The new Peugeot 2008 is now on sale in IrelandRead Caroline’s Peugeot 2008 Allure review for a definitive verdict on Peugeot’s popular compact crossover in Ireland.
The new generation Peugeot 2008 arrived in Ireland in 2020, the follow up to the newly launched 208 in Peugeot’s range of compacts. The 2008 small SUV is arguably a bigger star than the 208 supermini from which it was first derived back in 2013, and still shares much of the same DNA that has seen the 208 quickly become an award-winner – bold design, innovative interior and multi energy platform that means customers can choose from petrol, diesel or electric.
What’s so hot about the Peugeot 2008 small SUV?
The 2008 was an all new model for the brand in the burgeoning compact crossover segment at launch in 2013. It arrived in Ireland at a time when this trend was taking off and became part of Peugeot’s growing SUV family alongside the larger 3008 and 5008. Together these three drove significant growth for the French brand in Ireland. And in the compact segment the Peugeot 2008 struck the right chord with Irish buyers on price, styling, equipment, running costs and practicality.
In 2020, compact crossovers and small SUVs have become unashamedly part of Irish life. So naturally at Changing Lanes we were excited to meet generation 2 of the Peugeot 2008.
The new range kicks off in Ireland at €27,420. Petrol and diesel feature, as well as an all-new e-2008 with electric powertrain. These are exciting times for Peugeot with a growing electrified range. 2020 has already seen the launch of the Peugeot e-208, along with 3008 and 508 plug-in hybrids.
Yet the Peugeot must still deliver a lot to a lot of people in this sweet spot of the market. It’s against this backdrop we meet again and review the all-new Peugeot 2008!
Glorious SUV style and presence is the name of the 2008’s gameWhat does it look like?
Peugeot has hit its stride when it comes to design, and the 2008 bears all the wondrous design of the current generation of vehicles from the French brand.
The 2008 has clearly grown up inhabiting a new skin more akin to a mini-3008. In fact unless you are a Peugeot design expert you could easily mistake one for the other. That’s a triumph for designers and the 2008 wears its proportions exceptionally well. It’s equal parts neat and purposeful.
It seems silly even to compare it any more to the 208 as these now are two very distinct looking vehicles. The 2020 Peugeot 2008 frankly looks like nothing else on the road, save for another Peugeot SUV. There are character defining lines all over the car, a large confident front grille bearing the Peugeot lion, and at the rear we see the bold black strip and LED light claw effect that has become a key feature of the brand’s latest models.
Even entry models get LED headlights and alloys. Allure models add roof bars and 17″ alloys, while GT Line models have a sportier appearance.
Inside the 2020 Peugeot 2008What’s it like inside?
The Peugeot brand has been on a bid to move upmarket in recent years and it’s great to see even the compact models in the Peugeot range all onboard for this. The quality of the cabin is excellent in the 2008. You close the door and feel nicely cocooned in a mature feeling vehicle.
A compact steering wheel sits before you with the digital driver’s instrument panel set above it. To your left you will find the touchscreen with elegant piano style shortcut buttons underneath. This is the Peugeot i-Cockpit. It’s unique for the segment and sits well in the 2008.
Practicality is also on the agenda for the 2008. What results is a nicely sized car for this segment – in fact it’s one of the best performing. We were impressed with the rear legroom, size of the footwells and headroom once the doors are closed. Whereas this is a sticky point in the new Peugeot 208, buyers will find a much more accommodating family vehicle in the 2008. Of course you do pay a premium for the 2008 so it’s good news that it is a more spacious vehicle. There are also two Isofix child seat fixtures in the rear.
The Peugeot 2008 is also versatile with a two position boot floor on this Allure model. This means that you can position the boot floor in a way that gives you a flat loading area or you can slip it into the very base of the boot to exploit all 360 litres of space available. Peugeot Ireland also includes a spare wheel as standard.
Boot space in the new Peugeot 2008What’s the range like in Ireland?
In Ireland the new Peugeot 2008 is offered in three trim levels – Active, Allure, and GT. The Active model kicks off from €27,420 for what is a well-equipped car – 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.
The model I had on test was a 2008 Allure, available from €29,420. Equipment highlights include 3D instrument panel, 17” alloy wheels, roof bars, electric folding door mirrors, front parking sensors, rear privacy glass, automatic climate control, passenger seat height adjustment and electric parking brake
The petrol range kicks off at €27,420 for a 1.2-litre PureTech turbo petrol unit with 100 hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The same engine is also available with 130 hp or 155 hp and an 8-speed automatic gearbox depending on trim.
Diesel cars are available from €30,415 in the form of a 1.5-litre BlueHDi with 100 hp and a 6-speed manual.
The new e-2008 is available from €32,925. It uses a 50 kWh battery with a power output of 136 hp.
The new 2008 is built on a multi energy platform – choose from petrol, diesel or electricDriving the new Peugeot 2008
My test car was powered by the 1.5-litre diesel, which is a star performer in terms of economy. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 4.8 litres per 100 km, while motor tax is €180 per year for this model. It’s also relatively civilised – though the petrol models will be quieter. With 100 hp and a healthy amount of torque available you can make decent progress with 0 to 100 km/h completed in 10.2 seconds.
On the road the Peugeot 2008 brings hatchback-style driving behaviour and character to the small SUV class. The seating position is slightly raised in the style of a crossover. However you always feel at one with the car, and the cabin fits snugly around you. This is a lovely car to drive, with nice handling and steering. It’s not sporty but it is enjoyable to drive. It feels refined and mature on the road, with a comfortable ride that takes it easily from town to motorway.
Did you like it?
The Peugeot 2008 is a very successful compact crossover. In generation 2, it’s more appealing with an individual design and improved quality. It’s an attractive prospect within the Peugeot SUV range, being compact, good to drive and practical.
An upmarket interior and quality build means than Peugeot can hit the market at a higher end without any fingers wagging. The 2008 is not the cheapest in the segment but entry level cars still offer great value with good specification.
Choice is another top feature of the Peugeot 2008 range with modern petrols, efficient diesel and the first ever electric e-2008. The diesel offers good economy and is relatively refined for this class of vehicle, yet the petrol engines will offer a quieter cabin experience.
This is another great car from Peugeot offering space, equipment and choice. The 2008 has matured into a fantastic looking small SUV that should have the competition watching closely.
The 2008 has matured into a fantastic small SUVCaroline Kidd
Model tested: Peugeot 2008 Allure 1.5 BlueHDi
Price: €32,275
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel
Power: 100 hp
Torque: 250 Nm
0-100km/h: 10.2 seconds
Top speed: 185 km/h
Fuel economy (WLTP): 4.5-4.6 l/100km
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 118-120g/100km
Motor Tax: €180 per year