Peugeot 3008 engines, driving and performance

We've found the 3008's driving performance depends a lot on what's under the bonnet. Battery-powered models are fairly heavy, but it doesn't feel like the suspension is quite matched to the car's mass. As a result, there's a fairly noticeable amount of body roll through corners and direction changes, but without the comfortable ride you'd hope to get in return.

The 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol version is a lot lighter than the EV. Without the extra mass to manage, it feels like the suspension is better sorted, with greater body control and a less jittery ride. As we'll discover further down, however, the drawback here is that the petrol is quite a lot slower.

Like the handling, the 3008 rides better when it's equipped with the lighter petrol engine. Fuel-powered models don't thump quite so forcefully into potholes and feel a little smoother over scruffy road surfaces.

EV models are far from punishing, but you sense that the suspension can't quite manage the weight as effectively. With more mass to carry up and down over bumps, the suspension needs more time and force to cope, with the result being a busier ride in general.

Despite the two cars sharing many components, we found the opposite was true when we drove the new Jeep Compass.

So far, we've only tried the 210hp front-wheel-drive electric 3008. That's a respectable chunk of power and means the 3008 feels smooth and fuss-free all the way up to motorway speeds. However, it's not designed to whip your neck backwards when you launch like a Tesla, with the Peugeot gently feeding the power in over a slightly longer period. It isn't exactly exciting, but it's very easy to drive smoothly.

Alternatively, you can pick the 145hp mild-hybrid, which pairs a 22hp electric motor with the brand's familiar 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This setup is more than a match for the 3008's bulk, though it's noticeably less ferocious under full throttle. You'll only really notice the hybrid assistance at car-park speeds, with the engine joining in with gusto once you hit proper roads.

There's also a 225hp plug-in hybrid. This can cover around 50 miles on pure electric power, or hit three-digit mpg figures if you combine both power sources optimally.

There aren't any dedicated performance models in the 3008's lineup. That said, range-topping electric versions have a motor on each axle, giving four-wheel drive and a total of 325hp. This means a 0-62mph time of six seconds flat, which is well into hot-hatch territory.

The lesser 210hp single-motor electric model is smooth and should be swift enough for most drivers, but it's been tuned for comfort and gentle responses rather than high-octane thrills.