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Independent review by Maxine Ashford

5-minute read

Design and Technology

There's a large grille with a choice of designs according to trim, Peugeot’s signature 3-claw-effect front and back lights are now connected at the rear by a gloss black bar with the Peugeot name shining bright.

And, depending on trim, there are the likes of black pillars, chrome trim, privacy glass, and striking alloy wheels to complete the look.

Move inside and the new 2008 is thoroughly modern in its design and layout, with a very driver-focused cockpit along with a wealth of technology to explore.

The car features the latest Peugeot 3D i-cockpit with a compact steering wheel, 3.5-inch configurable 3D digital head-up display with hologram technology from Allure upwards, along with full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, wireless charging, sat nav with European mapping and plenty more besides.

Despite the car receiving four out of five stars for safety when tested for its Euro NCAP score, the 2008 does come fully loaded with safety features and driver aids, with extra systems being introduced as you step up through the trim grades.

Safety equipment includes lane keeping assist, anti-lock brakes with electronic braking distribution and emergency braking assistance, driver attention warning, along with some optional extras such as a Drive Assist Pack with adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring plus a semi auto park assist system.

Practicality

The 5-door model is longer than the previous generation 2008, measuring 4.3 metres in length, and that means extra space inside.

In fact, there's ample room in the back of the car for a trio of passengers to sit comfortably with plenty of leg, elbow, and headspace.

When it comes to storage, the 2008 needs to be versatile and practical with so much competition in the compact SUV sector, and it delivers on all counts.

The boot can carry 434 litres of kit – a limit that increases to 1,467 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat. And there are numerous convenient storage options throughout the car, including a glovebox, central bin, door pockets, cup holders, and some handy trays.

Driving Experience

Powering the new 2008 are 3-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines with up to 155bhp and a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmissions.

For anyone who favours diesel engines, the 2008 is also available with a 1.5-litre 100bhp engine matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The tested car completed the 0 to 62mph dash in 8.9 seconds and maxed out at 122mph. According to official WLTP figures, it can deliver combined fuel economy of 43 to 51mpg, with carbon emissions of 103g/km.

In town centre traffic, the 2008 felt nicely agile with light steering for lots of twists and turns. Then on the faster B roads and country lanes, it was well-balanced with good levels of grip, meaning bends could be attacked with confidence.
Maxine Ashford

The acceleration through the gears is both smooth and responsive and there's a constant stream of power on tap from the 3-cylinder engine which helps make light work of overtaking slower moving traffic.

The car was sitting on 18-inch alloy wheels, which are the largest available. This does mean the ride quality is slightly less forgiving over bumps and dips, but the wheels do look really stunning.

The elevated driving position results in good all-round visibility, although wide B pillars slightly obscure the over-the-shoulder view at times.

Summary

All in all, the latest Peugeot 2008 has really upped the stakes in the compact SUV sector. It looks modern and dynamic, drives well, is packed with all the latest technology, and features a price-tag that won’t scare off potential buyers.

Peugeot has a new slogan called ‘Unboring the Future’ and if the new 2008 is anything to go by, there are exciting times ahead.