Peugeot 2008 is the smallest of the three SUV models from the French carmaker and the first to feature the new multi-faceted grille that now headlines its larger 3008 and 5008 siblings.
Three variants are available, Allure, GT and GT Sport.
STYLING
We love the shared styling of the Peugeot SUVs especially the new large grille flanked by spectacular long, lightning bolt DRLs on either side. The 2008 Allure has a fairly conservative horizontal grille structure when compared to the lion’s claw vertical design of the GT and GT Sport.
All variants have LED headlights, with the GT and GT Sport having a spectacular three-claw design which is mirrored in the taillights.
Headlights are fully adaptive and with automatic high beam in the higher-spec variants.
Allure and GT roll on 17-inch Salamanca diamond cut alloy wheels, GT Sport steps up to 18-inch Evissa onyx black alloys.
INTERIOR
GT and GT Sport each have the option of a panoramic sunroof for $1900.
Premium materials for the seat and door trims include full-grain Nappa leather upholstery for GT Sport as standard and as a $2690 option in the GT. Allure and GT get fabric seats with leather effect.
The interior can be personalised with a choice of eight customisable LED mood lighting colours.
Rear seat space is on par with most compact SUVs. With the driver’s seat set at my preferred position I had about 10 cm of legroom in the rear seat and about the same above my head. There are three rear seatbelts but, again as is the norm, only two adults will travel in comfort.
Boot space with the rear seats in place is an impressive 434 litres, expanding to 1476 litres with the rear seats folded. There’s a useful modular boot floor that can be positioned in two levels, the upper position for easy flat boot lip unloading and level load bay when the seats are folded. In this position there’s a secure, hidden storage area. The lower position provides extra depth.
Beneath the boot is a space saver spare wheel.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Two engines are on offer each with three-cylinders and a 1.2-litre capacity but with different tune levels.
The PureTech 130 fitted to the 2008 Allure and GT develops 96 kilowatts (130 hp – hence the name) of power and 230 Newton metres of torque at 1750 rpm. It has a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
The PureTech 155 is powers the top-spec GT Sport, with outputs of 114 kilowatts (155 hp) and 240 Nm also at 1750 revs. Its auto is an eight-speeder.
There’s no AWD option in the 2008 however both variants come with Grip Control as standard. The system offers all-wheel drive on low-grip surfaces through the vehicle’s traction control system. It optimises traction according to the terrain by acting on the front wheels, the driver selecting options using a knob on the centre console.
SAFETY
Standard on the entry-level 2008 Allure are six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), active lane-departure warning, speed sign recognition, driver attention alert, distance warning alert, two ISOFIX child seat mountings, tyre pressure sensors, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
GT and GT Sport adds adaptive cruise control, low-light pedestrian and cyclist detection to the AEB, active blind spot monitoring, automatic high beam and front parking sensors.
GT Sport also comes with lane positioning assist.
INFOTAINMENT
The centre console-mounted infotainment system has a 7-inch colour touchscreen for Allure and 10-inch screen for GT and GT Sport which come with satellite navigation.
Below the screen are two rows of controls
The 3D i-Cockpit digital instrument panel is a masterpiece. It uses two screens one overlaid on top of the other and projects information in hologram form with the more important items such as driver alerts at the front.
All 2008 variants have four USB ports, two in the front and two in the rear. DAB digital radio, Siri voice control and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
GT and GT Sport also come with smartphone wireless charging.
DRIVING
We found the driver’s cockpit a bit cramped for lateral legroom and some of the many controls are difficult to get used to. But, as we often remind ourselves, we only drive cars a week at a time and owners will soon adapt.
Such criticisms were soon forgotten once we got underway. After being deprived of the opportunity to drive Peugeots for far too long we’d forgotten how much enjoyable driving they provide.
Our test car was the 96 kW Allure which provided the throaty sound that we’re getting to love as more and more three-cylinder engines arrive.
Handling has always been a strong point with Peugeot and although the 2008 is no sports car it clings to the road surprisingly well in almost car-like fashion without any loss in comfort.
Steering is relatively heavy but precise.
There is the choice of three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) but only with the 114-kW engine in the 2008 GT Sport.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is listed at 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged 6.9 L/100 km during our week behind the wheel of the Allure.
SUMMING UP
The recent switch of Australian importers has breathed new marketing life into Peugeot, always one of our favourite marques and one with a long history in this country. We’ve now tested all three of its SUVs and have been impressed with what each has to offer to its different type of potential buyers.
Like most of its many competitors in the compact SUV market the Peugeot 2008 is effectively a bulked-up hatchback, but one that has lost little of the hatch performance and handling in the process.
Starting from around $35,000 plus on-road costs it does sit on the upper end of the segment price range but there will be plenty of driving enthusiasts that will be tempted to fork out the extra bucks for a car that’s stands out from the crowd.
The new generation 2008 comes with Peugeot’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year Service Price Promise program.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
2008 Allure 1.2-litre turbo-petrol: $34,990
2008 GT 1.2-litre turbo-petrol: $38,990
2008 GT Sport 1.2-litre turbo-petrol: $43,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Peugeot 2008 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.199 litres
Configuration: Three cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 96 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 230 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 138 g/km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4300 mm
Wheelbase: 2605 mm
Width: 1770 mm
Height: 1550 mm
Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1247 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 44 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / Unlimited kilometres
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