The new Peugeot 2008 on test for Changing LanesRead Caroline’s Peugeot 2008 review for everything you need to know about Peugeot’s popular small SUV in Ireland.
Peugeot launches an all-new generation of the popular 2008 small SUV with a radical new design, new interior and a range of petrol and diesel engines. 2020 also saw the launch of the first ever electric 2008, the e-2008. Together with the 208 supermini, the Peugeot 2008 spearheads a new strategy for the brand. It allows customers to choose the powertrain that best suits their budget and lifestyle, without compromising style or practicality.
It’s a clever strategy. Things are beginning to change fast in the motor industry. The market now demands electrified powertrains including greater choice in hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. In 2020, Peugeot in Ireland made serious moves into this market with the launch of the e-208, e-2008, and 508 and 3008 plug-in hybrids. There are more exciting models to come. New facelifted versions of the equally popular 3008 and 5008 family SUVs are arriving in dealers now too, just in time for 211 registrations.
What’s so special about the Peugeot 2008
Peugeot revolutionised the design of their cars several years ago with new design language. The focus was around strong, confident lines, eye-catching lighting signatures and styling details inspired by premium vehicles. Now they are revolutionising what’s under the bonnet and how it is pitched to the customer.
The 208 supermini was the first new generation model in the Peugeot range to be launched giving customers the choice between petrol, diesel or electric. The platform the car is built on is designed from the start to be suitable for a combustion engine or electric powertrain.
Now Peugeot brings the same smorgasbord of choice to the 2008 compact SUV range.
The new Peugeot 2008 goes on sale in Ireland from €24,450Peugeot 2008 1.2 petrol review
In this review I’m taking a closer look at the Peugeot 2008 1.2-litre petrol with 130 hp. Earlier in the year I had the opportunity to drive the new Peugeot 2008 diesel, which impressed us for its long distance economy.
Yet petrol power still makes a lot of sense in these small crossovers. Many spend most of their time in low speed, urban driving. The 2008 petrol range starts from €24,450 and comes from the award-winning Puretech family of engines. In the 2008 it’s available with 100 hp, 130 hp or 155 hp, with a 6-speed manual or the option of 8-speed automatic (130 hp and 155 hp engine only). It’s a smooth and quiet engine that purrs away beautifully under the bonnet.
Yet compared to the diesel we drove earlier in the year (from €27,100), it will mean more time at the pumps. During our extended test drive over a few weeks we averaged 7.0 litres per 100 km. From January, motor tax will be €200 per year for this model.
The e-2008 uses a 50 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 310 km and retails from €31,262 including VRT relief and SEAI grant.
On the road, the 2008 has matured in terms of the comfort it offers occupants and the refinement of the drive, particularly in this petrol model. The suspension strikes a balance between decent handling ability and a compliant suspension. So it avoids the brittleness over bumps that can plague some compact crossovers. The compact steering wheel gives the car an added boost in low speed urban manoeuvres.
Strong confident stance for the new 2008What’s new for it?
In design the Peugeot 2008 has also matured and now looks more like a mini-3008. It has a great presence in the car park or on the road. Character defining lines, a striking LED light signature and strong confident grille. As you go up the trim levels, more bling gets added including larger alloys and roof rails, bringing the 2008 into premium territory.
Inside Peugeot has upped cabin quality and ironed out the finer details of the i-Cockpit arrangement. That’s the unique interior concept to Peugeot where you look over the compact steering wheel at the instrument binnacle. To your left, there is a slick looking touchscreen that connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2008 has increased in size somewhat so there is more room now inside the vehicle. You will certainly notice it in the rear, where there is more legroom making it one of the most generously sized of the compact SUVs. The boot is also a decent size (360 litres) with a practical flat loading sill. It’s definitely bigger inside than the 208. There are also two Isofix child seat fixtures in the rear.
Standard equipment includes 16” alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, LED headlights, front fog lamps, cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic headlights and wipers, and touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Inside the new Peugeot 2008Allure models (from €26,100) add items such as 17” alloys, passenger seat height adjustment, rear privacy glass and 3D effect i-Cockpit.
The GT model (from €30,280) adds heated front seats, 10” touchscreen, black roof, front parking sensors, high beam assist and contrasting lime stitching to the interior.
Did you like it?
The new Peugeot 2008 once again executes the compact SUV concept with a flourish that keeps it one of the most distinct of its class. Built to be practical and stylish, the new model will build on the success and customer base of the first. But with more maturity, refinement and style that makes it stand out.
Inside buyers will find a well appointed cabin and a decent small family car with generous kneeroom and a practical boot.
Granted the most desirable Allure and GT models do push the 2008 out of the budget side of the market. Yet they add considerable image and desirability to the popular French crossover in the process.
Equipment levels are good, even from entry. Peugeot truly offers something for everyone with a range of proven petrol and diesel engines, and of course the arrival of the e-2008. With electric cars having a bit of a moment right now, Peugeot has the compact side of the market covered.
The new 2008 is available in petrol, diesel or electricCaroline Kidd
Model tested: Peugeot 2008 GT 1.2 Puretech
Price: €30,280
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
Power: 130 hp
Torque: 230 Nm
0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 198 km/h
Fuel economy (WLTP): 5.5-5.6 l/100km
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 127 g/km
Motor Tax: €200 per year