The Peugeot 4008 is a compact SUV and was the French marque’s first entrant in this segment when it was launched in Australia in June 2012. It appeals to those who want a vehicle that’s European rather than Asian.
However, it’s a joint venture between Peugeot and Mitsubishi and is made in a Japanese factory
Peugeot 4008 and Mitsubishi ASX have quite a different appearance. The roofs and doors are the same in both vehicles, but other panels are different and there’s certainly French flair in the Peugeot.
Interior space in is about par for the course in its class. There is reasonable rear headroom despite the dipping roofline. The back seats are really only suitable for two adults or three pre-teen children. There’s borderline rear legroom behind the driver when their front seat is adjusted well back.
Boot capacity is a useful 416 litres, this expands to 1193 litres with the rear seatbacks folded. Versatility is good as there’s a centre ski hatch. The 4008 has a relatively high loading height, so check for yourself if you’re going to lifting heavy items in there.
The 4008 is only offered in Australia with a 2.0-litre petrol engine (110 kW / 197 Nm) which comes as a surprise as Peugeot has been strong in diesels in this country for many years. Though it’s perhaps not such a surprise when you learn the diesel came only with a manual gearbox.
The petrol engine has sufficient performance for most uses, but can struggle at times with a load on board and climbing hills. If that describes your normal driving you may care to bring the family along on your pre-purchase road test.
Peugeot 4008 Active comes with 2WD or AWD and a choice between a five-speed manual or CVT auto. The 4008 Allure is AWD and CVT only.
The Peugeot 4008 AWD models have three transmission settings: 2WD for urban conditions and lower fuel consumption, 4WD with electronically controlled torque distribution between the front and rear axles, and 4WD Lock for conditions that require maximum grip. Not that we have ever seen a Peugeot off-road…
The suspension compromise tends more towards the firm than the soft which will attract the driving enthusiast but it’s not so harsh as to deter the average commuter if they are on some rough and ready roads at times.
Peugeot hasn’t had a lot of success in Australia over the past decade. The recent change of importers to Inchcape (best known from bringing in Subarus), may change that situation. In the meantime, check that there are Peugeot dealers in your neighbourhood, if not you may be making long trips for service, repairs and spares.
On the subject of spares we haven’t heard any major complaints about either price or availability.
Insurance premiums tend to vary a fair bit from company to company, which isn’t unusual on a vehicle that’s not sold in large numbers. As always, shop around and be sure you’re comparing apples with apples.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Built to a high standard by Mitsubishi the Peugeot 4008 is generally trouble free. However, have a professional look it over after you’ve done an inspection to the best of your ability.
Make sure the recall for tailgate gas springs in pre 2016 models has been carried out. If not the ‘gate may not be held up correctly.
Check the windscreen washers work, some seized up in older Peugeot 4008s.
A manual gearbox should be free and easy during changes. If it’s hard to shift and is noisy during changes be wary as the 4008 could have led a hard life with a bad driver.
Look over the interior for signs of hard wear, particularly in the back seat where little darlings may have given it a hard time.
Check for damage on the sides and floor of the luggage area, a sign of loads not being fastened correctly by a lazy owner.
It’s unlikely a 4008 will have been off-road. Look for scratches on the paint of the bumper corners and on the doors and sills. Underfloor damage is a good reason to reject the car.
HOW MUCH?
Look at spending from $6000 to $9000 for a 2012 Peugeot 4008 Active; $8000 to $12,000 for a 2014 Active; $10,000 to $16,000 for a 2015 Active; $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2014 Allure; $13,000 to $9,000 for a 2015 Allure; and $14,000 to $21,000 for a 2017 Active.
CAR BUYING TIP
Want something out of the ordinary? Good on you… but it could cause delays at resale time, perhaps even disappointment in what you get paid for it.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
