After marvelling at my experience in the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs, I was keen as a bean to test drive the smaller Peugeot 2008.
Didn’t live up to my expectations or even Peugeot’s lofty standards as in the other two more refined models.
Having said that, since I last drove the 2008 a couple of years ago the model hasn’t changed much in the interim.
Exterior
As mentioned, the 2008 has pretty much the same packaging with its bulbous rear devoid of the sharp features found on many of its contemporaries.
Most noticeable are the black plastic wheel arches and side skirts. It otherwise has a rather non-threatening appearance about it.
The Allure is the mid-spec model variant with a price tag of $29,490. Most of the upgrades come in the form of technology inclusions.
Interior
The interior is again, much the same with a dark interior, silver inserts and leather seats.
The centre console protrudes from the level of the dashboard giving the feeling of more legroom for the passenger.
It is small in the cabin but not tight and there are plenty of storage spaces.
Aside from the touchscreen, the dash is bare except for the A/C controls.
The steering wheel is on the small side for this vehicle though more or less the same as in a Peugeot hatchback.
Oddly, boot has a foldable parcel shelf with no cord attached to the tailgate.
Features
- Auto start/stop
- Satellite navigation
- Button operated dual climate control
- Off road options: snow, mud, sand
- Panoramic roof with retractable mesh blind
Once again you get an easy to use touchscreen with good colours and graphics however the driver info screen could do with an upgrade.
This is displayed in the instrument cluster that is raised above the dash and the steering wheel – easy to glance at but may be obstructed by the wheel depending on the height.
And just to have the French uniqueness the parking brake is this rather ergonomic bulge that you hold sideways instead of lengthways.
Drive and Engine
This is probably the biggest sticking point about the Peugeot 2008.
While it is an improvement on previous models, the 1.2 litre engine is nothing compared with the performance in the latest Peugeot SUVs.
Even with a turbocharger, the little four cylinder is only capable of a top of 81kW of power and that’s at a high 5500rpm.
The six-speed automatic transmission is also not all that responsive generating a touch of lag on shifts.
Control and handling of the car can be twitchy needing some supervision without the same stability and assuredness as its cousins.
But this is all a comparison to two very good models and the 2008 offers a comfortable ride with enough power for general purposes with reasonable economy.
The 2008 Allure does come fitted with park assist technology for easy parallel parking but after multiple tries I couldn’t get it to work.
Safety
- AEB
- Park assist
- Grip control
- Rear view camera
Good Bits
- Simplicity
- AEB and other safety
Not So Good Bits
- Lack of power
- Wavering drive and steering
- Park assist system
Summary
The Peugeot 2008 Allure doesn’t sit on the same mantle as their other more current SUVs, with and inferior interior and drive quality.
It hasn’t been painted with the same brush but it does the basics well enough
A few new added inclusions are now standard in what is a relatively fuss free small SUV.
However, with so many options today in this segment, your eye may wander elsewhere.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Peugeot 2008 Allure
- Engine: 1.2L four-cylinder turbo petrol producing 81kW/205Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed sports automatic
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: France
- Price: from $29,490
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