It’s only a year since we drove the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid for the first time, but it has already undergone midlife updates.
This is because the plug-in hybrid appeared several years into the 3008’s life cycle and the whole range was due for a revision late in 2020.
Orders for the new model opened in October, but the derivative we have here is one we hadn’t experienced in the outgoing range.
A year ago we tried the four-wheel drive version of the plug-in hybrid, which has two electric motors and 300hp. The first step on the 3008 Hybrid latter has two-wheel drive and 225hp.
Revisions to the range for 2021 result in a simplified equipment grade structure, starting at the Allure for the Hybrid, then stepping up to Allure Premium, GT, then GT Premium at the top.
The power system remains unchanged, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine in Hybrid and Hybrid4 variants, the former using one electric motor to deploy extra drive to the front wheels, with the latter having an extra electric motor for the rear axle.
The changes to the 3008 compared with the outgoing version are mostly cosmetic. The car has a new frameless radiator grille and gloss black air intakes, while the headlights, daytime running lights and indicators all use LED across the range.
There are a number of safety features as standard on the Allure variant, including a basic lane-keeping assistance programme (helping prevent the car drifting off the edge of the road), blind spot warning and automatic dipping high beam.
But there are some new features available, including night vision technology, which can ‘see’ beyond the scope of the headlights and display images on the raised instrument display. The 3008 is also available with a more sophisticated lane-keeping system (Lane Positioning Assist) than the standard feature, adaptive cruise control with a stop and go function for heavy traffic, and an enhanced autonomous emergency braking system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists at up to motorway speeds.
The 10in dashboard touchscreen is larger than the previous model’s 8in version and the I-Cockpit graphics have had an update.
The 3008 Hybdie’s electric range and CO2 emissions are not quite as good as the Hybrid4 variant as, despite its extra power, it’s able to deploy electrical energy more efficiently via its two motors and four-wheel drive.
But the key figures continue to be an electric range of more than 30 miles when charged and CO2 emissions of around 30g/km, depending on the exact variant. This puts it in the 11% BIK tax bracket for 2021/22, and monthly BIK tax payments of less than £70 for a standard rate taxpayer in our Allure specification test car.
Power from the combined engine and motor is smooth and refined, and despite being the least powerful plug-in hybrid variant, doesn’t feel short of acceleration.
The small steering wheel and good visibility also make it easy to place the car accurately when cornering.
Interior space remains a 3008 forte, with the exception of the tiny glove compartment French manufacturers feel customers in right-hand drive markets deserve.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid Allure
P11D: £37,255
Residual value: 35.8%
Depreciation: £23,910
Fuel: £1,404
Service, maintenance and repair: £2,350
Cost per mile: 46.1p
Fuel consumption: 222.3mpg
CO2 (BIK band): 30g/km (11%)
BIK 20/40% a month: £68/137
Boot space: 395 litres
Engine size/power: 1,598cc/225hp
