New PEUGEOT 2008 SUV – Agility Redefined.

New Peugeot 2008 SUV – Agility Redefined.

Sales of small SUVs have rocketed in the last few years, so it is little wonder that the Peugeot 2008 has become one of the French brand’s most important models. The original 2008 replaced the Peugeot 207 SW (Station Wagon) in 2013, and went on to sell over 1-million units in the intervening years. Peugeot launched the second generation of their small SUV in 2020, and with it came a huge leap forward in terms of style, safety, infotainment, engine technology, and overall build quality. A more daring exterior design than its predecessor really set the new 2008 apart from the small SUV crowd, while the striking cabin of the car put most of its rivals to shame. Peugeot has now launched a refreshed 2008 that raises the bar even further in all essential areas.

Trim Levels;

In a similar fashion to the smaller 208, the 2008 is offered in Active, Allure, and GT trim levels. Equipment is very generous across all levels, with even the entry-level Active version getting 16-inch wheels, automatic air conditioning, Visio Park 1 (180-degree colour reversing camera), electric door mirrors (heated & foldable), push button start, Eco LED headlights and Peugeot’s amazing i-Cockpit™ with a 3.5” colour instrument display, and a 10” capacitive colour touchscreen with Wireless Mirror Screen – (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), along with a host of active and passive safety systems.

Ultra-Modern Design;

While the original 2008 possessed curvy, smooth lines, the latest model is far more angular, taking design cues from the larger Peugeot 3008 SUV – a former Irish & European Car of the Year winner. The front end styling of the new 2008 incorporates a face that features Peugeot’s new ‘shield logo’ and its latest three-bar lighting signature. Also present are vertical LED strip lights that are integrated into gloss-black bumper inserts. The front grille has been redesigned with a dynamic new ‘lateral’ pattern effect, and all but Active trim feature body-coloured elements for enhanced visual drama. The rear of the 2008 benefits from redesigned LED tail-lights in a horizontal position, as opposed to the 3-claw effect in the pre-facelift car, and the car looks rugged and robust from every angle. The 2008’s interior design hasn’t changed that much, as it was pretty much perfect as it was, but all trim levels now come with a 10-inch touchscreen that is angled towards the driver for ease of clarity. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard across the range.  Build quality throughout the cabin is excellent, with ample use of soft materials on visible surfaces providing a premium feel, and flourishes like the piano keys in the middle of the dashboard not only look great, but they are also very user-friendly too.

Petrol, Mild Hybrid or Electric Power;

The platform underpinning the new 2008 (along with its 208 supermini sibling) supports petrol, mild hybrid and all-electric power. A 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol engine (with stop/start technology) is available with a choice of 100 or 130bhp – both of which are paired to a six-speed manual transmission and are only available in Active and Allure trim grades, while the 1.2-litre mild hybrid petrol engine produces 136bhp, with power delivered to the cars’ front wheels via a six-speed (e-DCS6) automatic transmission in Allure and GT trim grades. The fully-electric e-2008 SUV is available in all three trim grades.

On The Road;

My test car was a new Peugeot 2008 Allure 1.2-litre PureTech (petrol) 6-speed manual and was finished in gorgeous Vertigo Blue metallic paint. Producing 130bhp and 230Nm of peak torque, the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 8.9-seconds, while a top speed of 205km/h can be achieved (where permitted). Fuel economy is equally impressive, with as little as 6.0 litres of fuel being consumed for every 100kms driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle, while annual road tax is just €200. On the road, the 2008 handles neatly and securely with minimal body roll in corners, while the high set driving position and large glass areas ensure excellent visibility. Refinement is strong overall, and the 2008’s admirable suspension set-up does a great job of coping with humps and bumps in the road. The cars’ slick manual gearbox is a joy to use, and contributes to making the new 2008 the super-smooth small SUV that it is, while front & rear parking sensors, along with a 180-degree Visio Park HD rear view camera make light work of parking in a crowded supermarket car park. Its composed handling characteristics and excellent driving dynamics provide the car with great agility through bends, and its fluid steering feel and function make it easy to place on the road. Standard Allure specification includes 17” ‘Karakoy’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, gloss black B-pillar, gloss black roof bars, gloss black light rear cluster connecting strip, automatic air-conditioning, high centre console with armrest & electric parking brake, heated electrically operated door mirrors with power fold functionality, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit™: HD capacitive colour touchscreen with 3D connected navigation, two-position modular boot floor, tri-material upholstery (fabric, leather effect and cloth trim) with Quartz stitch detail, front passenger seat with height adjustment, and rear privacy glass. As before, the interior of the new 2008 sees the instruments sit above the dashboard, with a small and sporty steering wheel beneath them. With plenty of adjustment options for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, it is easy to find a perfect driving position. Build quality within the entire cabin is exceptional, with a sharp design and comfortable seats marking the new 2008 out as a car that tends to make many of its rivals look dated in comparison. The impressive 434-litres of boot space with the rear seats in place can be expanded to a huge 1,467mm when the rear seat backs are folded, thereby offering terrific practicality, while 32-litres of storage space distributed throughout the cabin will prove beneficial for small items, such as drinks or snacks that passenger carry with them.

Verdict & Pricing;

The Peugeot 2008 has been one of the most popular small SUVs on the market since the current generation was launched in 2020, and the recent updates have made it more desirable than ever. The refreshed Peugeot 2008 SUV is available now, with prices starting at just €31,040 (ex-delivery). A 5-year/100,000km warranty comes as standard.

Visit www.peugeot.ie for further information.