In a time when SUVs rule the roost, it comes as little surprise that-until the forthcoming 508 PSE arrives-the most powerful road-going Peugeot ever produced, and therefore the most powerful model in the French brand’s current line-up, is the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4.
Although it was unveiled around two years ago, only recently has the range-topping 3008 made it to the domestic market.
That makes this the right moment to put it through its paces-both to see what it delivers as a plug-in hybrid proposition and to find out whether, on paper at least, it deserves to be called a “hot SUV”.
Discreet on the outside…
Judged purely on looks, the 3008 Hybrid4 doesn’t immediately fit the “hot SUV” mould. In this respect it’s far more understated than cars such as the CUPRA Ateca, the Volkswagen T-Roc R or even its cousin, the brand-new Tiguan R.
Even though the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 still looks fresh, it’s missing the usual visual cues that tend to set the most powerful versions apart-despite the fact that this one is differentiated by being a plug-in hybrid. In many ways, the 3008 Hybrid4 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Compared with other 3008 versions, the changes are minimal, and Peugeot’s choice here clearly leans towards subtlety. That will be welcome news for anyone who likes the idea of surprising others at the traffic lights, but in my view Peugeot could have added a few more distinguishing touches to what is, for now, the most powerful road car in its (long) history.
…and on the inside
The same restrained approach continues in the cabin: the interior of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 is essentially the same as its line-up “siblings”.
With build quality and material choices that underline how Peugeot is increasingly operating above the segment average, the 3008’s interior still feels up to date. Yet, just like outside, nothing in the trim or detailing hints at the performance potential it has in reserve.
There are no flashier finishes, and even the seats-comfortable and supportive though they are-don’t bring any real sporting flair. They’re not unique to this model either, being the same items fitted, for instance, to the Peugeot 508 in the same GT equipment level.
Overall, the atmosphere it creates seems more intent on projecting the calm, eco-minded image typically associated with plug-in hybrids than the sporting edge its 300 cv suggests.
When it comes to space, passengers don’t suffer from the adoption of the plug-in hybrid system, and there’s room to travel in comfort. The boot, however, is another matter: capacity drops because the battery is mounted beneath the rear floor.
So, instead of 520 litres, you’re left with just 395 litres-an especially modest figure that’s close to what a… Renault Clio offers (391 litres) and also well short of the 434 litres provided by the smaller Peugeot 2008.
Behind the wheel of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4
If the 3008 Hybrid4 looks a long way from being a “hot SUV”, does it feel like nothing more than a plug-in hybrid once you’re in the driver’s seat?
The answer is straightforward: no. With four driving modes (Hybrid, Sport, Electric and 4WD), the 3008 Hybrid changes character to suit circumstances and driver demands like a well-fitting “wetsuit”, taking on a distinct Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.
The Dr. Jekyll
Starting with the modes that give the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid a calmer, more family-friendly character.
In Electric mode, as the name suggests, you can drive solely on battery “juice” up to 135 km/h. Drawing on the 13,2 kWh battery, the 3008 Hybrid4 can cover up to 59 km in this setting-a figure I didn’t fall far short of in real-world use-so it slips neatly into its “eco” suit.
For family duties and longer journeys, Hybrid mode is the sensible option. It automatically manages the relationship between the combustion engine and the two electric motors, delivering an impressively smooth ride and power delivery (on a par with premium alternatives). The slick eight-speed automatic gearbox (EAT8) plays a big part in that refinement.
In this mode, the 3008 Hybrid4 not only looks after battery charge very effectively (more effectively than Mercedes-Benz manages, for example), it can also return consumption around 5 l/100 km-and it does so without you having to drive as if you’re “walking on eggshells”.
Completing this responsible, eco-leaning side of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 is the e-Save function, which lets you hold back battery charge for 10 km, 20 km, or even preserve the full charge to deploy later in the trip.
The Mr. Hyde
That said, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 also has a less family-oriented, less eco-focused side. The French SUV offers two driving modes that sharpen its character, and one of them brings performance close to what you’d expect from models like the CUPRA Ateca.
The first is, unsurprisingly, Sport mode. Here, the combustion engine and electric motors work together at full potential, allowing you to access the complete 300 cv maximum combined output. In this configuration it can hit 100 km/h in 5,9s and run on to a 235 km/h top speed.
The gearbox becomes noticeably more… “nervous”, encouraging you to explore the dynamic ability of the most powerful Peugeot in the range. When you do, you discover a well-judged comfort/handling balance, with neither side feeling compromised-although in terms of sound the French car can’t match the Spanish rival (that’s one of the quirks of plug-in hybrids).
The quick, direct steering (helped by the small steering wheel) makes it easy to place the 3008 Hybrid4 into a corner. Even so, the four-wheel drive, a well-tuned chassis and suspension that keeps body movement in check-impressive given it’s over 1900 kg-mean the overall feel is more effective, stable and secure than it is playful or especially engaging. If that’s what you want, you may be better off elsewhere.
Under these conditions, consumption rises to around 7-8 l/100 km, but ease off and it quickly settles back to 5,5-6 l/100 km without much effort. As for performance, the system’s response is generally impressive, but it’s in Sport mode that you truly sense you have 300 cv and 520 Nm of maximum combined power and torque at your disposal.
Finally, 4WD mode is, as the name implies, intended for rougher tracks (where the hill descent assist also lends a hand). Even though there’s enough traction, the limited ground clearance and unfavourable off-road angles make serious adventures away from tarmac a poor idea.
Is it the right car for me?
Starting at 50 715 euros in GT Line form, this GT version of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid pushes the price up to 53 215 euros. That’s a hefty figure, but it still undercuts the 56 468 euros asked for the CUPRA Ateca-and it also benefits from a range of tax advantages thanks to being a plug-in hybrid.
It might not be a “hot SUV” in the way some of its stats might suggest-its attitude is more serious, restrained and family-minded-but if you’re after a family SUV that can deliver very strong performance with low consumption (especially in town, if you make plenty of use of the electric drive) while still offering space (aside from the smaller boot), comfort and lots of equipment, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 makes a compelling case.
In the world of sporty-leaning SUVs, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 is like that friend who was the first to get married and have children.
They still enjoy meeting mates, going out for dinner and even “heading out for drinks”, but they leave the bar earlier and behave in a more “grown-up” way. After all, they’ve got responsibilities the others haven’t met yet.
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