Used SUVs tested: Nissan Qashqai vs Peugeot 3008 vs Skoda Yeti
These three family-friendly SUVs are all a manageable size and easy to drive. But which makes the best used buy?...
Our Verdict
Each one of these cars does something brilliantly. In the case of the Peugeot, it’s inside, where that ingenious boot and classy cabin make it a pleasure to live with. Choose a different version – we recommend the 1.6 THP 156 Sport, which gets you the Dynamic Ride Control – and you’ll be able to enjoy those great attributes without suffering the crashy ride and slow-witted semi-automatic gearbox that blight this e-HDi model.
For all that, the 3008 is the cheapest car here, so if budget is key, it’s worth a look. But don’t forget that you also get the stingiest amount of kit and that you’ll have to live with higher fuel consumption and tax costs. True, you could choose the more common Active or Allure versions, which have more equipment – but then you’d also bump up the price, so diminishing the Peugeot’s advantage here.
The two remaining cars are both more expensive, but we feel either one of them is worth the extra outlay. Were this test solely about space and practicality, the Skoda Yeti would win, because its massive luggage area and flexible rear seating are ideally suited to family life. The Skoda is also more generously equipped than the Nissan, and it’s surprisingly agile for such a high-sided car, too.
Unfortunately, this Greenline version is badly compromised in the pursuit of low carbon dioxide emissions; overly long gearing makes it frustrating to drive at low speeds, and it’s too noisy.
That means the Nissan Qashqai is still our winner, thanks to its roomy interior, a fine driving position and a comfortable ride. And even in this entry-level form it has all the equipment that most buyers will want.
Granted, it’s no cheaper than the Skoda, which actually offers more for the money, but the Qashqai makes up the difference by being quieter and more comfortable. That it manages to drop into the £30 tax bracket without compromising on its driving experience is also vastly to its credit. Five years ago, the original was still the best; today, as a used car, that remains true.
Read our review of the latest Nissan Qashqai
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For Strong engine; cushy ride; low running costs; fine driving position
Against Smallest boot; so-so interior quality
Verdict Even five years on, the Qashqai still rules the roost
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used Nissan Qashqai review
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2nd – Skoda Yeti
For Enormous boot; flexible seating; well equipped; handles well
Against Overly long gearing; inflexible engine; noisy; unsettled ride
Verdict Brilliant in some areas, but disappointing in others
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Skoda Yeti review
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3rd – Peugeot 3008
For Cheapest to buy; big, clever boot; classy dashboard; quiet on the move
Against Slow-witted gearbox; stingy kit; crashy ride; tight rear leg room; highest emissions
Verdict Not bad, but there are much better versions of the 3008
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Peugeot 3008 review
Find a used Peugeot 3008 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi 130 Visia S/S
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £19,695
Price today £8000
Power 128bhp
Torque 236lb ft
0-60mph 10.3sec
Top speed 116mph
Fuel economy 62.8mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 119g/km
Specifications: Skoda Yeti 1.6 TDI Greenline II SE
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £18,505
Price today £8000
Power 103bhp
Torque 184lb ft
0-60mph 11.8sec
Top speed 107mph
Fuel economy 61.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 119g/km
Specifications: Peugeot 3008 1.6 e-HDi Access EGC
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £19,845
Price today £6500
Power 110bhp
Torque 199lb ft
0-60mph 12.8sec
Top speed 109mph
Fuel economy 60.1mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 122g/km
Price today based on a 2012 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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