The Peugeot 2008 compact crossover is finally on sale in South Africa. We say ‘finally’ because we first saw the car on local soil in February 2013.
The Peugeot 2008 shares its platform with the 208 sub-compact hatchback and promises to combine the 208′s ‘nippy character’ with the space, versatility and lifestyle appeal of a compact crossover.
The 2008′s compact nature is characterised by short overhangs, a streamlined shape with smooth surfaces and large ‘glass house’. Intricate design details like the LEDs, grille, sculpted head- and tail-lights, as well as the surfaced bonnet, are instantly recognisable from the 208 hatchback.
Beneath the sleek bonnet lies a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a maximum output of 88 kW at 6 000 r/min and 160 Nm of torque at 4 250 r/min. It doesn’t sound like much when you consider loading the 2008 with friends and family, but the suprisingly low kerb weight of just 1 080 kg means the 0 – 100 km/h happens in a respectable 9.5 seconds and top speed is 196 km/h.
Drive is to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox, which is the only transmission on offer at launch. The 2008 has a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5.9 l/100 km, with associated exhaust emissions of 135 g/km.
Available exclusively in ‘Allure’ specification for now (additional derivatives are being considered for release at a later stage), the interior design and materials are borrowed from the 208. As such, the 2008 is equipped with a small diameter steering wheel, a full-colour touchscreen display that provides access to satellite navigation, Bluetooth-powered telephony and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, as well as a trip computer and FM/AM receiver.
The interior also boasts premium finishes, such as its mix of genuine leather and comfortable cloth, to ensure comfort and visual appeal, as well as metallic accents and subtle ambient illumination.
The 2008 offers practicality in the form of a 360-litre boot, with a split rear bench seat that folds away completely, leaving a flat-floored cargo area to accommodate larger items. The raised ride height also adds to the crossover’s versatility, ensuring the ability to cope with the country’s many degrading roads, as well as dirt road journeys if desired.
As a family vehicle, Peugeot has engineered many safety measures into the 2008, including: front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes with emergency braking assistance and brake force distribution. Peugeot’s Grip Control system, which optimises the 2008’s traction control settings for a variety of conditions, is standard.
“The new 2008 is a key addition to the Peugeot passenger car line-up in South Africa,” says Francis Harnie, managing director of Peugeot SA. “It extends our brand’s reach into the fast-growing compact crossover segment, while introducing this segment to the crossover values already established by our larger 3008.”
Harnie says the 2008 proves that compact cars can be versatile, spacious and comfortable, while offering a strong value proposition.
| Price (incl. VAT and C02 tax) | |
| Peugeot 2008 1.6 Allure | R269 900 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/60 000km maintenance plan.
