Peugeot 3008 1.6 BlueHDi 120 GT-Line

What is it?

The Peugeot 3008 is back in second-generation form, but this time re-imagined as an SUV. Obvious highlights include an attractive new look inside and out, with plenty of innovative safety and tech features.

Remember the first-generation Peugeot 3008? it might have had frumpy MPV looks, but it drove well, was reasonably practical and good enough to sell nearly a million, with 75,000 coming to the UK alone.

Well, times have changed and  we took the business-friendly 120 BlueHDi diesel version of the new 3008, matched with the EAT6 automatic transmission in sporty GT-Line trim, to see if the new Peugeot can make its mark in the lucrative C-SUV sector.

What’s hot

• The familiar 1.6-litre BlueHDi 120 turbo-diesel engine, which delivers its peak torque below 3,500 revs and on the road, we thought it didn’t feel much slower than the biggest 180 version we also got to try on the launch. With the EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Transmission 6), it certainly feels quicker to 60mph than the 11.6sec figure would suggest – top speed is 115mph.
• Yet, despite the impressive performance, even in sporty GT-Line trim, the 3008 boasts a 64.2mpg combined consumption figure and just 108g/km emissions, meaning just £20 a year in tax.
• Not billed as being sporty, instead the 3008 impresses with its refined ride, even on the GT-Line’s standard 18-inch wheels. Other highlights are the predictable handling and lack of bodyroll in corners.

  

• Inside, the 3008 debut’s Peugeot’s latest and boldest version of the i-Cockpit. Basically, this means a tall dashboard, with high-set instruments and a small steering wheel. More interesting with the new 3008, is that the instruments are now provided electronically via a 12.3-inch high-resolution panel – with the choice of five-different display modes. On top of this, there’s also an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Then, there’s a new and unique drive-focused feel to the dashboard design. If this doesn’t show Peugeot’s intent to move the 3008 up market, there are seven tactile ‘piano key’ shortcuts mounted below the screen, the dashboard and door cards are finished in quality slush-grained plastic, plus there are flashes of metal trim around the air-vents and styled automatic selector.
• We like the 3008’s driving position, the seats feel pleasingly supportive and despite the high-set instruments, all-round vision is generally good. Massive, practically-shaped boot too.
• Outside, we haven’t seen a Peugeot 3008 with this level of French style for quite a while. Highlights from the front are the vertical Peugeot family grille, the horizontal grille and distinctive full-LED headlights. Things get even more interesting at the side, with this Peugeot’s raised belt-line, chrome detailing and roof bars, plus chunky side protection. At the back, there’s raised LED rear lights with the distinctive ‘lion’s claws’, with a shiny black plastic panel to break them up. We reckon the 3008 could be the most interesting SUV in its class.
• Only entry-level 3008 prices have been revealed, with the 1.2 PureTech 130 starting at £21,795. Our GT-Line will cost more, but we reckon includes all of the kit you’ll ever need including dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, rear screen, leather and cloth-trimmed heated seats, cruise control, the 3D TomTom-based navigation system, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

What’s not 

• There might be plenty of room in the front, but the legroom in the back of the Peugeot 3008, although improved, is only average. If you’re a taller driver you’ll want to avoid the glass sunroof too, that’s optional on all models except the GT – where it’s standard.
• The 3008’s driving experience is competent, but it doesn’t match up to the sporty GT-Line badging. The low-speed ride in particular is rather unsettled and the steering lacks feel!
•  The new 3008 is available in the GTi-like ‘Coupe Franche’ two-tone paint, which looks odd on the expressive lines of this new SUV.
• The 3008 might be an SUV, but there’s no four-wheel drive version; instead Peugeot’s clever, proven Grip Control system is offered, sadly as an option on all 3008 models. There’s also an enhanced traction system that features Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC) – shame again it’s an option!

Verdict on the Peugeot 3008 1.6 BlueHDi 120 GT-Line

It might share the same badge as the outgoing car, but be in no doubt this 3008 is a very different Peugeot to the model it replaces.

Far more stylish inside and out, the 3008 backs this up with quality and refinement that are more than a match for SUV rivals.

We expect the 3008 SUV to be a far more popular sight as an SUV over an MPV!

The lowdown on Peugeot 3008 1.6 BlueHDi 120 GT-Line: