Used 2012 Peugeot 3008 Crossover Review & Ratings

The 3008 compact crossover was released by Peugeot in mid 2009. Many motoring reviews mistakenly compared the 3008 to Peugeot's 5008 hatchback. However the 5008 is based on the Citroen C4 while the 3008 is more closely related to the 308 series, and is the nearest equivalent to a crossover version of this popular hatchback.

The Peugeot 3008 Compact Crossover bears a strong resemblance to the 308 series, although with a slightly more bulbous overall appearance. Coming in a five seater five door hatchback format the 3008 bears all of Peugeots now trademark front features with a gaping matt black grille, dominated by oversized LED headlights, huge Peugeot Lyon emblem, LED daytime-running lights followed up by pronounced arches and curvaceous LED rear lights. Especially at the front, it appears that the Peugeot design team may have gone over the top with the 3008, with its ridiculously angled front windshield making the vehicle look slightly out of proportion.

As is the case with the 5008 wagon, the Peugeot 3008 can be specified with a choice of either two petrol engines or four diesel engines. The subtle difference is that one of the diesels is a cross hybrid, meaning tremendous fuel economy as well as all the positive environmental effects that that combination brings.

The starting level petrol engine for the 3008 is a 1.6 liter 118 horsepower that comes paired with a five speed manual transmission. The second and final choice of petrol engines is also a 1.6 but this time packing a turbo, 154 horsepower paired with a six speed manual transmission with the option of fitting an automatic.

The diesel engined versions start off from a 1.6 liter 108 horsepower; with those looking for a little more power can opt for a 2.0 liter 148 horse powered version. The most potent completely diesel engine powered 3008 is the 2.0 liter 161 horsepower. All of these engines come with Peugeot's six speed manual gear box as standard, while the 1.6 liter version can be ordered with a six speed semi-automatic transmission.

The final jewel in the crown among the Peugeot 3008's compact crossover lineup is undoubtedly the diesel hybrid engine. Based on Peugeot's two-liter, turbo-diesel four cylinder 168 horsepower engine that drives the front wheels, switching to the joint power of the 36bhp AC electric motor, powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery mounted in the rear and charged by a 8kW when in hybrid mode, which supplies current to driving the rear wheels and will save around 30% in fuel consumption.

To ensure as smooth a ride as possible Peugeot have gone with their proven suspension configuration with the 3008 crossover. That means Macpherson struts in the front with torsion beams in the rear. This winning combination has proven itself, providing maximum road holding as well as a comfortable ride.

With the 3008 crossover, Peugeot have once again proved that they are among the best when it comes to providing passenger comfort. Despite the compact label that the 3008 wears it is surpassingly roomy at 171.9 inches long by 72.3 inches wide and an impressive 64.5inches tall. The Peugeot 3008 crossover has room to spare for its five passengers as well as more than adequate baggage space. With the the 60/40 split back seats in the erect position storage space rises to almost 39 cube when the back seats are folded forward. All that is involved in folding the back seats is the simple press of a button.

The good news for those that opt for the diesel hybrid version is that the storage space remains the same, thanks to some pretty innovative engineering and design work from Peugeot crew who succeeded in locating a spot for the electric battery pack and motor without infringing a single inch.