Peugeot continues the renaissance with the 2008
In the last two or three years you’d have to say that Peugeot are on something of a renaissance as their last few creations which include the 3008, the 508 and most recently the 208 not only have bags of style but also the substance to back them up. The latest model to continue the brand’s transformation is the 2008.
The 2008 really is a car that Peugeot needs to get right due to the fact that the compact SUV class is inundated with multitalented cars, there’s a lot of competition. So, is the 2008 any good? Well it will need to be if it’s going to steal sales from rivals such as the Nissan Juke, the Renault Captur and even the hugely impressive Skoda Kamiq.
The 2008 is the latest in a series of PSA releases to use the brand’s common modular platform - CMP. Not only is CMP versatile enough to come in three different wheel bases but it’s also able to house both combustion driven and electrified power trains. It was first seen in the Peugeot 208 but whereas the supermini turned out pretty and elegant the 2008 is just a little more wacky looking. The side is covered in mad angles and sharp creases while the front has a sort of slightly goofy face. The best view is definitely at the back where it’s like a smaller and sharper version of the Peugeot 3008. A flat bonnet and chunky wheel arches are all very SUV but it’s on the inside that the 2008 really looks its stylish best.
Sit inside the 2008 and it really doesn’t feel like any other car in its class. In fact, it makes rivals cars such as the Volkswagen T Cross look so dull and uninspiring. Not only do you get stylish piano keys to control things like the venting and window heating but there’s lots of soft touch plastics everywhere. It’s just a really cool place to sit in. Our favourite thing inside the 2008 has to be the digital dials. They have a really cool 3d effect which is created by layering two screens on top of each other and really do look stunning. It’s just a shame that you may have trouble seeing them as if you put the steering wheel where you want then the top of the rim can block the view. Of course this all depends on your build and how you like to sit so some people will love it while others will struggle to get along with it. This isn’t the only thing that’s not quite right ergonomically in here either. Unfortunately, the infotainment system isn’t the easiest thing to work your way around. For example, you have to fiddle about with it just to adjust the temperature which can be a real pain. Peugeot have improved and refined the layout by adding a couple of touch-sensitive shortcuts just behind the piano keys but it’s still not as easy to use as the physical dials that Renault have kept in the Captur.
The wheels base in the 2008 is 65 millimetres longer than the 208 hatchback and you’ll really notice this difference when you sit in the back. The general leg room is generous and there’s lots of foot room under the front seats too. You’d have to say it’s pretty spacious at the back even though there’s a little hump in the centre of the floor. It’s just a pity that Peugeot don’t provide a sliding rear bench as you see in the Renault Captur. As for practicality you get three IsoFix points and one on the front passenger seat meaning it’s a great option for young families. Kids can even keep their devices topped up via a couple of handy USB ports. At 434 litres the 3008’s boot is pretty roomy too. However, rivals that have a sliding rear bench, like the Renault Captur, can offer you more if you’re willing to sacrifice leg room.
What versatility this car lacks on the inside is certainly made up for under the bonnet. The 2008 is quite an unusual car in its class as it’s one of the only cars that comes with a choice of petrol, diesel and electric power trains. The car we tested is going to be the only diesel option in the UK, a 1.5 litre with 99 brake horse power (bhp). If we had to sum up this engine then we’d have to simply say it’s not bad at all. It’s smooth, the power delivery is nice and it proves very frugal too. As well as the diesel there’s also three petrol engines to choose from and offer 99, 128 and 153 bhp. After driving the two more powerful options it seems that the 128 bhp version has got more than enough shove and would therefore be the one that we’d recommend. However, the all-electric e2008 is probably the nicest to drive of the bunch. It pushes out 134 bhp from a single motor while its instant torque and smooth delivery make it the easiest and most relaxing model to drive. Its power is drawn from a 50 kilowatt hour battery which is good for a 199 mile range on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Using a 100 kilowatt rapid charger it’s possible to top up the battery from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes. Whichever version you pick the 2008 feels a pretty smart car to drive.
Back in the 90s and 80s Peugeot always had a reputation for producing cars that delivered a really smart balance between ride and handling. Unfortunately, they did lose their way for a little while but fast forward to 2020 and the 2008 is pretty tidy to drive. Ok, it’s not quite the sharpest handling car to drive in its class and one or two others are possibly just a little more comfy. However, it pretty much comes top of the class in both areas. One thing that’s worth noting is that on a motorway run the 2008 seems to suffer from quite a bit of wind noise around the door mirrors and A-pillar but overall it’s still a pretty relaxing car to drive over long distances.
The Peugeot 2008 will eventually come in four trim levels. Firstly, there’s the Active, secondly the Allure, then GT Line and finally GT which all come with plenty of kit. The GT Line model gets 18 inch alloys, LED headlights, half leather upholstery, heated front seats and interior ambient lighting as standard. Buyers will also get the glorious digital instrument pinnacle, that’s if you can see it, and a 10 inch touchscreen infotainment system with built in sat-nav, a reversing camera and both Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
Peugeot appears to have provided buyers with a great package in the form of the 2008. With the huge space on offer, the stylish cabin and appealing engine line up we think it’s a car that’s among the best compact SUVs on the market. Peugeot, therefore it seems, are still heading in the right direction. If you’re interested in taking a look at some used Peugeot 2008 cars for sale then head to DesperateSeller.co.uk to start your search.
