Peugeot 3008 2018 review
Overview
The 2018 Peugeot 3008 is the second-generation car in pre-facelift form, sold in the UK from 2017 before a facelift arrived late in 2020. It was the SUV that transformed Peugeot's reputation in Britain: the i-Cockpit dashboard with its 12.3-inch digital dials and small steering wheel felt unlike anything rivals offered, and the 3008 went on to become one of the UK's best-selling family SUVs.
The 2018 UK range opened at £21,795 for an Active 1.2 PureTech 130 and topped out around £34,080 for the GT with the 2.0 BlueHDi 180 diesel. Engine choice was wide: the sweet-spot 1.2 PureTech 130 petrol (55.4mpg NEDC, 117g/km CO2), a 1.6 THP 165 petrol, a 1.6 BlueHDi 120 diesel (up to 70mpg NEDC) and the 2.0 BlueHDi 180 reserved for the GT. Gearboxes were a six-speed manual or a smooth EAT6 automatic. All 2018 cars are front-wheel drive — there was never a 4x4 3008 — and every engine is Euro 6, so all are ULEZ-compliant.
Trims ran Active, Allure, GT Line and GT, with even the entry Active carrying autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning and the full i-Cockpit. The 591-litre boot was among the roomiest in the class. Used 2018 cars are now keenly priced, but there is one must-know used-buyer issue: the 1.2 PureTech's wet (belt-in-oil) timing belt can degrade early, shedding debris that blocks oil channels and can destroy the engine. Buy only with a full service history using the correct PSA-spec oil, and check Stellantis' extended-support scheme (up to 10 years/180,000km, conditions apply) before paying for a belt change.
Diesel buyers face the usual AdBlue and DPF sensitivities — fine for motorway use, punishing for short trips. Overall the 3008 sits mid-pack for reliability, but owners love the interior, comfort and practicality, and the 3008 scored a creditable 86.52% in the Auto Express Driver Power 2025 owner-satisfaction survey.
UK price from: £21,795
Specifications
| Engine | 1.2L PureTech 130 turbo petrol; 1.6 THP 165; 1.6 / 2.0 BlueHDi diesel |
| Power | 129 bhp (1.2 PureTech 130); up to 178 bhp (2.0 BlueHDi GT) |
| 0-62 mph | 10.6 seconds (1.2 PureTech manual); 8.9 seconds (2.0 BlueHDi GT) |
| Top speed | 117 mph (1.2 PureTech); 131 mph (2.0 BlueHDi GT) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual; 6-speed EAT6 automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive (no 4x4 offered) |
| Fuel economy | 55.4 mpg combined NEDC (1.2 PureTech manual); up to 70 mpg (1.6 BlueHDi) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 g/km (1.2 PureTech manual); 103 g/km (1.6 BlueHDi) |
| Boot space | 591 litres (up to 1,580 litres seats folded) |
| Kerb weight | 1,270 kg (1.2 manual) to 1,465 kg (GT 2.0 diesel) |
| Insurance group | 11E–13E (1.2 PureTech); 24E (2.0 BlueHDi GT) |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles (Peugeot UK) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2016 test) |
Features
- Peugeot i-Cockpit: 12.3-inch digital dials and 8-inch touchscreen as standard
- 1.2 PureTech 130 petrol: 55.4mpg and 117g/km CO2 (NEDC figures)
- 591-litre boot with variable floor and flat-folding rear seats
- Autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning and speed-limit recognition standard from Active
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating (2016); every engine is Euro 6 and ULEZ-compliant
- Smooth six-speed EAT6 automatic gearbox (Aisin)
- Grip Control with hill-descent assist for slippery surfaces (optional pack)
- GT trim: heated leather seats with massage function and panoramic glass roof
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (fitted, one axle) | £160 | Typical independent-garage price on an SUV-sized car |
| Front brake pads + discs (fitted, one axle) | £250 | Typical independent-garage price |
| 12V battery (stop-start AGM) | £120 | Typical fitted price £120–£180 |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £24.99 | Aftermarket pair |
| 1.2 PureTech wet timing-belt replacement | £690 | Independent £490–£900; main dealer £800–£1,500+. Check Stellantis support scheme first |
| AdBlue / SCR system repair (diesel) | £1,250 | Typical specialist cost £1,000–£1,500+ for tank, pump or injector |
Pros
- Class-leading i-Cockpit interior — unlike anything rivals offered in 2018
- Big, practical 591-litre boot with a clever variable floor
- Strong standard safety kit and low insurance groups from 11E
- Efficient engines: up to 70mpg NEDC on the BlueHDi 120
- Comfortable, refined long-distance cruiser with a slick auto gearbox
Cons
- 1.2 PureTech wet timing belt can fail early — the key used-buying risk
- No four-wheel drive: front-wheel drive only on every version
- Touchscreen-heavy cabin; early cars suffered software freezes and glitches
- Diesel AdBlue and DPF faults punish short-trip use
