If you’re looking for the most head-turning car for the least amount of money, then we would direct you towards the 2022 Peugeot 2008. It’s arguably the most stylish B-segment SUV you can buy in Malaysia at the moment.

On the outside, the full LED headlamps with the “triple-claw” vertical DRLs and a single illuminated strip, stretching nearly the entire height of the bumper give it the road presence almost none other in its class can command.

Also read: All-new 2022 Peugeot 2008 CKD launched in Malaysia - RM 126k, 1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 6AT

Inside, the French flair continues with the double-deck and angular sweeping dashboard. The digital instrument cluster looks quite theatrical with its holographic 3D effect, and there’s a decent amount of customisation for the display.

How much for all the flair? The 2022 Peugeot 2008 is currently priced at RM 126,753 (OTR without insurance and SST), though the SST exemption period expires after 30-June 2022.

Also read: MoF: No extension for SST cut, grace period to register your car extended to 31 March 2023

But the Peugeot 2008’s allure is more than just skin-deep; the interior is decently practical with large door bins that fit 1.5-litre bottles and the two layers of tray in the centre console for any loose items. 

There’s also a rather impressive amount of space at the rear, with three tennis balls of kneeroom and a little more than one tennis ball of headroom for a 177 cm tall adult.

Feature wise, there’s a nifty proximity locking/unlocking feature so the car will unlock as you approach and lock as you walk away. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard.

Also standard is the inclusion of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Driver Attention Alert.

In terms of driving, the Peugeot 2008’s compact size and ultra-light steering make it easy to manoeuvre around town or tight spaces. It’s a nimble handler that feels light on its feet and yet it’s surefooted at highway speeds.

The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is deceptively punchy and gets the car up to speed with ease. Despite being a 3-cylinder engine, the characteristic vibration is well-damped and is refined enough that most would overlook that it’s down on one cylinder.

As with most Peugeots, suspension tuning is properly done. It’s relatively fluid on highways, flowing through the dips and troughs. And on our typical pockmarked roads, the Peugeot 2008 soaks up most of them without a fuss save for the sharpest of edges.

In short, the Peugeot 2008 stands out from the crowd, drives well, has respectable active safety features, and decent practicality.

Also read: Review: 2022 Peugeot 2008 – HR-V/Corolla Cross too common? This is the solution

Keen on the Peugeot 2008? Check out the car at the WapCar Auto Show Exhibition, happening from 1-July to 3-July 2022, Friday to Sunday, at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

Test drives will be available, along with freebies. Those who are among the first 300 bookings made at the event will receive attractive gifts – ranging from DDPai dashcams, Trapo air purifiers, INFINITY by Harman speakers, IGL Coatings paint protection, Karcher car wash products, DK Schweizer custom leather upholstery, and more.

The exhibition will be held at the outdoor piazza. The nearest car park will be at Entrance C, which is right around the corner after driving past the main building.

Also read: Come to find the best new car deals at WapCar Auto Show Exhibition