Peugeot is one of those brands that is often overlooked. Despite some dubious quality and design in the past, at least for the last five years, the French car maker returned to form with models like the Peugeot 2008.
There are 3 models: 2008, 3008, and 5008 and as the nomenclatures suggest, the smallest number is the smallest car.
The Peugeot 2008 has a single engine and transmission combination, and 3 trim levels: Active, Allure, and GT-line.
Exterior
2008 is more like a hatchback than the rest of the range. The petite proportions perform perfectly, but the face is a bit frowny. The waterfall grille is neat and makes the front end look clean and crisp.
The lower bumper houses a set of fog lights which double as fixed cornering lights. These come on as the steering wheel is turned, and light the oncoming bends.
Our mid-range Allure scores 16” Aquilla alloy wheels and extended wheel arches.
Along the roofline there is an odd bump above the rear doors. Dark trim makes the windows look taller than they actually are. It only manages to ruins the otherwise sleek lines.
Interior
There is a flavour and ambience French cars manage to capture in a way only the Gallic designers can.
It is classy and warm, while being functional and quirky and despite being well into its life cycle, the 2008 design feels fresh.
A comfortable, neat, and ergonomically correct cabin manages to look good and function well.
First generation i-Cockpit combines a small steering wheel with a high-set instrument cluster. Peugeot claims it works like a head-up display. It takes a while to get used to, but stick with it.
A floating touch-LCD tablet tops the centre stack.
The infotainment system can be a bit slow to respond, especially when using CarPlay.
Climate controls sit midway down a neat stack. I particularly like the lever-style buttons for temperature.
Patterned surfaces are a welcome change to a more traditional textured soft plastic. There is quite a lot of piano-black too. Shiny surfaces reflect the sun too and can be brutal at certain angles.
Further long the console is the gear selector and a parking brake lever which doubles as a hand rest. It is a large square pad which is pulled up to activate the brake.
Seating is typically French. It is comfortable and supportive.
The cabin looks beautiful at night. The instrument cluster is outlined in subtle blue which continues in the sunroof making it look as though it is floating about the heads of those seated underneath it.
Features
Autonomous emergency braking (active city brake), reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and reversing sensors, head up an impressive list of inclusions for both safety and convenience.
- Dual climate control
- Grip Control drive programmes
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Parking sensors
- i-cockpit
- Stop/start
- Cruise control/speed limiter
- Electric folding mirrors
- Navigation
- Sunroof (at cost option)
- Front and rear fog lights
- Folding rear seats
- Semi-automated park assistance
Drive and Engine
Peugeot keeps things simple with a single engine/transmission option.
A 1.2L 3-cyldinder turbo petrol engine, produces 81kw and an impressive 205Nm of torque. 0-100kph is a leisurely 11.3 seconds.
The Peugeot 2008 is one of those car where facts and figure don’t tell the whole story. Despite those modest numbers, the drive has a sporty feel to it. Steering is sharp, very sharp. In fact it is far sharper than a little SUV has any right to be.
The same goes for ride and handling. Heritage counts for little if the latest offerings ignore it, but I’m pleased to say all recent models have put handling back on the front page where it belongs.
Even in tight corners, 2008 feels as tight as a drum. There is a little body roll because the fixed suspension setting have been tuned for comfort. Despite that, it turns in to a corner with hot-hatch-like grip.
There are no paddles on the Allure so the automatic is best left to its own devices. There are only 6 cogs and it frequently opts for economy rather than power.
You get a pleasingly throaty response from the 3 pot up front. The further you push you foot into the carpet, the throatier it becomes.
Safety
- Reversing camera
- Rear sensors
- Autonomous emergency braking
- 6 airbags
- Stability control
- Hill start assist
- Hazard flasher activation under emergency braking application
Good Bits
- Classy cabin
- CarPlay
- economy
Not So Good Bits
- some exterior design elements
- cup holders too small
- piano black dazzles in bright sunlight, and gets scratched
Summary
I’ve driven the Peugeot 2008 many times in the past and each time I’m re-impressed as if driving it for the first time.
I’ve not always been a fan of the engine though. The first few encounters were with a manual gearbox and going by engine sound alone is more difficult in a 3-cylinder.
My views were transformed once the 6-speed automatic came in to being.
If a car is judged by being fit for purpose, then 2008 is excellent. There is just enough weird in the 2008 to keep it fresh and interesting.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Peugeot 2008 Allure
- Engine: 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol producing 81kW/206Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: France
- Price: from $30,990
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