Peugeot 3008 1.2 PureTech EAT8 Active (A) Facelift Review

With Gilles Vidal leaving Peugeot to join Groupe Renault, this is likely to be sgCarMart's last few chances to drive one of the cars that first received his design touch and turned Peugeot's fortunes for the better on the international stage.

But at present the 3008 you see here is being tested once more as it is now available here with a 1.2-litre engine paired with the Aisin-developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

An engine output of 129bhp ensures that this variant falls into the Cat A COE category but this car is only being sold for a paltry $3,000 discount against the 1.6-litre engined Active variant ($108,888 against $111,888, prices as of 4 August 2020).

That hardly seems worth it?

It isn't. But it's not all bad news though, as this 1.2-litre Puretech engine keeps the power penalty against its larger brother minimised to 49bhp, while the torque loss is even slimmer still, at just 20Nm.

Not convinced that a 1.2-litre engine is sufficient for an SUV the size of the 3008? Then take note that this powerplant has also been awarded the International Engine of the Year in the 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre category for four years on the trot, from 2015 to 2018.

But enough talk about the theoretical. Driving around town you will hardly miss the power deficit. The engine pairs with the eight-speed gearbox well. Gear changes are smooth and the whole powertrain is happy to deliver quiet acceleration, making navigating within city streets a real breeze.

With peak torque of 230Nm being delivered at a low of 1,750rpm, the engine feels almost like a diesel unit with its eagerness to pull from minimal revs, but delivers its power without any of the clatter associated with diesel units.

And while we are on the topic of inner-city driving, I found the small steering wheel light and quick, which is a real pleasure to use. It hardly required any getting used to, and keeps hand twirling when executing tight turns to a minimum.

If the paddle shifters were positioned just slightly closer to the steering wheel rim, and the signal stalk just centimetres longer, the 3008 would make one for one comfortable car to make repeated lane changes and overtaking manoeuvres in.

Does this mean it can be sporty as well?

A definitive no.

Stab the accelerator at speed and the engine delivers all the drama you would expect of a three-cylinder, with an off-beat soundtrack that turns into a snarl at the higher rpms.

The effect is exaggerated further still with a bassy thump played in the mid-ranges when the car is set into its sport mode, but one glance at the instrument cluster quickly reveals that all you've tasted is saccharine.

Peugeot quotes a century sprint time of 10.9 seconds and while the car may deliver on aural stimulation, you always come ready to be disappointed when you check back with the speedometer. The car simply sounds a lot faster than it actually is.

Good thing is, I managed a real-world fuel economy of 12.0km/L with this new drivetrain.

And what if I keep to within the speed limit?

You will be more richly rewarded.

The 3008 delivers a ride that far favours overall comfort than sporty responsiveness.

Road undulations are smoothed over beautifully, aided no doubt by the 215/65 17-inch tyres fitted on this test car (standard on the Active trim). As is to be expected from a 1,623mm-tall car, body roll is present when taking curves at speed, but sufficiently controlled.

And speaking of speed limits, make sure you learn how to use the cruise control before setting off in the car, as the steering wheel completely obscures the controls on the stalk itself, making it impossible to figure out when you're already on the move.

So how will my family like this car?

Very well I'm sure.

From the driver's seat, the wrap-around cockpit is a real visual treat, while the piano menu keys make accessing the infotainment and embedded air-conditioning controls really simple and fuss-free.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use although its scrolling controls, like when manually tuning the radio frequency, require a delicate touch.

Take any other seat and you will still find a well-built cabin, with space aplenty for all. The low transmission tunnel, air-conditioning vents and the additional 12V power outlet at the rear are sure to please the rear passengers. And if you head further back, the 3008 carries around a 520-litre boot that easily beats the Nissan Qashqai at 430 litres and matches the larger Volkswagen Tiguan.

We cannot wait to see what Peugeot delivers in the future.

Need a better feel for the outright pace of the 3008? Or perhaps you'd like a second look at that dashboard? Why not watch our video review as well?