new Peugeot 3008 is more spacious than cross-hatchbacks with their low roofs, but more cramped than classic C-SUV crossovers with their traditional roof shape and more upright seating.
Technology: maximum attention to hybrid
Briefly about the equipment, which is generally already familiar: STLA Medium platform, supporting body and transverse arrangement of engines, front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive can only be in electric versions), front independent McPherson suspension and rear semi-independent based on a torsion beam. As of now, the Peugeot 3008 crossover is offered in Ukraine with a gasoline 1.6-liter turbo engine or a hybrid based on a 1.2-liter engine. However, here is an important difference: if earlier the Peugeot 5008 test car was presented with a 1.6-liter engine, now the Peugeot 3008 test car is with a hybrid!
And now I will not mention the Peugeot 5008, but the Jeep Avenger crossover: this hybrid was first seen there. It is based on a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder gasoline turbo engine, and it has been significantly modified: the Miller cycle, a timing chain instead of a belt, a turbine with variable geometry, fuel injection under pressure up to 350 bar, etc. Next, a few words about the transmission: a 6-speed eDCT robotic gearbox with a pair of clutches and a built-in electric motor (15.6 kW or 21 hp and 51 Nm) is used; there is an option to completely turn off the internal combustion engine and the possibility of driving exclusively on electric power. This transmission is produced at a joint venture between the Stellantis Concern and the Punch Powertrain company.
Finally, the hybrid system is powered by a 48-volt battery with a nominal capacity of about 0.9 kilowatt-hours and a real-use capacity of 0.43 kilowatt-hours. Potentially, as the manufacturer claims, this battery should be enough to drive on electric power for up to 1 km; in reality, I managed only a few hundred meters. But on the other hand: the battery's output and the power of the electric motor are enough to start from a standstill and accelerate to a maximum of 42 km/h.
The main feature of the test Peugeot 3008 in general is its hybrid system: a combination of a 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine, an eDCT robotic gearbox with an integrated electric motor, as well as a small 48-volt battery located under the driver's seat. We have already encountered such a hybrid on several cars from Stellantis of different brands and I must assure you that this is just the beginning of its career. The hybrid system is available in two power options - 100 hp or 136 hp – although other sources mentioned a maximum power of 145 hp; in addition, on the basis of such a hybrid it is possible to implement all-wheel drive with a separate rear electric motor. However, as of now and using the example of the test car Peugeot 3008, we see the following: the maximum power is declared at 136 hp. (5500 rpm), the promised maximum torque is 230 Nm (1750 rpm), fuel consumption should be 5.4-6.3 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, maximum speed is 201 km/h. So…
Behind the wheel: again – maximum attention to the hybrid; but a few more words about the chassis
The most interesting element of the design of the Peugeot 3008 test car is its hybrid powertrain – so here we will start with impressions of the hybrid. Moreover, right from the start from a standstill, which can take place on an electric drive. I would write that in complete silence… But it is not so: sometimes you can hear a slight howl of either the electric motor or the gear wheels that it rotates in the gearbox. And this sound is heard both when starting from a standstill on the electric motor and when slowing down, when recuperation is triggered. Want to hear something else? Then press the accelerator pedal more actively – and almost immediately the petrol turbo engine starts up with its characteristic 3-cylinder rumble: let's go!
How dynamically you drive will depend on the battery charge, the selected mode, the current speed, and pressing the accelerator pedal. After all, if the start from a standstill is given at a rather leisurely pace “well, what did you expect from a 3-cylinder engine under the hood of a 1652-kilogram crossover”, then further acceleration at city speeds suddenly turns out to be quite dynamic! However, if the start from a standstill was given quite smoothly, then the subsequent acceleration and increase in speed can sometimes be with slight jerks: here the gears in the box were switched, and here the electric motor or internal combustion engine was connected/disconnected while driving. Do you want to avoid turning off the internal combustion engine and keep it always activated? Then choose the sport mode, which involves the constant operation of two motors for maximum efficiency. I won't say that this turns the Peugeot 3008 into a sports crossover, but moments of joy when you want to believe in 145 hp, not 136 hp, come more often.
Another interesting observation: this hybrid does not have an electrically driven air conditioning compressor (as is the case in hybrids with more powerful batteries), so the compressor is powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine, like in a regular car. Therefore, if you turn on the air conditioner, the internal combustion engine will start very often; even if you are standing still – which means periodic vibrations, the sound of operation, increased fuel consumption. Also, unfortunately, there is no recuperation adjustment here; although the recuperation itself is there – and it is quite noticeable. It seems that the intensity of the recuperation depends on the speed of movement, the degree of battery discharge, and pressing the brake pedal. But I would prefer to choose the intensity of the operation myself: for example, to have an additional B-mode for the transmission selector.
