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By Jonathan Crouch

Peugeot's 3008 is a more sophisticated thing in third generation form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 51

Peugeot's third generation 3008 has evolved into a sleeker, more sophisticated kind of mid-sized family SUV, with an all-new STLA platform. There's now a full-EV version to sit alongside Hybrid and PHEV variants. And cutting-edge looks and cabin tech. It's just a question of whether you'll like the way it drives.

Backgroundword count: 201

Rarely has a car evolved so much over its history as the Peugeot 3008. The first generation version of 2007 was an MPV, but the MK2 design of 2016 switched roles and became a crossover (with a seven-seat derivative, the 5008). That second generation 3008 sold well (1.3 million units in 130 countries), which is why late 2023 saw the announcement of the third generation model we look at here (which again supports a seven-seat 5008 spin-off model). This time round, once again the 3008 has evolved into something different - though not so very different. Now, Peugeot wants us to see this mid-sized model as a 'Fastback SUV' - in other words, a family SUV with a swept-back sporty roof line. There are plenty of those already in the segment - Hybrids, PHEVs and full-EVs - and Peugeot wants to target them all. So all three of these kinds of powertrain are being offered here. It's the full-EV set-up this MK3 model's all-new STLA architecture was primarily designed around though, a platform that in future will underpin over 2 million cars a year from the various Stellantis Group brands. What does it create in this one? Let's take a look.

Driving Experienceword count: 392

Consumers in the lower mid-sized SUV segment these days are split between preferences for Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-EV, so the third generation 3008 offers all of these powertrain solutions. In each case, the 3008 in question will be primarily front-driven (which for the EV version is increasingly unusual in the segment). A rear-driven format would have made it difficult for the same STLA architecture to package in the third seating row for the closely related 5008 model. The fact that this platform has to support larger Stellantis models of that sort hasn't helped this 3008's kerb weight, which is between 100-230kg heavier than key rivals. Which might be why, like its predecessors, this car won't be chosen by customers for whom driving engagement is a priority. As to which of the drivetrains you should choose, well there's an obvious attraction to being able to plug in, but we can't help suspecting that less is more here. The base 48V self charging Hybrid version is considerably cheaper than the PHEV or the EV variants, yet can still run on battery power for up to half the time in urban travel. It's the same 1.2 litre Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 set-up that featured in latter versions of the previous generation model, with a PureTech three cylinder petrol engine mated to a bespoke 6-speed dual clutch auto gearbox featuring a 28bhp electric motor built into its casing. If you'd like more electric range but don't want an EV, then you'll be directed to the Plug-in Hybrid 195 e-DSC7 version, based around a 150hp 1.6-litre petrol engine and 7-speed dual clutch auto transmission mated to a 21kWh battery that energises a 125hp electric motor; all of which claims to be to drive the car for around 52 miles on battery power. That only leaves the E-3008 full-EV, which in standard front-driven form has a 210hp electric motor energised by a 73kWh battery pack, which when fully charged offers a range of up to 326 miles. If that's not enough, the STLA chassis has been engineered for an even heavier 98kWh battery, which needs a gutsier 230hp motor and claims a range of 435 miles. The platform has also been engineered for a dual motor 73kWh AWD flagship version with a combined 316bhp output and a claimed 326 mile range. That gets to 62mph in just 6.4s.

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