Peugeot 3008 GT Line Review (2017) - Peugeot's new 3008 SUV reviewed

Photo Peugeot 3008 GT Line PureTech 130 Review

Peugeot 3008 GT Line PureTech 130 in for review

[nggallery id=2480 template=customlinks]

We’ve had the new Peugeot 3008 GT Line in for review with Peugeot’s 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Is Peugeot’s new 3008 SUV a real contender in the class?

The Peugeot 3008 was always an interesting car – and very French – but its quirky looks blinded many buyers to what actually laid beneath – which actually wasn’t half bad.

But since the last 3008 arrived, buyers have fallen out with MPVs – even MPVs with a hint or two of SUV about them – and all the world seems to want is SUVs of every size.

When Peugeot decided to turn the 3008 in to an SUV, they didn’t do things by half, and have delivered a new 3008 on a new platform with very good looks, an exceptionally good cabin with a digital instrument panel, and stylish looks.

The 3008 range – which is all front-wheel drive – offers a wide range of trim and engine options, but the car we have this week is the 3008 GT Line – Peugeot’s sporty-looking option – with the very good 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine and manual gearbox.

So, is the Peugeot 3008 GT Line a real contender?

3008 GT Line Inside & Out

Peugeot has taken no chances differentiating the new 3008 SUV from its MPV predecessor, and in the process has created one of the better-looking SUV/Crossover models in its sector.

With a front end clearly influenced by the very good 308, the guppy looks of the old model are immediately forgotten, there’s a proper tailgate, a contrast between the upper and lower sections, cohesive proportions, nice alloys and a glasshouse small enough to look sporty, but big enough to be practical.

…the guppy looks of the old model are immediately forgotten, there’s a proper tailgate, a contrast between the upper and lower sections, cohesive proportions, nice alloys and a glasshouse small enough to look sporty, but big enough to be practical

It definitely works in our eyes, and the light treatments – front and back – chrome detailing, skid plates and raised ride height all conspire to make the 3008 visually appealing.

But the big party trick is the interior, which really is a class act.

The highlight is probably Peugeot’s latest generation i-Cockpit with its 12.3″ digital display, which sits behind the now familiar low-slung petite steering wheel. And because you sit higher in the 3008 than in other Peugeot’s, there’s no chance smaller drivers will find themselves peering over the wheel as it obstructs the display.

The well-shaped seats come in a mix of faux leather and cloth with nice stitching, the dash curves to envelop you, the materials you touch are good to touch, there’s some lovely quirky switchgear detailing and the 8.0″ infotainment display atop the dash works well.

It delivers sound, Sat Nav, Climate and connectivity, has Mirror Screen for Smartphone integration – with stuff like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and, mostly, works very well.

Not only is the 3008 endowed with a good cabin, it’s one that’s actually bigger than it looks, with room for all but the tallest in the back – where headroom is better than the relatively shallow greenhouse would lead you to expect – and in the front too where the enveloping dash leads you expect to be cramped, but you’re not. And the boot’s decent too, and with back seats down it has an impressive 1670 litres for stuff.

There really isn’t much at all to dislike.

3008 GT Line 1.2 PureTech – Performance

There’s the usual range of diesel and petrol engines on offer in the 3008, but this GT Line review car comes with Peugeot’s very good 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol, an engine which makes a great alternative to what was the default diesel option.

It comes with official economy of 55.4mpg (we managed 41.1 – owners will probably do better) and emissions of 117g/km, and although it takes 10.8 seconds to get to 62mph, it never really feels underpowered, and its 129bhp and 170lb/ft of torque do a good job of keeping you on song.

Remarkably, for a high-ish-riding SUV/Crossover, the 3008 is actually endowed with decent body control and it turns in really well and with a very gentle desire to go straight on if you try to be very exuberant. But it’s a great setup

The gearbox has a bit of a long throw, but its ratios are well-judged and, despite the matchbox-sized engine, the 3008 is happy and at home cruising on motorways or poodling around town.

You need to get used to the sensitive steering and the dinky little wheel, but once you are it rewards with accurate pointing, some feel and decent weighting, and that makes it easy to place the 3008 even if you push it hard on the twisty stuff.

Remarkably, for a high-ish-riding SUV/Crossover, the 3008 is actually endowed with decent body control and it turns in really well, with a very gentle desire to go straight on if you try to be very exuberant. But it’s a great setup.

Most of the time the 3008 also does a more than passable impression of the almost lost art of French float over bumps and ridges, although it can take you by surprise sometimes when it suddenly finds a combination of lumps and bumps it doesn’t have any interest in dealing with politely.

The 3008 isn’t the most dynamic of its breed, but its setup is very nicely judged, its handling is safe and, almost all the time, it’s happy to take whatever you throw at it.

3008 GT Line 1.2 PureTech – Verdict

We weren’t quite in a minority of one in being rather fond of the old 3008 and its particularly French take on the MPV, but times have moved on, buyers want something different and Peugeot has responded in spades.

To our eyes the 3008 has very appealing styling, still conspires to look individual yet also manages to mix in to its design all the things buyers look for in a compact-ish family SUV

To our eyes the 3008 has very appealing styling, still conspires to look individual yet also manages to mix in to its design all the things buyers look for in a compact-ish family SUV.

But the 3008 goes beyond just appealing styling, with an interior which is really very good, with clever detailing, good levels of equipment and that very good i-Cockpit.

That it also manages to be as appealing as it is with a tiny little 1.2 litre 3-pot engine, drives nicely, is decently economical and does all you could ask of it, makes it even more appealing.

We’re not entirely sure where the old 3008 would have sat in its class in terms of desirability, but the new 3008 SUV is definitely banging against the top of the pile.

Peugeot should be chuffed with what they’ve delivered.