Gone are the days of producing a station wagon based version of a small car, an SUV inspired car is the only way to get a buyers attention these days.
Peugeot has entered the fast growing sub compact SUV battleground with the excellent Peugeot 2008. The Peugeot 2008 is keenly priced and well equipped to tackle the likes of Holden Trax, Suzuki SX4 and the soon to be released Nissan Juke and Ford Ecosport.
Launched in Europe back in May 2013 it has already seen great success overseas, where demand has been outstripping supply.
Peugeot 2008 Overview
Based on the award winning Peugeot 208 hatchback the SUV inspired Peugeot 2008 sure does look the part. The Peugeot 2008 is a in available in three trim levels and three engine choices.
The local line up is:
1.2 Vti Active Petrol Man - $21,990
1.6 Vti Active Petrol Auto - $24,990
1.6 Vti Allure Petrol Man - $27,990
1.6 Vti Allure Petrol Auto - $29,990
1.6 e-Hdi Outdoor Diesel Man $31,990
OPTIONS
Metallic Paint $750
Pearlescent Paint $950
Leather Heated Seats (Allure and Outdoor) $2,000 Satellite Navigation (Active only) $1,500
Starting with 2008 Active a vast list of standard features including cruise control, multifunction 7' colour touch screen, Bluetooth, 2 x USB ports, six airbags, LED running lights, front and rear fog lights.
Stepping up the 2008 Allure sees the addition of a panoramic glass roof, cornering fog lights, auto wipers and headlights, Sat-Nav ($1500 option on the Active) and dual zone climate control.
While the top of the range Peugeot 2008 Outdoor is only available as a 5 speed manual diesel. It also gains 17'inch alloys, start/stop engine and the Grip Control. Grip Control is selectable traction control unit, the system works in five different modes (standard, snow, all terrain, sand and traction control off) the computer works out where to distribute torque between the two front wheels to keep the car moving forward.
Peugeot 2008 Engine
Peugeot have given drivers the choice three engines, two petrol and one diesel. On the launch in Canberra Carshowroom.com.au spent time driving all three. Sure the 1.2litre petrol is never going to when a drag race or hill climb competition, but around town the engine will suit almost anyone.
The 1.6litre petrol is a robust engine and is de-tuned version of what is found in the Peugeot 208 GTi. When matched to the 5-speed manual it's the pick of the bunch, however when paired to the outdated 4-speed auto it ends up revving just a little too hard.
The 1.6litre diesel engine is only offered in the range topping 2008 Outdoor. It's a shame that there is no automatic available, as this would have given the 2008 a broader appeal to buyers.
2008 engine range and specs:
- 1.2 VTi 60kW/118Nm, 5-speed manual, combined fuel consumption 4.9 l/100km
- 1.6 VTi 88kW/160Nm, 5-speed manual combined fuel consumption 5.9 l/100km or 4-speed automatic with combined fuel consumption 6.5 l/100km
- 1.6 e-HDi 68kW/230Nm, 5-speed manual combined fuel consumption 4.0 l/100km
Peugeot 2008 Interior
Across the 2008 range the interiors are first class, even when jumping in the entry level 2008 Active buyers will be pleasantly surprised. Like the Peugeot 208 GTi drivers need to look over a small steering wheel to see the instrument cluster, it feels a little strange at first but you quickly get use to it. The instrument cluster has a sporty feel, the rev counter is located on the left speedo on the right in between you will find an digital speedo and trip computer.
There isn’t a load of soft touch plastics to be found, but you will find chrome and carbon fibre inspired finishes. The centre console houses dual climate controls (standard air-con on Active) 7inch multifunction media centre, Sat NAV (option on Active) 2xUSB connectivity and Bluetooth (audio and phone).
Safety hasn't been overlooked with all three models having a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and six airbags.
For a small SUV the luggage capacity is 410 litres with the 60/40 rear seats in place, this increases to 1400 litres when the seats are folded.
Peugeot 2008 Exterior and Styling
We know a few of you get upset when Carshowroom.com.au tells you a car looks stylish or is attractive but we think the Peugeot 2008 is the belle of the Peugeot range and maybe the whole sub compact SUV segment.
Starting with the 208 Peugeot have add SUV styling, the latest floating grille, chrome highlights and new headlights which include LED's. There is also roof bars, alloy wheels and added body protection to as standard. According to Peugeot the roof line from the b-pilliar back has been inspired by the RCZ bubble roof - can you see it?
Buyers are presented with a choice of eight colours with Makaha Brown exclusive to the 2008 range.
Peugeot 2008 On The Road
The 2008 Shares 67% of the same underpinning as the 208 hatchback however it is 200mm longer 96mm higher translating to a higher driving position and more ground clearance.
Don't be fooled in to thinking that the Peugeot 2008 will take you to the back of Burke. The grip control fitted to the Outdoor will help you out of trouble but it is by no means a serious off roader. The 2008 is best suited to urban, suburban roads and highways.
The 1.2litre 5-speed manual Active is great little car for the price, driving the car hard will see you near the upper end of the rev limiter often. If you opt for the 1.6litre 4-speed automatic you will want to spend your time driving in traffic and not high speed highway driving. If highway driving is your daily grind then the1.6litre petrol/diesel manual is the perfect car for you.
Driving all three cars for the day offered a rewarding experience. Peugeot has worked hard to offer great driving characteristics, suspension and wheels have been adjusted precisely to take advantage of the limited weight. The extra height doesn't add too much body roll.
Peugeot 2008 Challenges
As with the majority of most modern cars these days you get what you pay for. So delivering a car to certain value requires certain things to be removed to help keep down costs. For example some grab handles for front passengers would go amiss. The four speed auto is out of date, hopefully this will be fixed at later stage. No automatic option on the diesel engine may also be a deal breaker for some buyers.
Peugeot 2008 Verdict and Competition
Simply put the Peugeot 2008 is currently best in class.
The Peugeot 2008 is a cracking car and is the best of the sub compact SUV's we have driven. We would quite happily have a Peugeot 2008 sat in our garage at home. Expect to see the 2008 filling up the car parks on your school over the coming months.
What else should you test drive? We think it has the Holden Trax covered with superior interior and beats the Mini Countryman for price and style.
The real competition for the Peugeot 2008 will come from the Nissan Juke which will be launched later this month, the Juke will not appeal to everyone with its out there style. The Ford Ecosport by all accounts is a great car yet, Carshowroom.com.au is yet to get behind the wheel. Next will see the launch of another French SUV the Renault Captur which based on the Renault Clio
The 5 years assured cap price servings at $369 per year is also great value.
