Peugeot 2008

Peugeot 2008 at a glance

The story of the 2008 began with a concept called HR1, shown at the Paris motor show in 2010. The production model arrived in 2013, built on PSA's PF1 platform and sharing much of its electronics with the 208. In spring 2016 Peugeot facelifted it, with a fresher look and new equipment but almost unchanged technology, and added the sportier GT Line with its own exterior and interior details.

As the small-SUV market boomed, Peugeot moved quickly, and on 19 June 2019 it presented the second-generation 2008 online, with bold styling, an eye-catching cabin and modern technology. A facelift followed on 4 May 2023, bringing a new front end, LED lights as standard and a larger battery for the e-2008. More of the brand's range is in our Peugeot catalogue, and its background is covered in Peugeot's history.

Generations

Exterior of the second generation

The new body transformed the 2008's appearance, with distinctive shapes and modern details found on no other car. Most changes are at the front, which is taller, shorter and slightly wider than before. The bonnet is almost horizontal, with pronounced ridges at the sides and a stepped central section; it looks strong, though it can make the front edge harder to judge for shorter drivers. The headlights below the ridges are larger and new in shape, with halogen or LED units depending on the version.

Between them is a large trapezoidal grille with a big mesh and the chrome Peugeot badge, finished mainly in gloss black. The lower bumper has a smaller intake echoing the main grille and, on each side, a long, slim, angled vertical daytime running light - the "fang" signature that looks striking. Square recesses with fog lights and plastic cladding to protect the body complete the front.

From the side, the upper part of the body is finished in gloss black, and long rectangular windows taper towards the rear, framed by thin black strips. The flanks combine stepped and flowing surfaces, with chrome trim and unpainted protective plastic lower down. Base versions ride on 16- or 17-inch wheels and sportier ones on 18-inch wheels. Ground clearance is 200–219 mm depending on the version, according to published figures. The GT Line looks especially sporty, with a contrasting black roof and 17-inch alloys of its own design.

At the rear, a long spoiler continues the roofline above a large window and a black band joining the tail lights, which widen at the sides into the full light clusters with Peugeot's claw-like signature; the brand name runs across the middle. The tailgate has light sculpting and chrome badges, and the plastic-clad bumper has a chrome insert, fog lights, a diffuser-style insert and two square exhaust trims.

Interior and practicality

The cabin follows the style of other Peugeot models but is still unusual. Materials include good plastics, cloth seats and some leather inserts, with ambient lighting, bright stitching and carbon-look trim - not real carbon, of course. It seats five and has near-ideal ergonomics.

The front seats are new, with good lateral support and electric adjustment on the top-spec version. The driver's area uses Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout: the instrument display sits above a small steering wheel rather than being viewed through it. The instruments are digital, and a 3D display that creates a hologram-like effect is optional. The compact two-spoke steering wheel is flattened at top and bottom and carries buttons for many functions.

The infotainment screen measures 5, 7 or 10 inches depending on the version, with large air vents below and toggle switches for the climate control that look modern and stylish. Where the console meets the tunnel there is a storage area with wireless charging. The tunnel holds the automatic gear selector, also found in the Opel Grandland X, two cupholders, the electronic parking brake and other buttons. The rear bench has recessed seats; space is not abundant in a car of this size, but it is better than in the previous generation, and adults will not feel cramped.

The boot grew by about 45 litres to 434 litres, with an extra 29-litre compartment under the floor. Folding the 60/40 split rear seat raises the capacity to 1,467 litres.

Engines and transmissions (second generation)

The 1.2 PureTech is a three-cylinder petrol engine with an aluminium block and head, a turbocharger, direct injection, variable timing on both camshafts and 12 valves. The most powerful version uses about 6.1 l/100 km, reaches 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 208 km/h. The four-cylinder 1.5 BlueHDi diesels are popular in Europe for their low consumption and good performance.

The original e-2008 has a 50 kWh battery (46.2 kWh usable) and a WLTP range of about 310 km, and can charge at up to 100 kW at suitable stations. After the 2023 facelift it gained a 54 kWh battery and a range of about 406 km. All versions are front-wheel drive; Grip Control, or Advanced Grip Control, adjusts the traction control for different surfaces and partly compensates for the lack of four-wheel drive.

Chassis

The second-generation 2008 uses the CMP Common Modular Platform with a transverse engine and a monocoque body with plenty of high-strength steel. Suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a twist-beam rear axle, with anti-roll bars. Steering is rack-and-pinion with electric assistance, and the brakes are discs all round, ventilated at the front, with ABS, EBD and other aids.

Safety and equipment

Equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, driver-fatigue monitoring, speed-limit sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, a parking assistant, six airbags, rain and light sensors, a reversing camera, Advanced Grip Control and LED lights. Depending on the market, base versions have four airbags, ABS and ESP, air conditioning, the 7-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, cruise control, rear parking sensors, 16-inch wheels and electric windows all round; mid-range versions add digital instruments, part-leather seats, six airbags, automatic climate control, a reversing camera and 17-inch alloys, and higher trims get LED headlights, ambient lighting and front parking sensors.

Strengths and weaknesses

The 2008 offers a striking design, good ground clearance, a comfortable ride and an interesting cabin. Owners praise the roomy interior, large boot, build quality, suspension and economical engines, and the car suits long trips and active lifestyles. On the other hand, there is no four-wheel drive, so rough tracks are best avoided, and some owners are not satisfied with the sound insulation. Rivals include the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Volkswagen T-Roc, Ford Puma, Opel Mokka, Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Kona and Skoda Kamiq.