Highlights
- Comfortable yet fun to drive
- Spacious interior
- Very stylish
- Loads of technology
Introduction
Peugeot is on something of a roll at the moment.
Traditionally it's taken on mainstream producers like Ford, VW, Vauxhall, and Renault, but now the French firm seems to have loftier ambitions with quality more usually found in the executive market.
The designs are pretty stunning, from the 208 right up to the 508 and all the double SUVs in between, with the latest 2008 being something of a showstopper. It features a high-quality finish you'd normally expect in a premium model.
The latest compact SUV features bold, angular styling with a large grille flanked by smart headlight clusters and flared air scoops below. The rear has an eye-catching look with a full width light bar housing the ‘cat’s claw’ style rear lights. There's also tinted glass on the side and rear.
Interior and Practicality
The 2008's interior has the kind of upmarket feel you would associate more with German executive motors, offering plenty of space, high levels of equipment and fixtures and finishes to match anything in its class.
High in quality, the interior features a soft touch finish, a sculpted dash, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit that includes a large digital touchscreen which controls major functions such as sound, sat nav, climate and connectivity for smartphones. It also features ‘piano’ key-style toggle switches for main functions and the now familiar smaller multi-function steering wheel.
The interior is light and roomy with plenty of glass areas and can accommodate four adults who all have reasonable head and legroom.
Bill McCarthy
The boot is one of the biggest in the segment, with 434 litres. It also has a modular split floor and for extra storage space, the rear seats fold to offer a maximum space of 1,467 litres. The boot level is at a good height to allow for easier loading.
Equipment
Equipment includes voice recognition for various functions and a smartphone charging plate. All are well-equipped with this model offering ambient lighting, auto air conditioning, powered door mirrors, heated front seats, chromatic mirror, automatic headlights and wipers, and plenty more, including a high-quality sound system.
It comes in three trim levels, Active, Allure GT Line, and GT and various powertrains including PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesels, as well as an all-electric version.
The Peugeot 2008 is also packed with safety kit, which includes a full complement of airbags, assisted braking and stability control, enhanced braking features, exterior temperature indicator with ice warning, blind spot monitoring.
Driving Experience
A surprisingly gutsy, but economical 1.2 litre 3-cylinder Pure Tech engine was tested, mated to an 8-speed auto box.
On the road, the petrol engine proved a lively performer, hitting 62mph in under 10.0 seconds. The throaty rasp of the 3-cylinder unit adds a sporty dimension, too.
Economy is good, with real world consumption of around 47mpg. Despite sitting higher off the road, the car feels nimble enough while the ride is slightly firm, but not uncomfortable. It proved a good long-distance cruiser, sitting comfortably at higher motorway speeds, with road and wind noise at a minimum.
Summary
Those in the market for a small SUV that offers plenty of style and finesse will like the look of the Peugeot 2008 GT Line. On the road, it's both fun to drive and comfortable, whilst the practicality and technology on offer is impressive too, ensuring the 2008 is a top option.
