SINCE arriving in showrooms in 2016 the Peugeot 3008 has earned plenty of plaudits from pundits and buyers alike.

The first of the French car maker's revamped family of modern SUVs, the newcomer quickly made a splash with its distinctive looks, plush interior and high tech equipment.

Four years on, the 3008 has added another string to its bow with the introduction of plug-in hybrid versions, looking to cash in on the rapidly growing popularity of vehicles which offer some form of electrification.

The Hybrid4 in question here features twin electric motors, one on each axle, which also means that, despite the beefed-up 4x4 looks, it is the first version of the 3008 to actually offer proper all-wheel drive.

Combining those electric motors with a 1.6-litre petrol engine gives the 3008 Hybrid4 an impressive total power output of 300ps and results in some pretty impressive performance, with the 0-62 sprint time coming up in a rapid 6.1 seconds, if you stick it in sport mode, and a top speed just shy of 150mph.

Those are hot hatch-like figures and this car feels genuinely punchy when you put your foot down, offering plenty of low-down pull and making light of overtaking, despite the occasional hesitancy of the otherwise inconspicuous eight-speed automatic transmission that comes as standard.

Such pace and power are, of course, not usually the priority for hybrid buyers, who are more interested in saving fuel and reducing emissions - and the 3008 Hybrid4 delivers impressively on these fronts too.

Official economy figures of a massive 235.4mpg are, of course, unrealistic in real-life driving conditions, but an electric-only range of up to 40 miles does mean that you could quite possibly do your commute or other daily pootling with little recourse to petrol power if you can charge the 13.2kWh battery every night.

This can be done from a domestic socket but a specially fitted unit is the recommended method, which will fully charge the battery in less than four hours - and half of that if you pay extra for an optional upgraded on-board charger.

Emissions, rated at just 31g/km, will make this an attractive motor for company car buyers due to the low tax status it garners - but this is somewhat negated for private purchases by the £43,500 starting price for Hybrid4 variants, which are only available in mid-range GT Line and flagship GT trim.

Front-wheel drive hybrid versions, incorporating just one electric motor, are available across a wider range of trims and at lower prices - but are not as fast.

From behind the wheel the Hybrid4 is a smooth and relaxing car to drive, without being overly engaging, which delivers a largely comfortable and refined ride. Handling is what you would expect of a fairly sizable SUV - although it does remain settled over most roads and does not lean excessively in bends.

The 4x4 system offers reassuringly solid grip and traction as well as peace of mind in more challenging conditions and some off-road capability.

The interior, especially in range-topping GT trim, is luxurious and well put-together, with Nappa leather upholstery and a range of high-quality finishes.

The now familiar tiny Peugeot steering wheel may be an acquired taste, but is designed to sit below, and allow an unhindered view of, the fully digital and configurable 12.3-inch i-Cockpit driver's display screen.

An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with a range of physical piano-key controls beneath offers access to most on-board functions, including an option to control how battery power is used or conserved.

Other kit in this flagship trim includes digital radio, Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, navigation, rearview camera, park assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection and lane keep assist systems.