Peugeot's 2008 is now an even more sophisticated small SUV. Jonathan Crouch drives the revised version.

Ten Second Review

Peugeot's second generation 2008 is a small SUV that offers an arguably more sophisticated take on the kind of little urban Crossover-style design popularised by cars like Nissan's Juke. Supermini-based, it offers all the advantages of that compact runabout you were thinking of, together with the kind of added space, style and light off road driveability you probably never expected to be able to enjoy on a small car budget. This revised version of the MK2 model gets a smarter look and a new full-Hybrid engine option. There's a bigger battery for the all-electric version too.

Background

Fashion can take many forms, especially when it comes to segments in the automotive market. Here, we're going to look at one of them, the supermini-based compact SUV Crossover, epitomised in this case by this improved version of Peugeot's second generation 2008. Its chosen sector may be fashion-led but here's a car that still emphasises sense and sensibility in what has become an ever-more competitive class. This MK2 model first arrived in 2019, was Europe's best selling B-segment SUV in 2021 and has sold 700,000 units since launch, helped by the success of the E-2008 full-electric variant, which in 2022 accounted for 17.4% of sales. The key changes with this updated 2008 model range include a visual overhaul, a new Hybrid engine option and the option of a larger battery for the EV version. Will it all be enough to allow this contender to retain its place as one of the more popular picks in this sector? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

Despite its beefy looks, the 2008 is still front-wheel drive only. Engine-wise, there are three very different powertrains to choose from. If you know the Peugeot brand, you might not be too surprised to hear that the available petrol unit is the usual 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech powerplant, in this case developing either 100 or 130hp with a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. There's a stronger dose of combustion-based electrification further up the range with the introduction of a full-Hybrid version, the Hybrid 136 e-DSC6, which combines PureTech petrol power with an electric motor to produce a total output of 136bhp and features a battery that's able to recharge at low speeds around town. Peugeot reckons that this powertrain can operate more than 50% of the time in electric mode in urban conditions. This powerplant replaces the previous 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel unit. As for the all-electric e-2008 version, well that now gets a larger 54kWh battery good for 252 miles, this power source driving an electric motor boosted in power by 18% to 153bhp. The old 50kWh electric powertrain's still available too, with a 136hp motor and a 214 mile range. As before, as you'd expect in a modern supermini-based small SUV, you can get all the usual driver assistance features. Things like lane keep assist to stop you from drifting out of your lane, with subtle steering intervention to ease you back to where you ought to be. And an autonomous parking system which is capable of automatically controlling acceleration, braking and steering when entering or leaving a parking space. There's also a traffic sign recognition system that can work with the integrated speed limiter and make sure that you never exceed the stated limit of the road you're on.

Design and Build

Not too much is different about this revised 2008, which gains a slightly more aggressive front end, complete with the latest Peugeot brand badge and a light signature inspired by the recently revised 508, characterised by three vertical light claws integrated into the gloss black inserts on the bumper. There are revised LED tail lights too, made up of three super-imposed horizontal double slats, which help to visually widen the car's stance. Wheel sizes are between 16 and 18-inchers and, as before, GT-spec models are distinguished by a black bi-tone roof. There are subtle differences inside too, where the innovative 'i-Cockpit' dash design (which sees you viewing the instrument gauges over the rim of the steering wheel rather than through it) has been updated, primarily with a fresh look for the 10-inch digital instrument cluster, which features a 3D display on GT versions. All models get a 10-inch central touchscreen as standard. The steering wheel gets new brand badging and houses buttons for the infotainment system, as well as the voice control set-up. Plus there are new upholstery and dash fabrics used throughout, including a smart alcantara option for GT versions. Otherwise, things are much as before. The cabin's pretty practical; even with a six-foot tall driver up-front, someone of similar height could sit behind comfortably. And this interior continues to set the class standard for cabin quality, with more soft-touch surfaces than you'll find in the various rival Volkswagen Group small SUVs. With all powertrains, there's a 434-litre boot with a false floor that can be positioned to create additional space beneath.

