Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid - long-term review

How big is too big? And conversely how small is too small? Not regards overall car size – that’s a conversation for another day – but instead regarding windscreen washer reservoir capacity. Thoughts, anyone? It seems it’s a thorny subject. As mentioned in the previous report, I have been making numerous roadtrips of late, in addition to my standard 40–50 mile commute into London (mainly motorways and fast dual carriageways, if you’re asking). And so this question has been uppermost in my mind.

British weather being what it is, over the past couple of months, the roads have been filthy, which means the 3008 has been slurping through the screenwash at a remarkable rate. (Obviously, we all appreciate the salting of the roads – very important and safety conscious – but not so necessary on days/nights above 0°C, I’d cautiously suggest.)

Even with the delightfully named ‘magic wash system’ – where the washer nozzles are on the windscreen wiper arms, meaning less fluid is necessary than with traditional bonnet nozzles and also that the washing fluid is always dispatched to exactly where it is needed – the 3008 seems to get through the reservoir a touch on the speedy side. And I’m not a fanatical windscreen washer either.

It so happens I don’t mind refilling the washer reservoir. What I do mind is the lack of a warning that I’m going to need to refill it. I hate it if, on a sunny morning, when the motorway is wet with a salty grime, you run out washer juice and you’ve just wiped the screen. You end up with a totally opaque windscreen that is impossible to see through. You’re on a motorway, so stopping is tricky, but continuing to drive is impossible. What to do?

Luckily, I always carry a bottle of water, so can slow down and splosh it over the screen to clear it, but not everyone does this. Just give us a warning the tank is low! It’s not that tricky, surely? In my opinion, a low washer level warning should be mandatory by law.

This horrible experience got me thinking about washer fluid reservoirs – exciting times. And, after a research blitz, I discovered that the new 3008 has one of the smallest tanks among its peer group – it’s just 2.2 litres. The Qashqai has a capacity of 3.5 litres and the Kuga has a capacity of 2.5 litres. And they both also have low fluid warning lights. Fascinating times, eh?

In conclusion, my recommendations to Peugeot would be a) introduce a low washer bottle warning light, and b) maybe think about increasing the size of the tank.