NEW PEUGEOT 3008 GT

Smooth running, seamless regeneration, a whirring soundtrack and a huge touring range are hallmarks of the new 3008 Hybrid, now available in Allure and GT trim levels. We drove a particularly well dressed version of the latter on standard 19-inch wheels and in the model’s hero colour, Obsession Blue.
Upmarket GT spec commands a $4500 premium and includes higher-grade cabin trim (such as curved aluminium printed dash and door inserts), seats upholstered in Alcantara with faux leather, a compact leather steering wheel with bold stitching, and aluminium pedals and metal kickplates. You also get LED headlights with high-beam assistance and an electric tailgate flanked by LED rear lights with daytime running for Peugeot’s signature ‘claw-effect’ design.
Black nappa leather seats were also present; for these add $4500 when optioning a GT line car. The benefits of the upgraded seats extend to 10-way power adjustment up front with ventilation, massage and driver memory functions. Plus, there’s heating for both front and rear seats. A further $2990 introduces a sliding panoramic sunroof with retractable blind and an optimised system for maintaining clean air in the cabin. Happily, the one no-cost option on the palette is the blue pictured; any of the other five metallics cost $750.
Compared with the 3008 of a decade ago, the new model is an inspired piece of design. The overall shape is a good example of internal-combustion and electric car designs starting to merge, making it tricky to distinguish between the two. Like an EV, the 3008 stands tall and its rounded nose and upright rear end are connected by a very high hip line accentuated by wraparound rear light clusters. The car has a good stance on standard 19-inch alloys pushed to each corner and the 2740mm wheelbase makes for good interior packaging. Lift the bonnet and there’s plenty of real estate between the start of the crash structure and the 3-cylinder engine nestled back towards the front axle. Raise the tailgate and there’s 588L of load space or 1663L with the rear seats folded.
The obvious talking point when you open the driver’s door is a 21-inch curved instrument display that doubles as a configurable high-definition touchscreen. It’s clear to read above the flat-topped steering wheel and is well shaped to resist glare. At last, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit does not force tall drivers to compromise their steering wheel position. Siting the transmission toggle beside the starter simplifies operation and adds to the minimalist aesthetic. Elsewhere, a slick secondary panel below the central air vents is supplemented by an interesting angled strip of buttons on a slim centre console. After an initial surprise, most people will acclimatise quickly to a cockpit that is as logical and stress-free to use as it is clean and contemporary in its appearance.
The 3008 GT also proved one of the more relaxing cars to drive in everyday traffic. The three-cylinder turbo retains its typical gruffness but hybridisation keeps progress smooth in any driving mode whether you’re accelerating, slowing or manoeuvring. Adequate torque arrives early in the rev range and you enjoy very quick shifts from the double-clutch auto. Six speeds are enough in this application and the extra urgency of Sport mode is a quick solution if you want livelier response. Around town, the hybrid system’s whirring sounds seem exaggerated and we doubt the pitch will be to everyone’s liking.
Measuring 4.5m in length, the 3008 is spacious yet right-sized for most urban action. It feels lighter on its feet than the kerb weight suggests yet it gives a good sense of security when it bounds down motorways. Thank the broad 235/55 tyres for that planted feel – and a surplus of grip. The tallish sidewalls do a fair job of cushioning occupants from ruts and bumps but tyre noise is a trade-off with such big contact patches. An acoustic windscreen helps isolate road noise but can only do so much.
We tended to prioritise comfort and efficiency, quickly subscribing to the 3008’s easy-going nature and enjoying unhurried runs between A to B and back again. This car works very well as a hybrid and its 55-litre fuel tank means occasional fill-ups should be relatively painless. The distinctive design appealed from day one but it was the cabin architecture and material choices that made the bigger impression. And, of course, the trouble with those super-adjustable leather seats is that it’s hard to settle for less once you’re accustomed to their comfort and support.