Peugeot 3008 review

Our favourite engine in the Peugeot 3008 line-up is the entry-level 129bhp 1.2-litre petrol (badged PureTech 130). You might imagine such a small engine would struggle in a family SUV but acceleration is more than respectable, although you do need to work it harder than equivalent 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine in the Skoda Karoq.

There are also the three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions aimed at company car drivers, all with eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The 178bhp 180 and the 223bhp 225 Hybrid come with front-wheel drive, while the 296bhp 300 Hybrid4 is four-wheel drive. The 300 Hybrid 4 is the quickest from 0-62mph, taking just 6.1sec, followed by the 180 Hybrid (8.0sec).

Big wheels often ruin ride comfort but that's not the case here: if you go for 19in alloys, the 3008 is still pretty agreeable. However, the Grip Control package does have an adverse impact on smoothness. It includes all-weather tyres with stiffer, less absorbent sidewalls that make the ride more restless.

The PHEV versions are considerably heavier than other 3008s, and although the extra weight is carried by a more sophisticated rear suspension set-up, passengers will find themselves swaying in their seats more over uneven road surfaces.

Although SUVs are never as agile as hatchbacks, some are surprisingly fun to drive. Unfortunately, the 3008 isn't one of them. There's noticeable body lean through tight twists and turns, and the nose pitches downwards under heavy braking. It's not a wallowy barge, though, and grips the road well enough.