2021 Peugeot 3008 GT review: SUV for families that want style and flair

This rival to some of Australia’s favourite vehicles brings style and flair to the family SUV segment, but there is one problem for buyers.​

Australians buy more mid-size SUVs than any other vehicle and this European import adds a bit of style and flair to the segment.

Here are five things you need to know about the Peugeot 3008.

IT’S SLEEKER THAN MOST

The 3008 offers an alternative to mainstream, mid-sized SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson. It’s shorter than those rivals and not as spacious inside, something amplified by the high-ish side windows that cocoon you.

But there’s ample practicality for couples and small families as well as a useful 591-litre boot with a false floor. There’s a split-fold rear seat with release handles in the boot to liberate more load space.

The Peugeot 3008 competes against machines such as the Mazda CX-5.

IT’S RITZY INSIDE

At about $52,500 for the petrol-powered GT we tested, the 3008 straddles mainstream and premium brands. For that spend, there’s a powered tailgate, massaging front seats, ambient lighting, blind-spot warning and auto emergency braking.

There are also air vents in the rear and a couple of USB ports to keep the kids content. Ours had the optional (about $3600) “lime wood” matt paint finish and nappa leather trim. Even in regular guise, the attention to detail is impressive, from stylish metal touches and nicely crafted plastics to felt trim inside the door pockets.

The 3008 more expensive than mainstream rivals.

THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOW AND TINY

Small steering wheels have traditionally been reserved for sports cars but the 3008 is the exception to the rule. The instrument cluster is quite high so you look above the steering wheel at a digital display that can be configured to suit your tastes. There are five layouts and two colour schemes (the colours on the central screen change too). The customisation extends to a Sport drive mode that delivers sharper throttle responses.

The 3008’s dash is unlike any other SUV.

THE ENGINE IS COMPACT BUT EFFECTIVE

The 3008 is available with a diesel and two 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines.

The more expensive GT Sport has a 131kW/250Nm petrol turbo hooked up to an eight-speed auto. The GT turbo petrol we tested has marginally less grunt – 121kW and 240Nm – and only six speeds. That’s less power than many rivals in this segment but the torque partially compensates, with stout acceleration from low in the rev range making up for the lack of grunt available at the top end.

Official fuel use is respectable at 7.0 litres per 100km but there’s no stop-start system and it requires premium unleaded.

THERE’S A FOCUS ON THE DRIVER

The 3008 has a driver-centric cabin layout, with the main controls tilted towards the driver.

There’s the occasional French quirk, too, such as how you adjust the ventilation; there are no fan or temperature buttons, but a less practical menu button that brings up a ventilation display on the main screen. Crisp steering and a flat stance make it more enjoyable to drive than most SUVs in this segment.

It’s no hot hatch but it’s an SUV that inspires confidence and can kick up its heels when the road is right. It has a tight turning circle, too.

Originally published as 2021 Peugeot 3008 GT review: SUV for families that want style and flair