What is it?
Since its launch four years ago, this crossover has become a regular sight in the lists of best-selling models of this type in Europe. It would appear that the 2008 has arrived at just the right time.
It’s a compelling package. Because it’s based on the hatchback 208, the 2008 isn’t overtly large while its futuristic cabin and electric e-2008 variant ensure that it’s largely future-proofed. But this segment is a busy one, which is why the 2008 has been revised to ensure it’s able to keep up with the pack.
What’s new?
Peugeot really nailed the design of the 2008 from the off, so it’s understandably why it hasn’t completely ripped up the rule book for this updated version. However, it has been tweaked here and there to keep things sharp while bringing it closer into line with the rest of the Peugeot range.
All models now get a 10-inch infotainment system as standard, too, as well as Peugeot’s now well-known i-Cockpit setup.
What’s under the bonnet?
One of the biggest changes to the 2008 comes via the electric model. It’s got more power and a bigger battery than before, with Peugeot now claiming up to 252 miles from a single charge - an impressive rise on the 214 miles in the previous car.
As before, however, you can still get the 2008 with a range of petrol engines, which all centre around a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol available in outputs of 99bhp up to 129bhp. There’s a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, too, though an eight-speed automatic is also available as an option. It’s a very efficient unit with Peugeot claiming up to 52.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 127g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
The i-Cockpit setup - which brings a tiny steering wheel and large instrument cluster - is one of the most noticeable things about your first time in the 2008. It’s something you need to get used to over time, but it helps to give the cabin a slightly larger, airier feel. But once you’re over that, the 2008 is a very comfortable car helped no end by soft suspension which does a great job of soaking up the lumps and bumps in the road.
It’s not a sporty car, but then again it never pretends to be. The light steering makes it easy to drive around town, while when you combine this with the tiny steering wheel makes the 2008 feel very nimble at low speeds. It’s still composed at greater ones, mind you.
How does it look?
Peugeot has become even more bold with its vehicle design, with each new model bringing a distinctive design which looks like nothing else on the road. Now Peugeot may have kept things pretty simple with the design revisions to the 2008, but it has still had enough of an effect to make this car look even better than it did to begin with.
You now get a colour-coded grille and a new three-claw LED lighting signature that we’ve seen used on other current Peugeot models. All tied together, it’s a great-looking car.
What’s it like inside?
The big change inside the 2008 is the standard fitment of the 10-inch touchscreen. Whereas previously it was only available on top-spec variants, it’s now included across the board and helps to lift the look and feel of the 2008 range as a whole. The digital instrument cluster ties in with this to give the 2008’s cabin a really futuristic look.
The quality is good throughout, though some lower areas of the doors are coated in scratchy plastics. They’re durable, however, and should be easy to clean as a result.
What’s the spec like?
Peugeot has slimmed down the number of specifications available on the 2008 to keep things as simple as possible. There are now just three - Active, Allure and GT - but all get LED headlights and rear parking sensors, with mid-spec models benefitting from alloy wheels and that digital instrument cluster.
Top-grade GT versions, meanwhile, add in LED lights, configurable interior lighting and keyless entry, to name just a few features.
Verdict
The compact crossover segment is a really busy one, filled with compelling options from a variety of manufacturers. It’s a tough area in which to come out on top, for sure, but Peugeot’s 2008 continues to stand out as a model with great design, plenty of equipment and a good driving experience.
The upgrades made to this revised version might be minimal, but they just go to show how well-resolved the 2008 was in the first place.
