Peugeot 3008 2016 - guide

INTRODUCTION

The second-generation Peugeot 3008, introduced in 2016, probably marks the watershed in which the French company went from also-ran to front-runner. Having previously served up largely mediocre cars prior to this, save for the promising 308 Mk2, the 3008 came as something of a shock. With a high-quality, high-tech cabin, great looks and pleasant driving manners, this is one of the best crossover-SUVs in its class.

MODEL RANGE

To some extent, the 3008 can almost be classified as the five-seat version and the larger 5008 the seven-seat model of the same vehicle, but in reality, Peugeot says they stand alone as two separate model lines and we won’t argue. That means all 3008s are five-seat, five-door SUV-like machines. Despite the connotations with SUVs and the chunkier styling of the Mk2 3008 – which replaced the dumpy, MPV-like Mk1 – no model is offered with four-wheel drive, so it’s more of a crossover than an SUV. Gearboxes that have been fitted to the 3008 since launch in 2016 are five- and six-speed manuals, or a six-speed automatic, although in 2018 the diesel line-up was updated and the auto was replaced by an eight-speed unit. From launch, a three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine delivered 130hp, while a large 1.6-litre four-cylinder THP petrol unit developed 165hp. On the diesel side (all four-cylinder units), originally a 1.6-litre BlueHDi was offered, with either 100- or 120hp. It was this unit that was replaced in 2018 by a 1.5-litre BlueHDi with 130hp – the 100hp 1.6 continued in some markets, but not here in Ireland. A larger 2.0-litre BlueHDi provides the largest outputs, with either 150- or 180hp. Most 3008s on the used market are the 1.6/1.5 diesels and the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, with a few 2.0-litre models to be spotted. A 300hp plug-in hybrid 3008 was confirmed in late 2018 but has not yet hit the market.

BEST BUY

The older 1.6-litre turbodiesels are going to be the cheapest 3008s to buy on the second-hand market and the engine is a perfectly sweet, torquey little motor. It’s our choice.

THE NUMBERS

Peugeot 3008 1.6 BlueHDi 120

Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel

Power: 120hp

Maximum speed: 188km/h

0-100km/h: 11.2 seconds

Fuel consumption: 4.0 litres/100km

CO2: 104g/km

GOOD POINTS

 • Sensational interior

 • Superb digital dashboard layout

 • Elegant looks

BAD POINTS

 • No four-wheel-drive option

 • Not that exciting to drive

 • Can be costly, even used

SUMMARY

There’s no doubt that the Peugeot 3008 is class-leading in the C-segment crossover game and one of the best products the French company has made in years. It has a simply wonderful, spacious and well-made cabin, wrapped in an attractive body and all underpinned by smooth drivetrains and comfortable driving manners. As far as family cars go, the Peugeot is one of the best on the second-hand market of any shape or size.