The Peugeot 2008 is the French manufacturer’s entry into the realm of the compact urban crossover here in South Africa, where it brings added practicality to the range, not unlike that of the Peugeot 206 SW that was last on sale in 2006.
Short overhangs are combined with streamlined shape, smooth surfaces and generous glass area. Defining exterior highlights include LED daytime running lights, bold chrome grille, chrome side-sill inserts, mirror covers and roof rails, giving the 2008 a decidedly stylish appearance.
In the case of the Peugeot 2008 it is safe to judge this book by its cover, because the style continues in the cabin. Forward of the B-pillar, the interior mimics that of the 208 hatchback, which isn’t a bad thing. Blue LED mood lighting surrounds the driver’s instrumentation (it can also be turned off), ambient lighting adorns the roof liner and a full-colour touchscreen display provides access to the infotainment system; which includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, a trip computer, as well as radio/CD/MP3-player.
The list of convenience features is a solid one too: dual-zone climate control; anti-dazzle rear view mirror; rear park distance sensors; rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights; steering wheel mounted controls for the audio and on-board computer; as well as cruise control with speed-limiter function.
An extra ‘0’ may be an odd number to indicate more space, or maybe it serves to symbolically lengthen the ‘208’ nameplate, either way the interior is more accommodating than the hatchback from behind the front seats. Leg and headroom are adequate for all but the tallest passengers in the rear, while a 360-litre boot capacity provides a 75-litre advantage over the 208, which grows to 1 194-litres with the rear seats folded in a 60:40 split., which increases even more when the 60/40-split back seat is folded down to create a maximum 1194-litre space. The tailgate aperture is wide and provides easy access, while the fact that the rear seats fold completely flat is also a welcome element of functionality.
The Peugeot 2008 is powered by a 1.6-litre fuel-injected petrol that produces 88 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 160 Nm at 4 250 r/min. Despite requiring some engine revs to get going, the 2008 weighs a slim and trim 1 080 kilograms, meaning it launches from 0 – 100 km/h in a nippy 9.5 seconds and will reach 196 km/h. Peugeot claim an average fuel consumption figure of 5.9 l/100km, but if you’re impatient and use the revs to get going, expect this to be closer to 7.0 l/100km.
Drive is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox and a multi-mode traction control system (Grip Control) uses the stability and traction control to varying degrees depending on the mode select for prevailing road surface conditions. Ultimately though, you shouldn’t expect to blaze any trails through the wilderness in your 1.6-litre powered front-wheel drive.
You’d be perfectly capable of darting around the city or between municipalities, however, as the 2008 responds well to inputs through its diminutive steering wheel. At low speeds and when parking, the steering action is light and easy, while at high speeds it offers a quick turn-in. The car’s independent front suspension and torsion beam rear axle have been well tuned to deliver a comfortable ride quality. The 2008’s extra ground clearance (25 mm more than the 208 hatch), together with longer spring travel, delivers fluent ride over bumps, and the cabin is suitably quiet and devoid of excessive wind and road noise. The brakes are good too, offering a positive amount of initial bite followed with a progressive pedal action.
French cars in general are known for high safety standards and the Peugeot 2008 is no exception, boasting front, side and curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control, ABS brakes with emergency braking assistance and brake force distribution.
The Peugeot 2008 grew in appeal during its time with us. It finds something of a micro-niche by straddling the CUV and station wagon segments in terms of ride height and interior space; with reference to rivals like the Nissan Juke or Ford EcoSport. It packs a fair share of value too, with a comprehensive array of standard equipment to match its progressive styling.
What we like…
- Ride, handling and brakes.
- Rear passenger and cargo space, despite compact exterior dimensions.
- Standard equipment list.
What we would like…
- A conventional hand brake instead of the ‘Aviation Style’ item.
- A more precise shift action for the manual transmission.
| Quick Facts | |
| Base Price | R269 900 |
| Warranty | 3-year / 100 000km |
| Engine Capacity | 1 598 cm³ |
| No. Of Cylinders | 4-cylinders, In-line |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Power | 88 kW @ 6 000 r/min |
| Torque | 160 N.m @ 4 250 r/min |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Acceleration | 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed | 196 km/h (claimed) |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.9 l/100km (claimed combined) |
| CO2 Emissions | 135 g/km |
