PEUGEOT'S new 3008 is a fine example of a modern car launch: kick off with the headline-grabbing electric model, before quietly sneaking in the one likely to be more popular in the short term.
The hybrid version of the eye-catching mid-size SUV has far less power (134bhp versus the E-3008's 207bhp), but on the flip-side, it's over £11,000 cheaper. It's also arguably more practical for anyone not yet willing or able to take the plunge into EVs.
Power comes from the same 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and small electric motor as found in the Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid (Page 30), albeit tuned here for its specific application. That e-motor makes the 3008 capable of running on battery alone for short bursts - but only if you're incredibly light on the throttle. Even thinking about wanting to accelerate is enough to have the engine kick in again, so you'll find it regularly ticking over at steady urban speeds. It's also a shame there's no display to help you know how far you can push to keep the car in EV mode - as you get in Toyota hybrids, for example.
Performance is better than it looks on paper. A o-62mph time of over 10 seconds doesn't sound great, but once the car is rolling, there's a decent amount of oomph. The 3008 Hybrid isn't the most refined under acceleration, though, and while the six-speed transmission's shifts are smooth enough, they aren't seamless.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PEUGEOT E-2008 GT
Our Peugeot EV and classic BMW may be the perfect two-car garage
SHOW 'N' TELL
Our 2024 Performance Car of the Year, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N EV, takes on the revamped Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
F1 EXHIBITION IS GO GO GO
Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill shows us around a celebration of the greatest sport on Earth
BYD Dolphin Active
Lower power means a more affordable price, but the new entry-level Dolphin is left wanting in other areas
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé
FIRST DRIVE We get behind the wheel of new CLE that aims to offer both comfort and a scincillating driving experience
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ergonomic improvements are a welcome enhancement to VW's iconic hot hatch, but there's still no manual version
Toyota Prius
FIRST UK DRIVE Toyota's hybrid pioneer finally returns to these shores in fifth-generation guise and exclusively as a plug-in hybrid
INSURANCE SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
INSURANCE FRAUD BUREAU EXPERT GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON THE LATEST SWINDLES
Honda's updated HR-V sports sharp new look
Brand's best-selling model in Europe has also received some interior revisions and extra safety kit
Audi sets £70k start price for new A6 EV
ORDER books for the new Audi A6 e-tron are open now, with prices from just under £70,000 and deliveries starting next February.