It's been a few years since I last drove a Peugeot 2008. It was the pre-facelift model, and at the time I remember being impressed. This car has some very stiff competition from the likes of the Nissan Juke and the Renault Captur. However, Peugeot has just released a facelifted new 2008 and competition is about to become stiffer, in Peugeot's favour.
Outside
So what's new about the Peugeot 2008? Well, to start with there's a new nose. The lion emblem now sits on the larger grille. Bumpers and lights have changed too. Other exterior changes include new LEDs to the rear. All of these things give the new Peugeot 2008 a fresh feeling. The wheel arches and scuff plates also give the 2008 a more aggressive stance.
Inside
I've been test driving the GT Line model and the front cockpit is a treat to sit in - I would have said this about the last model too though. The ambient lighting is a lovely touch and it's something that left me smiling when I tested the Peugeot 508 RXH. The red GT Line stitch also makes the interior feel very stylish. I'd compare it here to the GT trim of the Mazda CX3 - it's all sporty and very inviting.
I'm a fan of the tiny steering wheel because it actually makes me feel more in control of the car - however, this won't be to everyone's tastes. The back of the front seat is firm and very comfortable, however, I found that where you sit is actually kind of short - as in I felt a lack of support for under my knees. Maybe I noticed this because I literally stepped from the armchairs of the Skoda Superb into the 2008.
Apple CarPlay features in the GT Line and the 7" touch screen is very easy to navigate and use. Owners will benefit from other nice titbits like dual-zone air conditioning and cruise control.
The boot offers 422 litres, which is competitive for this segment. Leg room to the rear is not excellent, but I did manage to get in there. I also found the rear head room to be lacking on account of the panoramic glass roof’s cover padding. Kids will love the rear area though and if it’s masses of space in the rear that you are looking for, you might be in the wrong car segment!
On the Road
My car was driven by a 1.2 litre 110bhp petrol engine. Its automatic gearbox changes exactly as it should and I'm a fan of the jigsaw like gear stick itself.
The chassis is as was in the pre facelift model, so driving it feels very similar. It is a nice cruiser, even with the 110bhp model I was driving. There is a bit of road noise, but nothing too drastic and while the 3-cylinder engine does make noise, I was surprised that it wasn't terrible. On corners the 2008 does suffer a bit from body roll.
Grip control also features within the facelifted 2008. What this does is it aids the driver in low-grip situations. Five conditions are covered by this; standard road conditions, snow, mud, sand and ESP off (which disconnects the system).
Price & Fuel Economy
Our 1.2 Puretech GT line version comes in with a starting price of €26,435. We're told that it burns 100 g/CO2 and therefore it only costs €190 per annum to tax. There is a GT line version that offers 130bhp and that comes in for about €1,000 less because it only comes with a manual 6-speed gearbox. If you like the look of the 2008 but you find the GT line too costly, you could always opt for the access model, which comes in at €19,400. All petrol models available to the Irish market come equipped with the 1.2 litre Puretech engine and they offer either 82, 100 or 130bhp. Diesel models house a 1.6 Blue Hdi engine offering 75, 100 or 120bhp. We are yet to drive the diesel choices which range in price from €20,785 to €27,280.
Overall
When the 2008 was first released, it surprised the Peugeot team. It outsold their expectations and this facelift should give them a boost against rivals. Yep, it's fair to say that this is an impressive car. However, it's in a very competitive sector and the Captur is kind-of stealing the show. Other choices from the sector would include the CX-3, the Nissan Juke, or even the SsangYong Tivoli.
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