Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

A standard Peugeot 3008 is already a versatile car. The 3008 is spacious, practical, safe and functional. Depending on the engine chosen, the 3008 is economical or sporty. By opting for the optional "Grip Control", the 3008 can even manage in light terrain. With the arrival of the HYbrid4, Peugeot now promises that there is no need to choose! Thanks to a hybrid powertrain, the HYbrid4 offers plenty of power, minimal emissions and on the upside, full four-wheel drive.

Hybrid

The HYbrid4's powertrain consists of a traditional petrol engine, supplemented by two electric motors. The electricity to drive the electric motors is gained during braking and coasting (as with any hybrid), but mainly by charging via a plug.

Because the 3008 HYbrid4 is not an all-electric car, the battery is relatively small. However, it still takes several hours to fully charge the battery. This can be done via the wall socket at home or at a public charging point (1 hour 45 minutes a 7.4 kW). Fast charging is not possible, that would make the car too expensive and is not necessary in a car with a small battery.

City traffic

To test how versatile the 3008 HYbrid4 really is, the test drive took place in a variety of conditions. The test starts in the city. This is where a conventional combustion engine is least efficient and therefore least fuel-efficient. The 3008 HYbrid4 can theoretically (WLTP standard) drive 59 km entirely electric, and thus emission-free. In doing so, the HYbrid4 offers more comfort than a regular 3008 because the electric motor does not need to rev to perform; the power is just there. This gives a huge feeling of superiority and those who want it can invariably be the first to leave at the traffic lights.

Also useful in the city: the turning circle is pleasantly small and, for an SUV, the 3008 is surprisingly stable. Because of its tall build, an SUV has a high centre of gravity, but this is compensated in the HYbrid4 by the batteries built into the floor.

Highway

Electric driving is not limited to low speeds. Up to 135 km/h, the HYbrid4 can drive entirely electric. However, as with conventional engines, consumption increases at high speeds. On a route with both city traffic and motorways, 30 km could be driven entirely electric. The battery is not empty then, but the system switches to hybrid drive to make the most of the last electricity. Switching from all-electric drive to hybrid drive can be clearly heard and felt, but it is not disturbing. Still, the assistance of the combustion engine is always experienced as a loss, as the serene calm is definitely broken.

In hybrid mode, the petrol and electric motors complement each other for minimal consumption. However, the driver can also choose to join forces for maximum performance. Then the powertrain is good for a power output of 300 PS / 520 Nm, which is comparable to that of a sports car. And so is the performance!

After the accelerator is decisively pressed to the floor, the mechanics need some reflection time, after which the 3008 HYbrid4 is improbably quick. The first time the full power is invoked, it is simply unfathomable that a well-behaved family car like the 3008 is capable of such performance! The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes 5.9 seconds, which is faster than a lot of minor sports coupes and large business cars. But it is not only from standstill that the 3008 HYbrid4 is fast, especially at high speed, the huge torque provides enormous supremacy. The sprint from 80 to 140 km/h is just as furious, once again leaving many other cars behind.

Motorway: long distances

As mentioned earlier, the 3008 HYbrid4 has two electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle. Thereby, the 3008 has high raised bumpers and therefore decent slopes can be taken without getting stuck on the bodywork.

Off-road, the electric motors shine again, as the 3008 HYbrid4 climbs with such ease that the test driver spontaneously wonders why it has been done with combustion engines all these years. After all, electric motors deliver their maximum torque ("pulling power") from a much lower rpm than an internal combustion engine, which makes off-roading a lot easier.

To descend safely, there are three options. When the descent aid is engaged and the automatic gearbox lever is put in "neutral", the 3008 descends at a walking pace. In "drive", the car descends slightly more smoothly, but still slowly and in a controlled manner. Off-road, downhill "B" can be selected to recover maximum energy while descending. Thanks to all-wheel drive, the 3008 HYbrid4 is very proficient on slopes, but bear in mind that the car comes on tyres intended for use on public roads. Mud and sand can therefore be a bigger obstacle than steep slopes.

Space and equipment

Many SUVs only look tough, but are not as versatile as the 3008 HYbrid4. Yet the 3008 manages to distinguish itself on even more levels. Like every other modern Peugeot, the 3008 features an "iCockpit". This represents a cockpit emphatically built around the driver. The steering wheel is exceptionally small, so the driver does not have to look through it to see the dials. Instead, the (digital) speedometer and rev counter are on top of the steering column and thus directly in the field of vision, so it takes less effort to read them. The seat forces the driver into an active sitting position, almost around the steering wheel, for maximum control of the car. Finally, the small steering wheel ensures that even a slight movement is enough to make a sharp turn, making the car extra agile. What the 3008 does not give is the feeling of power through a high seat, as other SUVs do.

Despite the fact that the 3008 has been on the market for several years, the HYbrid4's equipment is modern and complete, both in terms of luxury and safety. The semi-self-driving features are evident; the driver feels the computer's steering in every corner. As not all drivers find this pleasing, this driver assistant can be switched off.

Most functions are controlled via a central display, although Peugeot also sticks to rocker switches in the centre console. This is slightly less logical, but soon gets used to it. A special mention goes to the audio system from Focal, which is among the best in the segment with clear, detailed and natural sound.

Conclusion

Is the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 the ultimate all-rounder? Yes, especially when the price is taken into account. After all, for the price of the 3008 HYbrid4, you can buy cars that are only fast, only spacious or only off-road worthy. The 3008 HYbrid4 is and fast and comfortable and spacious and off-road worthy and economical. In addition, the design and the "iCockpit" also give this SUV a distinctive character. Mission accomplished!