Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
It’s only March but Peugeot just don’t seem to have slowed down with a continuous flow of new models coming to the market. So this week we are road testing the new Peugeot e-3008. Peugeot also offer this car as a 1.2 litre petrol plug-in-hybrid and I can’t help but think that as EV sales are stalling the PHEV will be the big seller.
Nevertheless this weeks test car is the new e-3008 Allure a fully electric fastback/SUV.
The new 3008 is available in Allure and GT trim.
So how does it look?
I like its chunky good looks with that now familiar Peugeot styling consisting of the “claw” design lighting and new Peugeot badge. From the side profile it looks quite tall sitting on big 19 inch wheels while the rear has a steeply sloping rear hatch with a neat spoiler at the roofline. All in all its a smart, distinctive and indeed adventurous style that I find appealing.
What is it like inside?
Jump inside and and you are greeted by a very attractive and well styled cabin. There is the now usual tiny steering wheel and Peugeot’s new i-cockpit design deserves praise. There is a large curved screen (two screens really) one which contains the usual driver info and the other the infotainment screen. While there could be more real buttons Peugeot have at least placed touch sensitive “i toggle” switches below the touchscreen which help shortcut menu selections.
Nevertheless its still bizarre that manufacturers can make changing the temperature in the car a safety hazard as you try to prod small icons on a touchscreen in a moving vehicle.
The cabin is very nicely finished including the use of cloth like material on some of the dash. The ambient lighting, comfort of the seats, excellent driving position and a host of standard equipment make the new e-3008 a very nice place in which to be.
What’s under the bonnet?
An electric motor powered by a 73kWh battery with the motor driving the front wheels developing 210 bhp.
Peugeot claim a range of 527 km however as with all EV’s this is an almost unachievable number. First of all that is quoted from 100% charge and as we all know it is very slow to charge to 100%, to 80% is recommended for battery life. I received my test car with exactly 94% and it showed a range potential of 508 km. Sounds Ok however I actually achieved 335 km and that would have been to empty. That was frankly a disappointing result.
What is it like to drive?
Like all EV’s its quiet and refined. Performance is good but probably sedate by the standards of other EV’s and of course you cannot disguise its huge mass when it comes to the corners. Its surefooted enough on wet or dry roads but the ride is fidgety often bobbing about on our less smooth country roads.
Accomadation is quite good though the rear is a cosy fit for two adults while the boot is a decent size at 548 litres and accessed via the electric rear hatchback.
Hugh’s Verdict.
Prices start at €43,995 for the 1.2 petrol Allure and €43,965 for the Allure EV model. Peugeot are making the price of their petrol and EV’s almost identical and thats a good thing.
Overall then I liked the new e-3008. It is nicely styled, versatile, well equipped and feels well put together. That range would be a stumbling block for me and this in a car that initially promises a decent range. If you can get past that the new e-3008 is tempting proposition for those that must have an EV. But consider the hybrid first. Its the one I would take!