Peugeot 3008 Crossover full 9 point review
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Performance
A 118bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine provides the entry point to the 3008 range, but it’s the turbocharged 148bhp version that really shines. It delivers strong mid-range pull and revs sweetly all the way to the redline. The 107bhp 1.6 diesel is pretty smooth and has enough punch, while the 2.0-litre diesel always has bags of grunt in reserve.
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Ride & Handling
Opt for a 3008 with Dynamic Roll Control and it combines a comfortable ride with good body control and plenty of grip. Unfortunately, cars without this system lean more through bends and have a firm low-speed ride. The 3008 is easy to drive around town, but its overly light steering limits the fun on B-roads.
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Refinement
Even though the 3008 is a tall car, wind noise isn’t excessive. There’s also little in the way of tyre roar, and it’s only over really rough surfaces that you hear the suspension going about its business. The petrol engines are smooth and free-revving, while the diesels sound clattery under hard acceleration, but are hushed when cruising.
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Buying & Owning
No versions will break the bank. Even the crackerjack 148bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine still returns an impressive 38.2mpg and emits only 146g/km of carbon dioxide. The ultra-efficient 1.6 diesel manages 55.3mpg and 137g/km of CO2. Insurance groupings are low, too, but the 3008 won’t hold its value as well as key rivals.
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Quality & Reliability
The 3008 looks well-finished from high-quality materials, right down to the switchgear, carpets and hidden plastic bits. Mechanically, most parts are already tried and tested elsewhere in the company's range, so although Peugeot hasn’t got a great reputation for reliability, we’ll give this particular model the benefit of the doubt for now.
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Safety & Security
Peugeot is renowned for its diligent approach to safety, so we expect the 3008 to be strong and safe in an accident. All models come with six airbags and electronic stability control as standard, but if you occasionally do a spot of towing or trekking up the odd green lane, you may want to specify Grip Control. This electronic system allows you to choose between five different settings to boost traction on slippery surfaces.
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Behind The Wheel
Complete with a passenger-side grab handle, an electronic handbrake and enough switchgear to keep an airline pilot happy, the snazzy centre console totally dominates the cabin. It effectively splits the front section of the cabin in two, and places the driver at the centre of the action. The lofty driving position gives a great view of the road ahead, but the stereo is fiddly and you have to stretch to reach it.
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Space & Practicality
There’s plenty of head- and shoulder-room for five adults, but rear kneeroom is a bit tight. The boot is far more impressive, because it’s big and has a clever three-stage floor that lets you divide the space in two. The rear seats are easy to fold, too, thanks to a couple of levers located either side of the boot â€\x93 a gentle tug sends each section of the 60/40 split seat back tumbling onto the cushions. The split tailgate makes the 3008 even more practical.
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Equipment
Remote central locking and air-conditioning are standard and (depending on the model) you can also specify a head-up display, which projects information onto a screen mounted at windscreen level, so the driver doesn't have to look away from the road. A variable speed limiter, coupled with cruise control, a tyre pressure-monitoring system and automatic lights and wipers are also available.
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Peugeot 3008 Crossover 1.6 THP 156 Sport 5dr
The 3008 is a great car, and this is our favourite version. It's so good that (with the previous version of this engine) it won our 2010 Car of the Year Award.
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