Market and Model

Previously, the 2008 wasn't the most affordable supermini-based SUV on the market - and it still isn't. Pricing sits in the £24,000 to £41,000 bracket. There's a choice of 'Active', 'Allure' and 'GT' trim. As before, Peugeot expects the 'GT' variant to be particularly popular; this comes with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a black tailgate spoiler, a contrasting black roof, a dark chrome radiator grille and a sporty body kit with a matte chrome chin spoiler and a faux diffuser. On 'Allure' trims and above, the 2008 is available with Peugeot's 'i-Connect' infotainment system, which offers full connectivity through wireless phone mirroring ('Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto'). The system can be controlled via the central 10-inch high-definition touchscreen or via natural voice recognition, activated by saying Ok Peugeot. The 'i-Connect Advanced' system is available as an option across the range, which adds a high-performance TomTom connected navigation system with over-the-air updates. For easier and safer driving, the 2008 comes with a range of driver assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Automatic Emergency Braking, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring. For enhanced traction, Advanced Grip Control, together with all-season tyres, is also offered, which provides access to three additional driving modes: Sand, Mud and Snow.

Cost of Ownership

The engines that have been announced for this 2008 are some of the most economical units that Peugeot make, so running one of these vehicles shouldn't break the bank. Expect the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol variants that most will buy to be very acceptably clean and frugal. With the 100hp manual model, you can expect to manage up to 52.6mpg on the combined cycle and return a CO2 reading of up to 123g/km, which is pretty good going for a car in this segment. The 1.2-litre 130 PureTech model manages up to 52.7mpg and 126g/km of CO2. Pay extra for the new full-Hybrid version and you should get fuel readings that are similar to those of the old 1.5-litre diesel variant. And a CO2 return of up to 26g/km. But of course if you're really interested in ecological efficiency, there'll be just one variant of this car that'll interest you, the all-electric E-2008. For the 54kWh version of this derivative, Peugeot now claims a WLTP-rated driving range between charges of 252 miles; it's 214 miles for the smaller-battery 50kWh version. Either way, fast charging the battery at the rate of 100kW is available via a CCS socket hidden behind the fuel cap, with an 0-80% charge achievable in around 30 minutes. If you install a wallbox at home, you can recharge the battery from empty in around five hours if you have an 11kW electricity supply - or in around seven-and-a-half hours with a 7.4kW supply. Bear in mind that the E-2008 is around 350kgs heavier than the ordinary version.

Summary

This improved version of Peugeot's second generation 2008 certainly makes a more overt style statement than before, but it's kept the sensible attributes that endeared its predecessor to plenty of buyers. As with most models of this kind, on paper, the advantages being offered over a standard supermini in space, styling and potential driving flexibility appear at first glance to be small. In practice though, they add up to a car that feels a far more rounded, more complete family tool - not as a primary runabout perhaps, but a perfect second family vehicle. Of course, there are things Peugeot could still improve. Not everyone likes the unusual 'i-Cockpit' steering wheel and instrument set-up for instance. We think though, that this car needs design innovations of this sort. Models of this kind ought to be fashionable, innovative and just a little controversial. If that's what you want in this segment, then you probably need to try this car.

Body Glass

Dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows

Tailgate with heated rear windscreen and wiper blade

One touch electric front/rear windows with pinch protection

Rear windscreen wiper triggered automatically in reverse gear

Brakes

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) + Hill Start Assist

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Braking Assistance)

Electric parking brake

Front and rear disc brakes

Communication

Bluetooth telephone facility

E-call

Driver Aids

Driver attention warning

Front and rear parking sensors

Wireless mirror screen with apple carplay and android auto

Speed limit recognition and recommendation

Driver Information

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with 10" high definition capacitive touchscreen

Exterior temperature indicator with ice warning

Multi function trip computer

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with configurable headup instrument panel

