Business Car Manager verdict

The changes made to the 3008 are impressive, with huge strides in styling and a good jump in equipment levels.

This has been done while also dropping prices, but the car has to meet the needs of an MPV customer if it’s to be recommended. Are these changes enough to make the 3008 valid rival to the all-conquering Qashqai?

The cabin is, fortunately, spacious enough to vie with the competition, but few manage to pull off the premium ambience that the 3008 creates. Avoiding the mini-steering wheel and high dials of the newer Peugeot models, there is instead a stylish and smart cabin with some interesting flourishes.

Wrapping around the driver like a plane cockpit might, a row of aircraft style toggle switches line the upper area of the centre stack, while a head-up display pops out of the dashboard to keep you informed of your speed and, if fitted, sat nav instructions.

It’s not what many will expect, and comes as a very pleasant surprise.

In the back there’s plenty of room for three adults in seats that slide and fold in numerous ways. There are myriad cubby holes and storage pockets dotted around the cabin too, with a place for everything from a takeout latte to a six inch Buzz Lightyear in the back.

Further back is a boot that’s bigger than that of the Qashqai or Citroen C4 Picasso, with a three position floor and multiple tie-down points to secure even the most wayward of loads

In every measure so far the 3008 has been able to hold its own against its rivals, but it does fall down in one area. The Qashqai and C4 Picasso are both cleaner and more frugal, which impacts the cost of ownership.

With CO2 emissions of 127g/km from the 1.6 HDi engine, the BIK means the company car tax rate is 21% for 2014/15, against the similarly powered 1.5 dCi Qashqai’s 15%. With just a £500 price difference between similarly specced models, that might be consideration.

However, put that to one side and the Peugeot 3008 ends up being a stylish, sophisticated and spacious MPV. It wouldn’t take much to justify owning one.

The Low Down…

…and what it costs