And just a few words about the chassis, suspension operation, and driving feel. First impressions are that the car is ready to provide good driving comfort: it easily overcomes potholes without any sudden jolts for the driver and passengers in the cabin, at highway speeds it sways smoothly as if on waves, maintaining body stability and silence in the cabin. However, sometimes, at city speeds (40-50 km/h) and when driving over a series of bumps, unpleasant vibrations can penetrate the cabin – it seems not so much from potholes or bumps on the road as from large and heavy wheels that resonate with these potholes. I really want to get smaller rims and thicker tires, but currently all versions of the Peugeot 3008 have 19-inch rims with 55-profile tires. Maybe this is a story about dynamic handling and stability in sharp turns? I admit, the car really turns well, justifying its coupe-sport-like hints with moderate body roll. However, the Peugeot 3008 cannot offer more. The steering wheel has medium sharpness and is surprisingly light in normal driving modes (and on the contrary – heavy in sports driving mode); and that's okay. The biggest minus is that the 1.2-liter hybrid simply cannot provide as much torque to exit a turn under traction as the suspension asks for; the chassis capabilities exceed the capabilities of the hybrid power unit. Therefore: it seems that the Peugeot 3008 has the potential for dynamic driving; but it can be fully realized only with a more powerful engine.
For the finale – I will mention the Peugeot 5008 again with a larger wheelbase and a more powerful engine. It does not leave the impression that a car with larger dimensions, wheelbase and weight, in the end, copes better with these large wheels: good comfort is still present, but there are almost no unnecessary jerks of the body from vibrations of large (and heavy) wheels. At the same time, a more powerful engine, devoid of constant switching between various components of the hybrid, and even in a pair with a traditional “automatic”, makes each acceleration smoother and more dynamic at the same time. Moreover, I record all these observations not only on the example of the Peugeot 5008, but also on the example of the new Opel Grandland (I will tell you soon). Therefore, it is very interesting how the Peugeot 3008 will behave with a regular, but more powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine. Will a shorter crossover with a smaller base justify itself better in corners? And will there be excitement in these turns if the engine provides the ability to exit under traction? I hope the conversation about the driving qualities of the new Peugeot 3008 is not over yet. But as of now: what about the work of the hybrid, what about the chassis setup – it pulls a maximum of “4 with a minus” on a 5-point system.
Sometimes in the city traffic cycle, this hybrid accelerates the car so much that you really want to believe in its maximum 145 hp, and not 136 hp. power! However, the real measurement of the dynamics of 0-100 km/h gives only 10.6-10.8 seconds. Moreover, if you measure the dynamics several times in a row, the indicators fall: either from the battery discharge, or from the heating of the clutches of the robotic gearbox, or from the first and second. In the first gear, the tachometer reached a maximum of 5.3-5.5 thousand revolutions, in the second you can already see 5.7 thousand; however, the best operating zone for the engine and the hybrid in general is medium revolutions, about 2.5-3-4 thousand. At highway speeds of 100+ km/h, the small 1.2-liter gasoline turbo engine is left alone with the rather massive body of the C-SUV crossover: you have to calculate overtaking very carefully and with large reserves. Fuel consumption in the city is an average of 7.7-8 liters per 100 km of road. On the highway, while driving at a speed of 100 km/h, fuel consumption is kept at about 4.3-4.5 liters per 100 km of road. By the way, at a speed of 100 km/h, the car is already moving in sixth gear, and the tachometer shows 2100 rpm. Regarding off-road: currently, the Peugeot 3008 crossover is offered with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive can only be in the electric version of the Peugeot E-3008); plus – a couple of modes are provided for off-road driving; minus – the front bumper is massive and low. The large trunk lid opens and closes without any problems, even with the rear wheel detached.
I will also add a few observations and my own thoughts regarding the operation of the hybrid and fuel consumption. Yes, in the city you can get a minimum of 6 liters, but the maximums reached 9-10 liters – that is, a rather big difference. Usually hybrids with more powerful electric motors and larger batteries are better able to smooth out such peaks in fuel consumption: the difference between the minimum and maximum does not exceed 1-2 liters. However, not in the case of the Peugeot 3008 - its hybrid component is clearly better than the "mild hybrid" MHEV, but inferior to FHEV hybrids from other automakers. At the same time: pay attention to how compact and light this system is: the electric motor is mounted directly in the gearbox, the battery weighs only 12.1 kg and is located under the driver's seat; unlike the usual hybrids - it does not take up space under the rear sofa. And this, accordingly, made it possible to maintain a normal 55-liter fuel tank.
