Search

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 HDi road test report

HYbrid4 HDi

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 HDi 163bhp & 37em. The world’s first diesel-electric hybrid car strives to be one of the world’s most adaptable cars too with four driving modes designed to cater for any situation however as with most innovations, there is room for improvement accompanying the raft of good ideas.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 HDi

Print

Image number 2 of the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 HDi Image number 3 of the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 HDi Image number 4 of the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 HDi
JOHN SIMPSON SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

Just one engine to choose from here but by going all out in Sport mode, the 3008 HYbrid4 partners the might of the 163bhp diesel engine and 37bhp electric engine to produce an optimal 200bhp and a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds. The 2L four cylinder engine can produce 300Nm @ 2000 rpm of torque, maxing out at 118mph. Reaching motorway speeds is swift and effortless but even in the more withdrawn default Auto mode and ZEV setting (Zero Emission Vehicle), the hatchback/SUV crossover’s prompt response is impressive, especially considering its size and 1808kg curb weight. The fully electric ZEV mode may sound appealing but sadly remains strictly limited to the city and lower power situations like pulling away or cruising at low speeds and remaining in the electric engine’s power demands restrained acceleration and staying below 20mph. Owners will spend very little time in ZEV mode, unwillingly perhaps, but the automatic transition to the diesel engine is seamless and consciously registering the switchover requires a keen ear.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

For a car that is designed to be as agile on city streets as much as on the dirt track, the 3008 HYbrid4 holds up well, proving adept in both contrasting environments. The shushed electric engine ensures that slow tame trips are easygoing and trouble-free while the rough and ready four wheel drive mode redistributes power to unlock all-terrain driving, transforming the 3008 into an SUV, ready to tackle any steep and muddy slope. Handling is light and responsive but buyers that want to keep that ride comfortable would be wise to opt for the Dynamic Roll Control. Emitting this system results in the 3008 leaning through bends with a firm low-speed ride. The ride itself may be pleasant enough but building up speed can be noisy and fairly unsettling due to the boisterous and straight-up rude automatic gearbox. Persevering with the accelerator eventually results in the gears shifting up but it’s not long before the alarming over-revs start all over again. The paddles behind the steering wheel form a practical manual remedy but this workaround defeats the point of an auto gearbox really.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

The two curious yet sizeable pieces of plastic discovered rattling around the cabin were slightly concerning but seemed to serve little beyond cosmetic value. We hope. That aside, the 3008 HYbrid felt solid with radiant shining materials used throughout to deliver a high class finish. Peugeot’s reputation for reliability might not be exactly glowing in the past but the brand has taken great strides in rectifying that and currently sits just outside the Reliability Index’s top ten.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

The original 3008 picked up all five stars from Euro NCAP in 2009 and although an official safety rating was pending at time of publication, the HYbrid4 version is likely to follow it. With a uniform safety spec across all three variants available, no corners are cut. Six airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, ESP and traction control, and seatbelts for all five seats ensure that everyone is safe while an automatic door re-locking system and rolling code transponder immobiliser keeps the baddies at bay.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

Standing at 1.6 metres and stretching for 4.3 metres, interior space is plentiful, most notably in the 360 litre boot which includes a 66 litre lower compartment and load-in shelf. Comfort is near guaranteed for all passengers, the heated seats were a bizarre surprise and the individual temperature controls and elbow room will please all. Cupholders are a given but the refrigerated compartment between the two front seats was a cool touch. The panoramic ‘Cielo’ glass roof and electric blind (for £370) open up the vehicle, adding a dash of futuristic class.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

Peugeot quote some pretty impressive fuel consumption figures and although one trustworthy source insists that they reached the claimed 74mpg, our 3008 with around 2,000 miles on the clock struggled to even come close to. The model we tested emitted 104g/km of CO2 but a slightly greener version is also available which tips emission to 99g/km pushing the typical B VED Band just inside A territory, negating road tax entirely along with the Congestion Charge. 10% Benefit-In-Kind and a 100% Write Down Allowance will also please fleets. With prices starting from £26,995, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 may be more expensive than the priciest Prius but you also get a lot more car for your cash.

Submitted: 17/02/2012 08:50:07

Small Family Cars comparison road tests

Peugeot road tests

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top