Peugeot 3008 GT HYBRID4 2021 Car Review

The 3008 GT HYBRID4 has two powerful electric motors – one in the front, and one in the back – which work with the fun 1.6-litre PureTech engine making this SUV not only frugal, but also powerful. The 3008 GT HYBRID4 offers the most exuberant power output in the range with a boisterous 520Nm of combined torque.

There are currently five variants of the Peugeot 3008 available to buy in New Zealand:

• Active from $43,990 (+ORC)
• Allure from $49,990 (+ORC)
• GT Petrol from $56,990 (+ORC)
• GT Diesel from $58,990 (+ORC)
• GT HYBRID4 from $89,990 (+ORC)

Standout from the crowd

As with most Peugeots, the 3008 GT HYBRID4 has no problem standing out from the crowd, unlike a lot of PHEVs that choose to opt for reserved looks. The 3008 doesn’t, with its signature Saber design LED daytime running lights and integrated LED indicators. There are also claw design rear taillights with scrolling indicators which gives the rear a future-forward look.

The launch offer “Black Package” sets a moody serious tone with a selection of exterior enhancements like gloss black roof arcs and front wing treatment. There’s also the radiator grille, lion badges and lettering that have been given a smoky finish. On top of this are 19-inch Washington Black diamond cut alloy wheels with a black mist varnish.

All of the dark colour elements contrasted well with the pearl white, which are an extra $950. The only free colour option on offer is Celebes Blue for the 3008 GT HYBRID4.

Inside job

The interior was incredibly comfortable, the first thing we felt was the sumptuous Mistral Black Nappa leather seat upholstery with Tramontane stitching. The electric seats were heated, and the best part was the massage function for the driver’s seat. Not something you’d normally expect from a Peugeot.

The i-Cockpit enhances the driving experience and feels more modern, as well as simpler and more intuitive than before. The small steering wheel makes it feel more agile than you would expect, with the key functions available at your fingertips making the whole user experience much easier.

The i-Cockpit features a new 10-inch capacitive colour touchscreen combined with 3D navigation with voice control and multi-touch technology which brings greater levels of functionality.

Much like the 2008 we previously reviewed, there are beautifully executed rows of piano-like keys, which don’t just give easy access to important functions, but make the switch gear look like a desirable art piece. It all looks very futuristic when combined with the arched gear shifter.

The i-Cockpit also includes a fully dedicated display that allows you to view specific driving information on the instrument panel in your field of vision (like driving mode, electric charge gauge level and electric range remaining) and on the touchscreen, you’ll find energy consumption statistics.

The sound system is a quality 10-speaker Focal system with a 12-channel 515W digital amplifier, and is all we would have hoped for in a vehicle of this calibre. Our favourite feature to currently look out for on new cars - wireless charging - has also been integrated thoughtfully in the centre console and works very well.

PHEV vitals

As a PHEV you get the benefit of between 50km and 60km of electric driving range. This is pretty good for most commuters as most drivers don’t exceed 30km daily. Fuel consumption is rated very low at just 1.2L/100km (combined).

It’s worth remembering that an added bonus is the fast acceleration thanks to immediate engine torque to deliver a combined 300BHP. Charging isn’t a big issue with a capacity of 13.2 kWh that operates between (240V and 400V). You can charge the battery from a conventional eight-amp wall socket in just seven hours, or if you have a 7.4kW Wall Box charger just three-and-a-half hours.

There is also an eight-year/160,000 km warranty for the traction battery to maintain at least 70 per cent capacity.

The drive

Well it might sound like all too much fuss with three motors powering this vehicle, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way.

The eight-speed transmission works well to predict power requirements and, should you happen to need a bit of extra get up and go, there’s a Sport mode. This changes the throttle response, making it far swifter. It also firms up the steering and the gearbox becomes more responsive.

In 4WD mode, traction is vastly improved and is a great feature to have up your sleeve for trickier terrain, however, we don’t see this model venturing too far off the beaten track.

With performance like this, you start to question whether it’s wanting to be just an efficient vehicle or a straight-up sports car.

Safety

The 3008 was given a five-star ANCAP score in 2016, and this model sports several key safety systems like ABS Braking with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Driver Attention Alert and Forward Collision Mitigation.

Verdict

The 3008 GT HYBRID4 is the most expensive and powerful in the range. At $89,990 (+ORC), it’s a tricky one to compare but the Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV comes in close at $84,900 (+ORC), although it’s a very different package.

The 3008 goes beyond what we expected - it’s not just about driving conservatively, it’s about going further, faster and enjoying the ride in something quite unique that will keep you smiling.

Safety systems

• ABS Braking with electronic brake distribution EBD and emergency Brake assist (EBA)
• Driver attention alert and Forward collision mitigation
• Lane keeping, with Road edge and lane positioning semi-autonomous
• Electronic Stability control (ESP and Hill Start)
• Speed limit recognition and recommendation
• Six airbags
• Active blind spot monitoring
• Outer rear ISO fix points with top tether

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• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
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• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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