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

One touch electric front/rear windows with pinch protection

Tailgate with heated rear windscreen and wiper blade

Rear windscreen wiper triggered automatically in reverse gear

Dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Advanced emergency braking system (AEB) with enhanced camera with the high beam and radar

Front and rear disc brakes

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

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) + Hill Start Assist

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear carpet mats in black

Communication

E-call

Bluetooth telephone facility

Driver Aids

Wireless mirror screen with mirror link, apple carplay and android auto

Speed limit recognition and recommendation

Front and rear parking sensors

Driver attention warning

Driver Information

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with 10" high definition capacitive touchscreen

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with configurable 3D headup instrument panel

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel

Exterior temperature indicator with ice warning

Multi function trip computer

PEUGEOT SOS and assistance

Driving Mirrors

Electric, heated, and power folding door mirrors

Frameless electrochrome interior rear view mirror

Diamond black mirror shells

Embellishment Trims

Carbon effect Dashboard, front and rear door panel finish

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Entertainment

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Voice recognition for radio, navigation and telephony features

6 speakers radio with mp3 compatible

2 USB-C ports in the front

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

Exterior Body Features

Gloss black window surround

Black front wing trim with gloss black detail and GT badging

GT model designation badging on tailgate

Radiator grille - gloss black top edge trim

Rear side wing doors

Body coloured exterior door handles

Aluminium door sill scuff plates with peugeot lettering

Radiator grille - body coloured vertical chequered grille

Front bumper - Meteor grey lower trim

Diamond black rear roof spoiler

Twin chromed exhaust pipes

Reinforcement of the front bumper

Wheel arch extensions

Gloss black finish on B pillar

Black diamond roof

Model designation badges front and rear

Gloss black roof bars

Gloss black rear cluster connecting strip

Exterior Lights

Rear reversing lights

2 X Rear number plate lights

LED side indicator lights integrated into door mirrors

LED third brake light

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

Automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application

Full LED headlights with smartbeam assist with auto height adjustment

LED daytime running lights with distinctive 3 claw signature

Headlights left on audible warning

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning with pollen and active carbon filter

Interior Features

Multifunction steering wheel

12V socket

Electric power steering with reach and rake adjustable steering column

Two position modular boot floor

Central front armrest with storage compartment

Roof lining - Mistral black

Mistral full-grain perforated leather steering wheel with Lime Green stitch detail and satin chrome 'GT' emblem

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

High centre console

Interior Lights

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

8 Colour personalisable ambient lighting

Packs

Visibility pack - 2008

Safety

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure sensor

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

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

Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags with passenger airbag deactivation function

Active safety brake with night function/cyclists/pedestrians

Child locking functionality on rear doors

2x 2nd row ISOFIX child seat mountings

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

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

Single front passenger seat

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

Driver and front passenger sport seats

ISOFIX child seat mounting points on passenger seat

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

Security

Automatic door locking when moving off

Thatcham category 1 alarm

Deadlocks

Electronic code immobiliser

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 65

CO: 0.261

HC: 0.02

NOx: 0.026

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0007

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 168

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 173

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 128

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 110

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 118

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 151

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 140

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 130

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 75

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.5

CC: 1199

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: EB2ADTS

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 38

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 36.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 49.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 47.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 57.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 53.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 47.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 48.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 45.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.2

General

Coin Series: GT

Coin Description: PureTech 130

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

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

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 16E

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Badge Power: 130

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.4

Top Speed: 122

Engine Power - BHP: 131

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 96

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 170

Engine Torque - NM: 230

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - MKG: 23.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: KARAKOY

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4300

Width: 1770

Wheelbase: 2605

Width (including mirrors): 1987

Height: 1550

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1205

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1740

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 44

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 640

Max. Loading Weight: 535

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 434

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1467

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

Brakes

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

Exterior Body Features

Cielo panoramic opening glass spoiler sunroof with manual blind

Additional metallic paint

Special paint

Interior Features

Alcantara upholstery

Packs

Navigation, vision and drive assist pack - 2008

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Obsession blue

Metallic - Okenite white

Metallic - Selenium grey

Metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Nera black

Paint - Special

Special - Vertigo blue

Special - Elixir red

Towing

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

Trim - Alcantara Suede

Alcantara - Iconium with adamite green stitch+heated front seats + Driver seat multi-way electric adjust with lumbar and multi-point massage function

Trim - Part Leather

Tri material cloth/leather effect - Belomka/Capy grey with adamite double stitching

Wheels - Alloy

18" Evissa diamond cut black mist alloy wheels and 16" Space saver spare wheel preparation

18" Evissa diamond cut black mist alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

16" Space saver spare wheel preparation includes tools