Peugeot wins Space Race with 2008

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With the impact that Gilles Vidal has had on Peugeot’s most modern lineup to date, we’re hoping he leaves a great design team in place who can continue where he has left off. Most notable are his most recent creations from the 3008, to the 508 and the lovable 208. They not only have bags of style but also substance to back it up. The latest model to continue the brands development is the 2008, a car which must compete in the already packed compact SUV class.

Special mention : For a 1.2 litre engine, it’s very economical. Spacious for its class. Can hold its head up in this extremely competitive sector. Lovely to drive and great for adventures.

Needs work :  Dashboard ergonomics can mean the display is tricky to see. If I could have more direct manual controls, rather than touch screen controls, I would. Bonus would be Start/Stop automatically off, as well as lane assist.

Specs: As tested

Max Power 130 bhpPetrol / Auto
0-100 km/h in 10.2 secondsRoad Tax €270

Price
Starting – €23,900.00
GT Line Puretech 130 – €31,880
(Pano sunroof (€1,170), Elixir Red (€760), Evissa Alloys (€350) – €34,160.00
Boot 434/1467 litres

So if it’s going to steal sales from rivals talented rivals, it’s got a serious test ahead of it. 

The 2008 is the latest in a series of PSA cars to use the CMP platform which is able to house both combustion driven and electrified powertrains.  The 208 was the first Peugeot to use the platform but where the little super mini turned up pretty and elegant, the 2008 is a little more wacky.  The sides are covered in angles and sharp creases and the front has that familiar Peugeot face which looks great. Around the back, it’s like a smaller sharper version of the 3008 with a flat bonnet and chunky wheel arches, all very SUV like. It’s on the inside where the 2008 really looks its best and makes rivals like the VW T-Cross look a little dull.

The analogue piano keys work as shortcuts to access controls on the touch screen such as Sat Nav and air-con. One of the best pieces of kit inside the 2008 is the digital dials, they have a really cool 3D effect which is created by layering two screens on top of each other and they look absolutely stunning. Depending on how you’re able to set up your driving position, the steering wheel may be blocking the view but all it takes is some careful adjustment and you’ll have your perfect driving position.

Ergonomically the infotainment system requires a few prods on the touch screen to work your way through it, to adjust settings such as temperature and fan speed, all are done through the touchscreen which is common in many modern cars. Peugeot has refined and improved the layout by adding a couple of touch sensitive shortcuts behind the piano keys but it’s still not as quick as using physical dials. 

The 2008 wheelbase is 65 mm longer than the 208 hatchback and you really notice that in the back, leg room is generous and there’s lots of space for fet under the seats.  They still have the hump from the transmission tunnel in the centre of the floor and there’s no sliding rear bench but it’s still extremely competitive in its class. The three isofix points, two in the back one on the front passenger seat, mean it’s great for young families and the kids can keep their devices topped up with two easy access USB ports.

With 130 bhp from the 3 cylinder turbo engine, torque and smooth delivery make it an easy and relaxing drive, especially over long distances. Available in four trims from Active, Allure, GT line and GT, all of them come with plenty of standard kit. As standard you get 18” alloy wheels, LED headlights, half leather upholstery, heated front seats and interior ambient lighting. Buyers also get that cool 3D digital instrument binnacle and a 10” touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Sat Nav, a reversing camera and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Back in the 80s and 90s Peugeot always had a reputation for producing cars which delivered a really smart balance between ride and handling and this 2008 is actually pretty tidy to drive, it’s not the sharpest handling car in its class but it comes pretty close to the top of the class in both areas.