• Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 a smart all-rounder

    by  • July 18, 2012 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

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    2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 exterior front right

    The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 is the first diesel hybrid in the world

    Looking at the large and sturdy Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 and the Wicklow Mountains wouldn’t immediately spring to mind as being its natural habitat – but it really took to the bumpy terrain.

    The 3008 HYbrid4 is an extremely versatile car. The first diesel-hybrid in the world, the crossover is really four cars in one. Drivers can choose from Auto, Sport, 4WD and the enigmatic-sounding ZEV, remember that it’s a hybrid and you’ll realise that’s Zero Emission Vehicle, or electric mode to you and me.

    The car starts soundlessly, so it’s great for early morning or late night departures. You can put it in ZEV mode as you pull up to your driveway as well so it’s also great for early morning or late night arrivals.

    Full electric mode is best suited to slow city driving but it didn’t last too long before the diesel engine kicked in. I found both 4WD and Sport modes great fun to drive though.

    2012 Peugeot 3008 Hybrd4 interior cockpit

    The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 features a very stylish interior, with an optional panoramic sunroof.

    There’s a road leading up to the Wicklow Mountains that’s almost vertical and I have yet to tackle it in a non-4WD vehicle.

    The 3008 HYbrid4 handled it without any problem. In fact, driving over the mountains was a dream.

    With the 3008 HYbrid4’s pleasantly bouncy suspension we didn’t feel any of the bumps on the road; traction on the aforementioned steep hill was excellent and the car handled really well on the winding roads.

    Sports mode was also a delight, with great acceleration. Despite its size, the 3008 HYbrid4 took off like a bullet at the lights if you put your foot down.

    Inside, the 3008 HYbrid4 was luxurious and beautifully styled, with a lovely leather interior and a stunning panoramic sunroof. The hazard lights and door locks were operated via flick switches in the centre console.

    The spec was also great. In the model I was driving a good quality Sat Nav and Head Up Display popped up when you turned on the engine.

    Entertainment-wise, there was a radio/CD/AUX/HD/USB(x2)/SD(x2) and BlueTooth. The car also had a cooler box. The electric front seats were heated and the car also had auto lights and auto wipers, cruise control/speed limiter.

    2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 exterior side right

    The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 was the most fun in 4WD and Sport modes

    One thing I didn’t like though was the plethora of controls on stalks off the steering wheel, as I kept missing the gear paddles when I had the car in manual.

    A large car, the 3008 has a lovely high driving position and legroom is very good both back and front. The boot is also massive, with tiered storage underneath. The boot access also opens down for easier loading.

    The car scored very well storage wise, but I was surprised to see only one cup holder in the front, with the driving mode selector taking the slot usually occupied by a second.

    Because of its size, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 took some time to get used to parking-wise, but luckily there were beeps.

    Overall, I found the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 to be an interesting and stylish all rounder that’s perfect as a family car.

    Two versions of the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 are available, with prices starting from €36,995. The higher spec model I was driving costs from €38,695 and offered Sat Nav, HUD and side rear sunblinds as standard. The leather interior, heated seats, panoramic sunroof and front parking aids in the test car were optional extras.

    Tech spec
    Engine: HYbrid4 2.0 HDi 104g 200bhp (diesel)
    Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 9seconds
    Maximum Speed: 191 kph
    Combined fuel consumption: 3.8l/100km
    CO2 emissions: 104 g/km
    Annual road tax: €160

    Visit peugeot.ie or Peugeot Ireland’s Facebook page for further details.