Peugeot 2008

Peugeot 2008 Overview

The Peugeot 2008 (pronounced as Two Thousand and Eight) is a 5-door subcompact cross over SUV first introduced by the French manufacturer back in 2013. Dubbed as the ‘Urban SUV’, the now second-generation Peugeot 2008 is based on the Common Modular Platform (CMP) under the PSA group that also underpins the B-segment Peugeot 208 hatchback and other vehicles in the group including the DS3 Crossback and the Citroën C4.

The Peugeot 2008 most recent facelift was introduced back in early 2017 with an updated 1.2 litre PureTech engine, replacing the outgoing 1.6 litre mill. Locally assembled in Gurun Kedah, the B-segment crossover is priced from RM 105,888 (OTR without insurance) and is available in the sole 1.2 L PureTech variant. It competes directly against rivals like the popular Honda HR-V, Renault Captur and the local favourite, Proton X50.

Peugeot 2008 Design

The Peugeot 2008 is essentially a Peugeot 208 with a raised ride height featuring a more ruggedly styled body panels. It wears a vertical front face featuring Peugeot’s signature integrated grille with an embossed pendant design that surrounds the central Peugeot lion badge.

The sculpted headlamps with integrated LED daytime running light features a distinct kink protruding from the front bumper. The black plastic cladding, exaggerated roof rails and the silver-coloured scuff plates adds to the styling while highlighting the utilitarian side of the urban SUV.

The bulging roofline after the B-pillar is testament to the French design quirkiness while sports roof spoiler enhances the overall sporty look. Similar to the Peugeot 208, the rear light cluster features a pair of Peugeot’s trademark 3D ‘claw’ motives.

Peugeot 2008 Dimension

The Peugeot 2008 is 186 mm longer, 96 mm taller and no wider than the Peugeot 208 on which it is based on. The identical short wheelbase is not exactly making a case for its supposedly more practical layout against the compact hatchback. Boot space is average at 360 litres, 30 litres more than the Proton X50.

Peugeot 2008 Interior

The interior features Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit layout. The compact sports steering wheel sits lower compared to a more conventional design, bringing your arm closer and lower while driving which Peugeot claims not only reduce driver fatigue but offers more precise steering maneuverability.

The ‘head-up’ instrument panel is positioned slightly raised and deeper into the dashboard, allowing driver information to be viewed above, rather than through the steering wheel and is therefore accessed without taking your eyes off the road.

The entire dashboard layout is tastefully designed with extensive use of textured soft touch material and gloss black inserts with satin chrome trims. The centre console features a partially free-standing touchscreen infotainment which can be a little hard to reach due to the i-Cockpit unique driving ergonomics.  

The thin slopping A-pillar with a large front quarter windows, paired with a low dashboard design significantly enhance forward visibility of the car. Interior storage is limited and space in general is lacking to say the least. But thanks to the sunroof, it allows natural sunlight into the cramped cabin for a sense of space.

Peugeot 2008 Features

Standard equipment includes front and rear signature LED lighting, front and rear fog lamp with cornering function, automatic headlight, automatic wipers, roof rails and 17-inch Eridan Anthra two-tone alloy wheels.

On the inside, you get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, semi-bucket Oxford leather and fabric seats, aviation style handbrake and a panoramic roof with mood lighting and electric sunblind.

In terms of safety, it comes equipped with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), anti-whiplash front seats headrest, and 2 ISOFIX child seat anchor. Driver assistance includes Hill Start Assist and Peugeot Park Assist. The body is constructed using very high strength steel (VHSS) and has been awarded the maximum 5 star in the Euro NCAP cash safety rating.

Peugeot 2008 Driving Performance

Engine

Powering the front wheels is an award winning 1.2 litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with high pressure direct injection, developing a respectable 112 PS at 5500 RPM and 205 NM of torque from 1500 RPM. 0-100km/h is achieved in 10.3 seconds and up to a maximum top speed of 190km/h.

Peugeot PureTech is an advanced 3-cylinder petrol engine technology that offers a drive and performance normally associated with much bigger engines but with significantly improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The engine won the coveted international engine of the year in 2015 to 2018 in the 1.0-1.4 litre capacity category.

Transmission

The engine is paired to an automatic 6-speed transmission with Quickshift technology.

Peugeot 2008 Ride Comfort

Based on the same platform that also underpins the nifty Peugeot 208, the Peugeot 2008 rides and handles relatively well. Featuring a pseudo-MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar up front and trailing arm with dynamic cross member axle at the rear, the car’s dampers deal with bumps and road imperfection with great sophistication.

Pushing it harder however, the cars can feel a tad clumsy in the corners and easily unsettled at higher speed, not surprising for a car tuned with comfort in mind. While the car is well insulated with good NVH levels, the droning sound of the 3-cylinder engine can transmit into the cabin when pushing it hard.

Peugeot 2008 Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption figure of 4.4L/100km is class leading thanks to advanced features like the auto start/stop technology with 40% quicker reignition. Fuel consumption is reduced by 15% in dense urban traffic and Peugeot claims 1,136 km of range on a single tank.

Peugeot 2008 Conclusion

If outright practicality is what you are looking for, perhaps you will be better off with the similarly priced mid spec Honda HR-V. While the i-Cockpit unique interior driving layout may not be up to everyone’s taste, the interior certainly feels modern, upmarket, and comfortable to drive too. If you can appreciate style and do not mind doing away with some levels practicality, the stylish Peugeot 2008 with a European touch and a distinct French flare might just be the car for you.