Peugeot 3008 buyer’s guide
Previous-generation model is now a great buy used
WE’RE big fans of the new Peugeot 3008, which is no surprise considering it’s the current European Car of the Year.
However, we also liked the outgoing model, which may not have the rugged good looks of the new 3008, but it’s still a great all-rounder with its blend of generous equipment, practicality and versatility in one affordable package.
As a family car, the 3008 majors on safety, and thanks to the availability of some efficient, punchy engines this is also a car that’s good to drive and strong on fuel costs. No wonder the 3008 proved such a runaway success for Peugeot; now you can buy one for less than £4,000.
History
THE 3008 arrived in spring 2010 with 1.6-litre (120bhp or turbocharged 150bhp) petrol engines and 110bhp 1.6-litre or 150bhp 2.0-litre diesel engines. There were three trim levels (Active, Sport, Exclusive), but by January 2011 there were SR and Envy specials available, too.
From June 2010 there was a 163bhp 2.0 HDI auto option, then in October 2010 the 1.6 HDI was updated, becoming the 1.6 e-hdi 112. The diesel/electric Hybrid4 of summer 2010 was rated at 99g/km; this was cut to 91g/km in autumn 2012. A facelifted 3008 arrived in January 2014 with more equipment and a more efficient 1.6 HDI engine, now rated at 115bhp and 125g/km. The Hybrid4’s CO2 emissions were also cut to just 88g/km.
Which one?
PEUGEOT’S Hybrid4 looks good on paper, but the high purchase costs probably won’t be offset by amazing economy; a regular diesel is cheaper and likely to be almost as frugal. There are few Hybrid4s to choose from, and its clunky EGC transmission also spoils the driving experience, which is why we’d avoid it in any 3008.
All 3008s come with electric front windows, air-con, ESP and remote central locking. Sport adds alloys, rear parking sensors and cruise control, while Exclusive comes with a glass roof, automatic lights and wipers, head-up display, tyre-pressure sensors and climate control. We’d also recommend a 3008 with the optional Dynamic Ride Control.
Alternatives
THE 3008’s toughest adversary is the Skoda Yeti, which is more expensive but always does well in our Driver Power surveys.
Another more costly option is the Volkswagen Tiguan, which is conservatively designed but shares most of the Yeti’s attributes. The Nissan Qashqai is another excellent all-rounder; the original was an impressive machine but the Mk2, while very talented, is proving to be less reliable.
The Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35 are more dependable, and they’re also good value with lots of standard equipment and long warranties. Meanwhile, the Citroen C4 Picasso and Renault Scenic are good value and in plentiful supply.
Verdict
IT’S not often that a car maker massively underestimates demand, but that’s what happened when Peugeot introduced the original 3008; it couldn’t make them fast enough. That’s despite the fact that when the 3008 arrived it wasn’t obvious which segment it sat in; was it an MPV or an SUV?
We ran one for a year and enjoyed excellent reliability, impressive comfort levels, an easy driving experience and a spacious cabin with plenty of room for five adults. Reliability can be patchy but buy a good one and you’ll have an excellent family car for a reasonable price.