PEUGEOT'S electrified or Low Emissions Vehicles (LEVs) accounted for just over 11 per cent of the brand's total UK sales in 2020, helped by the award-winning fully electric e-208, as well as the launch of the new e-2008 and 3008 Hybrid models.

In fact, there are two hybrid versions of the SUV - the Hybrid4 300 e-EAT8 features a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors for a combined power output of 296bhp and up to 40 miles of zero-emissions driving - if you keep the battery charged up - and the lower-powered, two-wheel drive Hybrid 225 e-EAT8.

Both are plug-in hybrid models featuring a 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery and come with two types of on-board chargers.

A 3.7kW single-phase on-board charger is included as standard, with a full charge taking three hours and 45 minutes, while an optional 7.4kWon board charger is also available. A full charge using a 7.4kW Wall Box will take just one hour and 45 minutes.

Because of those two electric motors, not only is 296bhp the result, but maximum torque is a hefty 520Nm. This means the 3008 Hybrid4 is fast as well as potentially frugal. Put your foot down and it takes off like the proverbial scalded kitty.

However, there's a but. The battery adds weight - around 340kg - meaning the hybrid SUV feels a lot less agile through corners than its conventionally-powered siblings. That said, its handling is extremely tidy and there's little noticeable body roll through corners.

With only the electric motors engaged the 3008 feels smooth and incredibly relaxing to drive. It's comfortable too with a lovely ride quality. Under hard acceleration, the 1.6-litre petrol engine can be a little noisy but when cruising on major roads it is quiet and refined. The driving position is excellent, the front seat comfortable and supportive.

Obviously, to get even close to the headline fuel economy figure of 235mpg, you will need to charge up the 3008 constantly. Once I exhausted the battery, I managed 34.8mpg.

Again, because of the battery, the fuel tank is 10 litres smaller, and boot space is down from 520 to 395 litres, though there's a dedicated 25-litre space for the charging cable under the boot floor.

However, because its design was created from the outset to accommodate battery power, there's no compromise in rear seat accommodation and a couple of adults will be quite comfortable in the 3008 Hybrids.

From start-up, the car defaults to silent Electric mode, while Hybrid leaves the car to work out the best way to use both petrol and electric energy in the most efficient manner possible.

As well as Sport mode, there's also a proper four-wheel-drive setting, which, in addition to a hill descent control system, means the 3008 SUV can tackle some reasonably difficult off-road terrain.

The hybrids are available in three different flavours - Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium. All come with Peugeot's easy-to-use, next generation digital i-Cockpit technology with a 12.3-inch digital head-up instrument panel, and a 10-inch capacitive colour touchscreen.

This comes with seven elegant piano ‘toggle switches' providing direct access to main control functions, including the radio, satnav and vehicle settings. Hybrid variants feature a specific button to access information relating to the electric powertrain.

All also come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Screen as standard, and there are two new USB sockets installed for rear passengers to use.

Allure Premium comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, dual zone air-conditioning, front and rear parking aid, electrically folding mirrors, aluminium roof rails, folding passenger seat and ambient lighting. The sporty looking GT adds black alloys, black roof, adaptive cruise control, full LED headlights, lane control assist, and Alcantara and leather effect seat trim.