Peugeot 3008 Hybrid: the version that makes the most sense for Portugal, 10 750 euros cheaper than the E-3008

The Peugeot 3008 version that makes the most sense for the Portuguese market costs 10 000 euros less than the electric one.

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Peugeot’s third-generation 3008 needs little introduction at this point: it has been on Portuguese roads for a few months now and its headline news is the E-3008 (100% electric), offering up to 701 km of range.

Even so, when you look at today’s national market context - particularly for private buyers - there is a far more compelling option in the French SUV line-up: the 136 cv mild-hybrid powertrain.

I drove it on Portugal’s roads to understand why this is the 3008 version that fits the Portuguese reality best. See the video:

On the outside, aside from the badges and the exhaust outlets, there are practically no differences between this hybrid version and the electric model.

The new 3008 has moved towards a sportier silhouette, with a notably sloping roofline at the rear and an even sharper lighting signature.

The tested car was in Allure trim, which marks the entry point to the range. Even so, it already comes with a very appealing equipment list, including 19” alloy wheels and Obsession Blue metallic paint.

And taking a close look at everything the Allure specification includes, I struggle to see strong reasons to step up to the better-equipped GT version.

Modern, but uncomplicated

While the 3008 has changed a lot on the outside, it has evolved even more inside. Peugeot has gone for a more modern, more sophisticated cabin design - but with the right restraint, without tipping into excess. For me, that’s a real positive.

The main new feature is the Panoramic i-Cockpit: a curved 21” panel that combines the instrument display with the infotainment touchscreen. There are systems on the market that are more attractive and easier to operate, but the 3008 has still made a significant step forward here.

As for the steering wheel, it remains very compact and, for that reason, will continue to divide opinion. I don’t see it as an issue and I actually like the sportier shape - and unlike before, it now allows good visibility of the instrument cluster.

All things considered, the new 3008’s interior scores very well, both for its technology offering and for the equipment fitted to this base version, without overlooking the build quality and the choice of materials.

What about space?

In the second row, there is enough room to carry two adults in comfort or, alternatively, two child seats - even if this isn’t the most spacious model in the segment.

As for the boot, capacity sits at around 520 litres, rising to 1480 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s sufficient for the needs of the vast majority of families. But anyone who needs more can always go for the XXL version of this model: the Peugeot 5008.

500 kg lighter

Behind the wheel of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, the first thing I noticed was how much more agile it feels than the E-3008. That is hardly surprising when you consider it is around 500 kg lighter.

However, while the electric version uses a multi-link rear suspension layout, this 3008 Hybrid makes do with a more conventional torsion beam - so the ride of the 100% electric variant is more refined. If you want to know more about the E-3008, see this video:

Even so, this SUV’s rolling comfort remains a strong point. It is easy to tell that comfort was a key priority for the French engineers, with dynamic sharpness placed in the background.

You can feel that in the lightness of the controls - particularly the steering, which doesn’t offer much feedback, even in Sport mode. It also shows up in the automatic gearbox behaviour, which can hesitate slightly when you increase the pace and ask more of it.

Fuel consumption on a Diesel-like level

At the heart of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid is the new generation of the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine, which now uses a timing chain rather than a belt.

This engine produces 136 cv and 230 Nm and is paired with the e-DCS6 automatic gearbox (six speeds), which integrates a small electric motor. That motor is part of the 48 V mild-hybrid system, which also includes a battery with 0,89 kWh of capacity.

By a clear margin, this is the least powerful engine option across the entire 3008 range, yet I never felt short of “firepower”. Performance doesn’t impress (0-100 km/h in 10,2s and 201 km/h top speed), but it’s well suited to normal use in a family SUV like this.

And even on the motorway at higher speeds, these figures are more than adequate to give you the confidence needed for a trickier overtake.

That said, it’s at low speeds and in urban environments that this hybrid system makes itself felt most. Outside of that context, its contribution is inevitably more limited. Still, it delivers on one of its main goals: reducing fuel use.

Over the days I spent with this Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, I covered a little more than 500 km in mixed use - around 50% motorway, with the remaining 50% split between secondary roads and town driving - and recorded an average of 6,2 l/100 km.

At that pace, and using the full 55 litres of the fuel tank, you can expect a range of around 887 kilometres.

In urban driving, always with the air conditioning on, I was able very easily to stay in the 5,0 l/100 km bracket.

That’s a very strong result for a car with these characteristics, and a powerful argument for me to say - once again - that this is the 3008 version that best suits the Portuguese market.

Let’s do the maths

Keeping this comparison between the 3008 Hybrid and the electric 3008, once you look at what Peugeot is asking for each, the answer becomes obvious - at least for private buyers. Let me explain.

The 3008 Hybrid starts at 34 400 euros, while the E-3008 in the same Allure trim is available from 45 150 euros. In other words, 10 750 euros separates these two versions - and that buys a lot of kilometres/years of petrol.

For that reason, for private customers, the choice seems clear to me: the 3008 Hybrid is, by far, the best buy. For businesses, however, if you factor in all the tax incentives currently in place, the E-3008 comes out ahead.

Verdict

Technical specifications