First Drive: Peugeot 2008
With distinctive styling and the choice of full electric power, Martyn Collins reckons Peugeot’s baby SUV hits the mark against rivals.
SECTOR: B-SUV PRICE: £20,150-£34,275 FUEL: 50.6-62.7 mpg (e-2008: 206 miles range) WLTP CO2 0-121g/km NEDC Correlated
It seems like Peugeot is on a roll with its small car range; first came the new 208, with sharp styling and the option of an electric powertrain and one to watch this year. Carrying on the renewal of its small car range is the 2008 SUV.
Outside, the 2008 continues Peugeot’s aggressive but attractive family design theme. At the front, there’s a large, but more upright 208-like grille, which is colour-coded on electric models. There are also distinctive headlights and large vertical daytime running lights that slash down the front air dam.
In appearance, from the side and back it’s more like a baby 3008 in silhouette, although the surface detailing around the arches is new. High-set LED rear lights and a low bumper make it quite difficult to mistake the 2008 for any rival.
Inside, the 2008 gets the latest version of the Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, with every model but the entry-level Active benefiting from new and easy-to-read 3D-style dials. Most of the controls are done via the central screen, which is 7.0-inches as standard, with a larger 10.0-inch one for top models. The rest of the dashboard design is like the new 208.
Taller drivers will be more comfortable in the 2008 than the 208, thanks to the SUV styling. Now 4.3 metres in length, there’s enough room for two 6-foot tall adults to fit easily in the back, although if there’s a sunroof fitted, that eats into headroom. There’s also a practical 360-litre boot, that’s not affected by batteries in the e-2008.
Offered in Active, Allure, GT-Line and GT trims, all models have Bluetooth, a DAB radio, manual air-conditioning, and Active Safety Brake. Other safety equipment included is the Distance Alert System, Peugeot Connect SOS, and Active Blindspot Detection.
Petrol power is expected to be the most popular and make up 85% of fleet sales. As such, PureTech 1.2-litre petrols are available in 100, 130 and 150hp versions. Diesel is expected to account for just 5% of 2008 sales, so a 100hp version of the 1.5-litre Blue HDi diesel is available. The electric e-2008 with 136hp is one to watch in the UK, taking an expected 10% of the sales mix.
The 130 petrol, which is available with manual and automatic transmissions, is expected to be the UK’s best-seller. With the six-speed manual, it’s a generally refined and willing engine – although noisy when extended. The manual change is slick too, although it’s not the quickest. The 155 petrol is auto only, and in general is smoother than the 130 version.
The all-electric e-2008 is the range highlight, although the test cars that we drove briefly weren’t quite finished. Quick off the mark, especially in sport mode, speed builds rapidly and the e-2008 felt torquey with 300Nm, the official sprint to 62mph takes 8.5 seconds. The 50kWh battery and 136hp electric motor offers a competitive range of up to 206 miles.
Another bonus is that the e-2008 can be charged at up to 100kW, meaning the battery can go from zero to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes at compatible charge points.
The Blue HDi 100 diesel is noisy at idle but refined at speed and an adequate performer. Although it’s not as torquey as you might expect.
On the road, the 2008’s steering is sharp, the body control good, although the taller stance equals a little body roll. Like the 208, the 2008’s suspension setup is stiff. However, there are different suspension settings depending on the wheels and engine and the biggest 17-inch alloys are not recommended. In our opinion it’s a better driving compromise than the 208.
The Verdict
The previous 2008 did well in fleet and the new car deserves to do even better. Great to drive and look at, practical and the e-2008 will be an asset moving forward.
The Lowdown:
Key Fleet Model: PureTech 130 Allure
Strengths: Looks great, attractive and spacious interior, e-2008 electric versions
Weaknesses: i-cockpit driving position won’t suit all, ride is stiff
FW Star Rating
4/5
Martyn Collins
Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.
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