Driving Mirrors

Electric, heated, and power folding door mirrors

Electrochrome rear view mirror

Diamond black mirror shells

Embellishment Trims

Carbon effect Dashboard, front and rear door panel finish

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Entertainment

1x USB-C socket in rear and 1x USB-A socket in rear

2 USB-C ports in the front

6 speakers radio with mp3 compatible

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Colour coded rear roof spoiler

Front bumper - Meteor grey lower trim

Radiator grille - Body coloured top edge trim

Radiator grille - body coloured vertical chequered grille

Body coloured exterior door handles

Colour coded roof

Black front wing trim with gloss black detail

Twin chromed exhaust pipes

Gloss black roof bars

Gloss black finish on B pillar

Model designation badges front and rear

Gloss black rear cluster connecting strip

Wheel arch extensions

Exterior Lights

Rear reversing lights

Eco LED headlights

Rear full LED 3D peugeot signature claw effect lights with daylight function

LED daytime running lights with distinctive 3 claw signature

LED third brake light

Headlights left on audible warning

Automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application

2 X Rear number plate lights

LED side indicator lights integrated into door mirrors

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning with pollen and active carbon filter

Interior Features

High centre console

Leather steering wheel

Roof lining - Mistral black

Electric power steering with reach and rake adjustable steering column

Tri material cloth/leather effect upholstery

12V socket

Multifunction steering wheel

Central front armrest with storage compartment

Piano keys: Gloss black and chrome toggle switches to access main functions of the vehicle and touchscreen functions

Interior Lights

Front LED interior light with 2 reading spotlights and rear interior light with timer

Packs

Visibility pack - 2008

Safety

Front and rear curtain airbags

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Tyre pressure sensor

2x 2nd row ISOFIX child seat mountings

Front optimised safety headrests and rear retractable headrests (x3), height adjustable

Front and rear three-point retractable seatbelts, with force limiters

Active safety brake with night function/cyclists/pedestrians

Child locking functionality on rear doors

Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags with passenger airbag deactivation function

Seats

Front passenger seat manual adjustment - height, longitudinal and back rest angle

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Driver and front passenger comfort seats

Driver seat manual adjustment - height, longitudinal and back rest angle

Seatbelt unfastened on the move audible and visual alert for front and rear seats

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

Security

Electronic code immobiliser

Deadlocks

Thatcham category 1 alarm

Automatic door locking when moving off

Wheels - Alloy

17" Karakoy diamond cut alloy wheels

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 102

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 125

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 122

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 115

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 94

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 110

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 111

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 92

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 105

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 88

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.5

Gears: 6 SPEED

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

CC: 1199

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 75

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 71.9

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 60.6

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 4.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 51.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 62.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 55.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 67.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 58.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 68.8

General

Badge Power: 136

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: Hybrid 136

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Coin Series: Allure

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23E

Performance

Top Speed: 128

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - BHP: 136

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.3

Engine Torque - MKG: 23.5

Engine Power - KW: 101

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 170

Engine Torque - NM: 230

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: KARAKOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4300

Wheelbase: 2605

Width: 1770

Width (including mirrors): 1987

Height: 1550

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1100

Max. Loading Weight: 493

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1790

No. of Seats: 5

Minimum Kerbweight: 1297

Brakes

Advance grip control + 17 '' Goodyear Class A 3PMSF all season tyres

Exterior Body Features

Special paint

Additional metallic paint

Packs

Navigation and access pack - 2008

Vision and drive assist pack - 2008

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Nera black

Metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Obsession blue

Metallic - Selenium grey

Metallic - Okenite white

Paint - Special

Special - Elixir red

Special - Vertigo blue

Towing

Detachable swan neck towbar with specific engine cooling and ESP system for towing and 13 pin electric plug

Trim - Part Leather

Tri material cloth/leather effect - Casual lomsa grey embossed fabric with quartz stitching

Wheels - Spare

16" Space saver spare wheel preparation includes tools