Test Car Specifications
Model tested: Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 100 S&S EAT6 GT Line
Price: £19,815
Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door, five-seat crossover
CO2 emissions: 110g/km (Band B, £20 per year)
Combined economy: 58.8mpg
Top speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.3 seconds
Power: 110hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 205Nm at 1,400rpm
What's this?
If there were any criticisms to be levelled at the 2008's styling it was that it lacked the chunky styling offered by some of its crossover rivals. This has been addressed and it looks all the better for it, especially in the range topping GT Line specification tested here. That trim level is also a new introduction and shows how Peugeot is keen to attract buyers that are at the more premium end of the market.
A more vertical grille, restyled headlights and chunkier hard-wearing plastic mouldings around the wheel arches and sills on the two upper spec levels give the 2008 a more purposeful look. The front and rear bumpers also get a sturdier appearance and on Allure and GT Line levels gain aluminium-look scuff plates. Inside, boot space has grown, up from 350 litres in the previous model to 410 litres, while dropping the 60:40 split folding rear seats increases this up to 1,400 litres.
The new GT Line variant will appeal to the more style conscious too. It gains a black chrome radiator grille that features the embossed Peugeot lettering in red along with black roof bars and matching gloss black door mirrors. It also features 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. All of the other dimensions remain the same, with the 2008 coming in at 4,159mm in length, just a smidgen longer than the Renault Captur, but longer than the recently revised Ford EcoSport.
A 60cm loading sill height for the boot is one of the more useful features, making it much easier when loading bulkier items. The rear also benefits from new lights that follow the three dimensional 'three claw' style already seen on the Peugeot 208, which was facelifted last year.
How does it drive?
It may only be a front-wheel drive crossover, but that doesn't mean the new Peugeot 2008 is lacking in ability. For the first time the company's six-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT6) is available in the 2008 and it makes for a good setup when combined with the smooth-running 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine. In urban environs, which let's face it is where most 2008s are going to see most of their use, the 110hp engine delivers ample performance to pull the five-seat crossover around, with gear changes almost going unnoticed with more judicious use of the throttle pedal. More aggressive driving can sometimes catch out the EAT6 transmission and it does lack steering wheel mounted shifters.
Mechanically speaking there have not been any changes with the 2008's underpinnings. The petrol engine is noticeably more muted in comparison to the diesel engines, which make a bit of a racket. In most driving conditions the 110hp PureTech engine provides enough pulling power to suit most drivers, though there is a more powerful 131hp version - only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. All PureTech engines, with the exception of the entry level 1.2 PureTech 82 manual, are equipped with stop-start and Peugeot's system is one of the fastest on the market, restarting very quickly.
The 2008 feels nippy thanks in part to it not having an all-wheel drive transmission to pull around. In fact, its kerb weight of just 1,150kg makes it one of the lightest crossovers in the segment, which has some positive benefits regarding fuel consumption and emissions. There is almost no penalty for opting for the automatic transmission with the PureTech 110 either, as it emits 110g/km, just 7g/km more than the manual. Despite its low weight the suspension does a decent job of absorbing most of the rough stuff and the 2008 feels quite solid and surefooted on rougher surfaces.
Like most of the current Peugeot range the 2008 gets the iCockpit layout with its smaller steering wheel that allows you to view the instrument dials above it. The steering is light, which around town makes for a relaxing driving experience, though at higher speeds this can make it feel skittish thus requiring greater amounts of input and correction at higher speeds. Parking is a cinch though thanks to that smaller steering wheel and a useful lock, while a reversing camera now coming as standard on the GT Line grade.
Verdict
With sales in excess of 600,000 in just three years it is easy to see why Peugeot doesn't want to tinker with the 2008 formula all that much. The chunkier image that features on the two higher trim lines do give the 2008 more aesthetic appeal, even if most owners will never take it off-road. Its light and nimble feel when driving carries its own appeal too and now that boot space has been increased it is an even more practical car than before.
Exterior Design
Interior Ambience
Passenger Space
Luggage Space
Safety
Comfort
Driving Dynamics
Powertrain
