The Peugeot 3008 is a bestseller for Peugeot Ireland and there’s now a new one on sale. Available as both a petrol mild hybrid and full electric, the new 3008 sports sharper coupé-like styling and retains its upmarket appeal with a smart new cabin design.
Earlier in 2024, I was in France to drive the 3008, but now I’ve had time to spend more time with it on Irish roads in its entry level Allure trim.
New era for the 3008
Times have changed and the new 3008 is the first to launch with no diesel engine on sale. The entry into the range is now a 1.2-litre petrol mild hybrid with a six-speed automatic gearbox, priced from €43,995 in the Allure trim level.
The new fully electric E-3008 is not much more expensive to buy, priced from €44,995, and still manages to offer a range up to 527 kilometres in its most basic form.
The 3008 has evolved into more of a coupé-SUV and does away with the traditional boxy SUV silhouette in favour of a sharp sloping roofline that makes the car even more aerodynamic. At the front, it’s noticeably different with new LED lighting and signature Peugeot ‘claw-like’ daytime running lights.
Photographs don’t really quite do it justice as in the metal it has a smart, compact stance enhanced by a range of colours including new Ingaro Blue. But the design is really set off by the jewel-like Obsession Blue, which also happens to be the standard colour.
Allure models are nicely specced with 19-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, body-coloured grille and roof spoiler. It’s a very stylish and upmarket car among its rivals and stands out as something a bit special the more time you spend with it.
Inside the Peugeot E-3008
Inside, the 3008 truly shines with the new panoramic i-Cockpit, a Peugeot staple at this stage. It feels as if the cabin wraps around you for a cosy, sporty feel behind the wheel. There’s a compact steering wheel and 21-inch screen that includes a digital driver display in front of you that blends into the central touchscreen. There are loads of nice fabrics and materials used so it feels top notch.
Technology features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. Most of the car’s functions are accessed through the screen like media, maps and ventilation controls, but Peugeot’s clever ‘i-Toggle’ switches allow you to create handy shortcuts to your favourite features from a digital panel below.
Allure models include wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and dual zone climate control with vents for rear passengers too. Heated front seats are a €450 option.
The back of the car will seat three though some rivals do feel airier and more spacious for rear seat passengers. There is Isofix on the two outer seats. Allure models surprisingly don’t offer a pull down armrest but the rear seats will split fold 40:20:40.
The 520-litre boot offers plenty of space for a family car. GT models add a powered tailgate with a motion sensor.
Driving the new E-3008
On the road, the E-3008 feels more the upper end of the segment for refinement and handling. It’s neat and agile to drive with well-weighted steering that makes it easy to park in town or steer down a country road. It’s not the most softly sprung SUV, but bumps in the road only cause a minor disturbance in the cabin.
210hp to the front wheels sound healthy enough though in reality the 3008 is not one set up for rapid performance, particularly in its normal or eco setting. The sport mode does make it feel livelier so is great for overtaking manoeuvres or a quick burst of speed to join motorways.
The electric 3008 is a quiet, smooth experience behind the wheel. It uses a 73kWh battery, whose real world range was close to 412 kilometres based on the consumption figures I noted during my test drive. This will be enough for many people’s needs coupled with fast charging capabilities, but a longer range version is on the way in 2025.
Driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring are included as standard.
AC charging is possible up to 11kW, while DC fast charging is up to 160kW for a 20% to 80% charge in 30 minutes. It won’t charge as rapidly as a Tesla Model Y but it’s good enough.
All in all, the new Peugeot 3008 gives customers options, whether that’s to go fully electric or stick with a petrol hybrid for now. On design and cabin finish, it’s still a cut above most of its rivals – it’s hard to quite put your finger on it but it just feels nice inside and very good quality for its segment. And it’s entirely pleasant to drive, particularly with the smoothness and refinement the E-3008 offers.
There’s a lot of competition these days, but the 3008’s bestseller status looks to be secure.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
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