Further: the use of a small 1.2-liter turbo engine allowed to obtain low fuel consumption while driving on the highway. This is an interesting observation, because usually full-fledged FHEV hybrids have 2- or even 2.5-liter atmospheric engines, which on the highway begin to “eat” at the level of a 2-2.5-liter atmospheric engine; and here the Peugeot 3008 hybrid based on a 1.2-liter engine significantly wins in terms of economy. Although, thinking further, the question of the reliability of a small turbo engine in a fairly large car remains open. You see, there are so many questions… But I assure you that the story about the 1.2 Hybrid power unit is not over: in the future, at least one more article about another car with such a hybrid is planned. But for now – let’s return to the story of the Peugeot 3008.
Price: how much does the Peugeot 3008 cost and who are its competitors?
Like its “older brother” Peugeot 5008, the new Peugeot 3008 is offered in Ukraine with two engines (1.2 Hybrid 136 or 1.6 PureTech 180) and in two trim levels (ALUURE or GT); that is, in total we have four car variants. Interestingly, for the ALLURE version, the price tags of cars with different engines are different; but for the maximum GT version, the price tags of cars with different engines are already the same (this is not a mistake).
The range is opened by the Peugeot 3008 ALLURE version: front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, Grip Control system, ABS and ESP systems, collision warning system with emergency braking function, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, lane keeping assistant, dual-zone climate control, heated windshield, electric windows of front and rear doors, keyless access and engine start system, 180 rear view camera and rear parking sensors, AGR driver's seat, heated front seats, interior trim with Crispy fabric with dark leather elements, Peugeot Panoramic i – Cockpit interior concept with a pair of 10-inch HD displays, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, six-speaker audio, FULL LED headlights, 19-inch YARI alloy wheels, etc. The cost of the Peugeot 3008 1.2 Hybrid 136 Automatic Transmission-6 ALLURE is from UAH 1.326 million or $32 thousand; the cost of the Peugeot 3008 1.6 PureTech 180 Automatic Transmission-6 ALLURE is from UAH 1.369 million or $33.2 thousand.
The maximum version of the Peugeot 3008 GT is located one level higher, where the following is added: adaptive cruise control, electric trunk lid, heated steering wheel and rear seats, AGR driver and front passenger seats with electric adjustment and back massage function, aluminum pedal covers, Alcantara interior trim with leather elements, Peugeot Panoramic i-Cockpit interior concept with a continuous 21-inch HD display and PEUGEOT Virtual i-Toggles touch switch unit, Pixel LED Technology matrix headlights, etc. The cost of the Peugeot 3008 1.2 Hybrid 136 Automatic transmission-6 GT is from UAH 1.535 million or $37.2 thousand; the cost of the Peugeot 3008 1.6 PureTech 180 Automatic transmission-6 GT is from UAH 1.535 million or $37.2 thousand.
Recently, Peugeot cars usually have quite good equipment; for example, the Peugeot 3008 GT crossover immediately offers seats with combined trim and back massage function, matrix headlights and surprisingly original 19-inch wheels, a panoramic 21-inch display, navigation, interior background lighting, adaptive cruise control and many driver assistance systems. Among the options – perhaps a Nappa leather interior, 360-degree view, panoramic roof, etc. Some competitors, even for an additional fee, cannot offer what the Peugeot 3008 offers in the GT version by default. By the way, about competitors…
The first and main rival is, oddly enough, the Peugeot 408: similar design, but the body is lower and more stretched; similar price positioning; a powerful gasoline engine under the hood, also paired with an 8-speed "automatic"; similar high-quality interior trim materials; although there is no latest Panoramic i-Cockpit interior concept and at least some economical hybrid. You can say in different ways: that the Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 408 cars complement each other, or on the contrary – that they are competitors. But the fact is that these two cars are competing for the plus or minus of the same type of client, who is already looking towards Peugeot; the question is precisely the choice of model.
But the choice of Toyota C-HR is somewhat different conceptually. We still have a futuristic design in the style of an SUV-coupe, we have better hybrids and versions with all-wheel drive; however, we also have a tighter interior and a much higher price tag. Another option is the Mazda CX-30: also a compact crossover, you can choose a version with all-wheel drive, the price tag is lower; but it is inferior in terms of equipment (no massage in the front, heating in the back, etc.) and there is no option with an economical engine. Let's continue with a rival in the form of the Volkswagen T-Roc: the current generation of the car is already in years, but relatively affordable; the new generation car will have to wait, but it will be a completely new and "fresh" model. I will also note the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Kona, Opel Grandland of the new generation. There are many competitors; can the Peugeot 3008 win the race for the wallet of a potential buyer? And thanks to what advantages? So, the results…
The car was provided by – Peugeot Representative Office in Ukraine