When Peugeot launched the 3008 in 2017, it hit a sweet spot for people wanting a medium-sized SUV that also had a bit of pizzazz, and in 2021 they are also after an eco-friendly one.

Now meet the 3008 GT Hybrid4 PHEV 4WD that was recently launched in New Zealand. But unfortunately for Peugeot’s local distributor, the pricing was announced before the Government clean car rebate, so sits at $89,990 – nearly $10,000 above the cut-off.

Not to worry, Peugeot NZ has the 208-e hatchback and electric 2008 SUV that can claim the rebate.

But back to the 3008. It’s a great-looking vehicle especially due to the front of it.

The frameless grille extends right out to the vertical, sabre-toothed LED daytime running lights. These join up with LED headlights, while the leading edge of the bonnet has a ‘3008’ badge.

And those design features have been acknowledged.

The front grille is a head-turner and I admire that more and more manufacturers creating the amalgamated grille and light combo, as it gives a strong presence on the road. There is no mistaking this car for anything but a Peugeot.

“The 3008 SUV achieved international acclaim when it was recognised as the European Car of the Year in 2017, so it’s not surprising that it is the top-selling Peugeot model globally as well as locally,” said the CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand, Chris Brown.

“The new model offers revised technology and the latest generation of driving aids, which will undoubtedly reaffirm the 3008 SUV’s position as the most popular model in our line-up.” 

When Brown announced the 3008 he also said he was “incredibly excited about the arrival of the new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) with four-wheel drive, as this is the first time we’re able to offer this model to Peugeot enthusiasts in New Zealand”.

Power for the new 3008 GT Hybrid4 PHEV 4WD is created by combining a 147kW PureTech engine and two electric engines: one at the front coupled to the e-EAT8 gearbox that reaches 81kW and the second positioned on the rear axle for 83kW.

The innovative powertrain configuration allows the driver to select one of five different modes, with each delivering a unique set of characteristics.

“Many Peugeot drivers will likely choose the sport setting as it uses all the power of the combustion and electric engines, creating maximum dynamic performance,” said Brown.

The hybrid mode delivers energy optimisation between the combustion and electric engines, which not only complies with Euro 6 regulations but results in fuel consumption of only 1.9-litres/100km

In pure electric mode, the 3008 SUV Hybrid4 PHEV has a range of almost 60km driving plus energy is recovered during braking and when decelerating which, in turn, increases the range when driving in this mode.

The fifth mode, Four-Wheel-Drive, improves traction on low-friction surfaces such as mud, snow, ice and during heavy rain. If the power required allows for it, and if the battery is sufficiently charged, the four-wheel-drive mode can be 100 percent electric. 

The new e-EAT8 automatic gearbox (8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission) has been electrified for the hybrid version. Its maximum torque is 320 Nm, providing a higher level of driving pleasure.

“Driving a PHEV such as the new 3008 SUV GT Hybrid4 can offer significant benefits in terms of all-around comfort and motoring enjoyment,” said Brown.

“In addition to the reduction in costs relating to fuel consumption, a PHEV offers a serene driving experience with no engine noise for vehicle occupants, and for the driver especially, sharp acceleration thanks to immediate torque.

“Furthermore, it can create excellent flexibility for drivers, as the 3008 SUV GT Hybrid4 PHEV offers many of the benefits of a battery-electric vehicle's motor combined with the range of a petrol or diesel engine.”

The Peugeot 3008 also has a semi-autonomous driving experience is possible thanks to the incorporation of the latest generation of driving aids, available as part of its range of onboard technologies.  

These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Lane position assist, latest-generation automatic emergency braking (detects pedestrians and cyclists during both the day and night) with collision risk warning and extended recognition of traffic signs.

The new 3008 SUV includes the Peugeot i-Cockpit with a new high-quality display headset and a new 10-inch high-definition touch screen. The screen comes with a series of seven elegant piano keys – the ‘toggle switches’ – allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions: radio, air conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and hazard warning lights. The PHEV has a specific button that provides access to the electrical functions menu.

I usually like the piano key-style toggles, but they were redundant as the infotainment screen could do all the work for you, plus they were hard to see due to the dark wood trim. But the cabin is a premium place to be, thanks to the high-quality material including the leather seats.

There’s also plenty of leg- and headroom at front and back with the boot reduced by 125 litres due to the secondary rear-mounted electric motor.

Outside, the redesigned front headlamps give it a more aggressive appearance thanks also to the LED while at the rear the new headlamps include the reversing light, plus has the fun 3D claws for a punchy light signature, and new 19-inch alloy wheels adorn the GT.

The front grille is a head-turner and I’m admiring more and more manufacturers creating the amalgamated grille and light combo, as it gives a strong presence on the road. There is no mistaking this car for anything but a Peugeot.  

So, what is the Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 PHEV 4WD like to live with for a week? The bonus for this SUV is the 60km pure electric range that can get you through a solid few days of driving before it needs to be recharged. You can do that at home and overnight – taking 7 ½ hrs to top up again – or via a cable at a public charging station or via a wall box and that will take up to 3.6 hrs to charge from empty. For me, it was at home overnight.

I spent most of my time in the 3008 in the city using EV power or comfort if needed. In electric mode, you can still use the air-con system without draining the battery, while comfort mode gives you normal power steering but dynamic suspension.

On the motorway, I put it in sport mode and got extra punch out of the 1.6-litre engine. It also firms up the steering and suspension of the SUV and gives you maximum hybrid power.

I also headed to Parihoa for the photoshoot, taking the back roads that are winding, and with a few kilometres of gravel roads that hadn’t been graded for months so had ruts. Even in comfort mode, the 3008 effortlessly navigated the unruly terrain, but once on the farm itself, I put it into four-wheel-drive mode as we were in an infrequently used paddock that sloped steeply down a hill so I had maximum grip.

And while the Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 PHEV 4WD is an all-rounder and an SUV for someone who wants to stand out from the three German brands here, I suspect that due to the price, the main buyers will be existing 3008 owners who want the option of having a low-emission SUV with French flair.