When some car manufacturers introduce a new design language to the range it can often work perfectly on the launch vehicle, but look dissapointing when applied to a smaller vehicle. Thankfully this is not the case with Peugeot. The 3008 SUV was, and still is, an incredible looking vehicle but it also gave us a first glimpse at the styling that would be rolled out across the range. I was never worried about the 5008 SUV because its large proportions would no doubt suit the new angular styling but never did I think the baby 2008 SUV could look so good. With a striking, robust front end and signature lighting, the new 2008 SUV is longer and wider than its predecessor and so much better looking! Measuring 4.3m long, 1.77m wide and 1.55m high, the new Peugeot 2008 SUV can swallow 1,467 litres of milk in the boot, even with an electric battery in place. Peugeot have cleverly positioned the battery under the floor of the all-new e-2008 SUV, so there’s no compromise to space if that’s the power option you decide to choose.

Features

Like all current Peugeots the trim level kicks off with Active priced from €25,490 but for us it’s the Allure priced at €27,180 that our money would be on. Featuring the latest-generation Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit with a configurable 3D instrument panel display, central front armrest, electric / heated / power folding door mirrors, front parking sensors, an electro-chrome rear view mirror, privacy glass, automatic climate control, passenger seat height adjustment, electric parking brake, 2 position boot floor, roof bars and 17-inch alloy wheels. If your budget can stretch to €31,440 for the GT you can enjoy the additions of heated front seats, a 10-inch touchscreen with sat nav, dark chrome chequered grille, twin chrome exhaust, a black diamond roof and rear spoiler, LED mood lighting, full LED headlamps with Smartbeam Assist, LED front fog lamps with cornering function, frameless interior rear view mirror and Active Safety Brake. To be honest this is probably all the spec you will ever need but Peugeot have also added Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Positioning Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitoring, smartphone charging plate, Alcantara upholstery and18-inch alloy wheels. This is one stacked little SUV.

Power

Up Front to the business end of the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV and buyers will be faced with a choice of four PureTech petrol engines to include a 1.2 PureTech 100bhp 6-speed manual, a 1.2 PureTech 130bhp 6-speed manual, a 1.2 PureTech 130bhp 8-speed automatic and a 1.2 PureTech 155bhp 8-speed automatic. The diesel offering is the tried and tested super frugal 1.5 BlueHDi 100bhp 6-speed manual. As a sign of the times we now live in, Peugeot have also cleverly introduced the e-2008 SUV which became the brand’s first fully electric SUV. This slice of the future is powered by a 50kWh battery with a 136hp motor giving you a range of up to 310kms from a full charge. This is where we urge you to calculate your commute and figure out what engine most suits your needs.

Safety

Never have Peugoet left buyers wanting in the safety stakes and things are no different with the 2008. Standard specification across the range includes 6 airbags, ESP with Hill Start Assist, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, eco LED headlights, front fog lamps, rear full LED 3D claw-effect lights, Programmable Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, automatic headlights and wipers, two ISOFIX child seat fittings and child locking on rear doors. Buyers will also benefit from the i-Cockpit, featuring a compact multi-function steering wheel, heads up instrument panel and touchscreen, while Bluetooth, Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard across all versions.

Costs

Prices are currently starting from €25,490 plus delivery related charges for the Active 1.2 PureTech petrol 100bhp model and from €28,450 plus delivery for the Active 1.5 BlueHDi 100bhp model. The full electric e-2008 SUV pricing starts at €31,997 in Active trim and all models rise depending on trim specification.

Summary

It’s hard to believe the 2008 SUV was first launched in 2013. What’s not hard to believe is the fact that it has sold more than one million units. With this new-generation model, Peugeot have a single aim to remain the leader of the SUV market in Europe. They now have quality offerings in each category and if you fancy entering into baby SUV territory, then you would be crazy not to test-drive the 2008. Our test vehicle had the 130hp 1.2 litre petrol engine in Allure specification and it was a pleasure to live with. The extra 30bhp over the entry 100hp engine brings the price up to €28,910 but we believe its worth it if you do any motorway mileage. Space is decent even for four adults and the handling is more car like, than SUV. Some small SUV’s or crossovers struggle with cornering as the centre of gravity has been lifted for that SUV/Off Road look. This is not the case on the 2008 and it negotiates even the twistiest of back roads with ease. On our 7 days spent with the 2008, we averaged 6.4 litres of fuel per 100km, which incorporated mainly motorway driving and a little jaunt up the Wicklow Mountains for filming. Some vehicles are just that bit harder to give back than others and we certainly have a soft spot for the 2008.

For

Design

Interior

Comfort

 

Against

Steering wheel position.