What We Like
Stylish sheet metal
Polished, sleek and comfortable cabin
Nicely-damped suspension
Pleasantly dynamic to drive
1.2-litre engine is definitely sufficient for city driving
What We Dislike
Aggressive driving not recommended
Small steering wheel takes some getting used to
When we drove the petrol-powered 1.6-litre Peugeot 3008 back in December last year, we were impressed by its stylish looks, polished cabin and sprightly drive. Now, the 3008 is also being offered in a more economical form - powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine.
The 3008 is a stylish and visually attractive crossover
It's underpowered, right?
Surprisingly, no, it doesn't feel underpowered. Yes, it's not as sprightly and does not offer the immediate acceleration that the 1.6-litre engine does, but for 90 percent of the time it's sufficient, accessible and offers up a sensible amount of power. Aggressive overtakes will be more challenging, but beyond that this engine is entirely agreeable.
The transmission is also geared quite long, with the car cruising at around 2,000rpm. This is good for power delivery, especially for this smaller capacity engine that is slightly more turbo-dependent, power-wise. As far as fuel economy is concerned, we managed to get about 14.7km/L, which is certainly reasonable.
The 3008 definitely has one of the most polished and stylish cabins in its classDynamically, the 3008 remains sharp, planted and well-damped. It's one of the more enjoyable crossovers to drive in the market right now. It feels light on its feet and nimble through corners, yet relaxing on highways.
What else is different?
Honestly, not very much. The biggest difference is that in this 1.2 variant, you don't get the panoramic sunroof. The rims are also an inch smaller (17-inch on this Active trim) than the 1.6-litre variant we drove previously, which was the Allure trim.
It's underpowered, right?
Surprisingly, no, it doesn't feel underpowered. Yes, it's not as sprightly and does not offer the immediate acceleration that the 1.6-litre engine does, but for 90 percent of the time it's sufficient, accessible and offers up a sensible amount of power. Aggressive overtakes will be more challenging, but beyond that this engine is entirely agreeable.
The transmission is also geared quite long, with the car cruising at around 2,000rpm. This is good for power delivery, especially for this smaller capacity engine that is slightly more turbo-dependent, power-wise. As far as fuel economy is concerned, we managed to get about 14.7km/L, which is certainly reasonable.
What else is different?
Honestly, not very much. The biggest difference is that in this 1.2 variant, you don't get the panoramic sunroof. The rims are also an inch smaller (17-inch on this Active trim) than the 1.6-litre variant we drove previously, which was the Allure trim.
Other that that, the car is very much the same. It's still stylish and handsome, and the cabin is one of the better-looking and more polished ones, especially amongst its competitors such as the Nissan Qashqai, the Opel Grandland X and the Toyota C-HR.
The boot can be expanded from 520 litres to 1,580 litresThis 1.2-litre variant is also quite well-equipped. There's a 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen and 12.3-inch i-Cockpit digital instrument display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear air-con vents, lane departure warning, cruise control with speed limiter, a reverse camera with birds-eye mode and automatic lights and wipers.
A worthwhile crossover, then?
There are a ton of crossover choices available right now. The Peugeot 3008 is a comfortable, practical and surprisingly dynamic offering, packaged in a stylish and sleek shell.
The turbocharged 1.2-litre engine produces 129bhp and 230Nm of torqueThis 1.2-litre variant offers a more affordable and economical option, without sacrificing very much over the 1.6-litre variant, which make it all the more attractive.
So, if you're in the market for a family crossover right now, the Peugeot 3008 1.2 that you see here is definitely worth a serious consideration.
A worthwhile crossover, then?
There are a ton of crossover choices available right now. The Peugeot 3008 is a comfortable, practical and surprisingly dynamic offering, packaged in a stylish and sleek shell.
So, if you're in the market for a family crossover right now, the Peugeot 3008 1.2 that you see here is definitely worth a serious consideration.
