Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid - long-term review

Last report I said I would be going on a roadtrip. I lied. Sorry. I have, in fact, been on roadtrips plural. Just to really make sure I get the measure of how the new 3008 behaves on an extended journey. And, to make the experience as comprehensive as possible, I made sure the trips were not just on motorways, but A-roads and B-roads, and tiny terrifying country lanes.

Trip one: deepest, darkest Buckinghamshire to deepest, darkest Kent. A 300-mile roundtrip. Most of it on motorways and A-roads. Trip two: deepest, darkest Buckinghamshire to deepest, darkest Dorset. Another 300-odd mile roundtrip, also in the main on motorways and A-roads. Trip three: deepest, darkest Buckinghamshire to deepest, darkest Gloucestershire. Not so long this time, around 250 miles there and back, but all on small winding country lanes – unlit, narrow and cursed with puddle-filled potholes. Funnily enough, not my favourite kind of roads.

What did we learn? Well, unsurprisingly, the new 3008 was a breeze in which to spend hours (and hours). The seats are comfortable and supportive for both driver and passengers; road, engine and tyre noise are not remotely intrusive (caveat: my previous car was an MX-5 roadster so my comparator is slightly weird), and the performance was plenty even for repetitive long and energy-draining motorway hills. None of this is front-page news.

What is a delight to report back is that after each journey I felt just as lively as when I’d started. There was no mental fatigue, even after hours – and I mean hours – sitting on the M25. There was also no need to indulge in several yogic stretches to get the circulation going again when I arrived at my destination. All good.

I’m a big fan of cars that do everything you need them to do well, and the 3008 falls firmly into that category. It’s not breathtakingly fast, it’s not challenging to control, it’s not even controversially designed these days. It’s not a car that demands you make compromises. It has enough room to carry five in comfort and also to accommodate a large bag for each of those passengers in the boot. What it is, without question, is a car that answers pretty much all my needs efficiently and smoothly. 

So, in conclusion, the new 3008 goes on my list of cars I’d be very happy to own. Cars I’d readily fork out several hundred quid a month to have on my driveway – ready, willing and able to answer my automotive needs. Good job, Peugeot.