Peugeot's 2008 is a more sophisticated thing in second generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

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 MK2 design gets a new platform, a fresh look and a completely redesigned interior, all of it targeting what the brand hopes will be a younger buyer. There's an 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 second generation version of Peugeot's 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.

Over half a million versions of the first generation 2008 were sold and Peugeot has similarly high hopes for this, its successor. It switches to a properly modern chassis, the CMP platform for B and C segment cars that's used by the MK2 Peugeot 208 and also shared with the DS 3 Crossback and the new Vauxhall Corsa. Crucially, this can support both fossil-fuelled engines and all-electric powertrains - and does in this case. 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 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech powerplant, in this case developing either 100, 130 or 155hp. The base version is manual only and the 130hp model is optionally available with an 8-speed EAT8 auto gearbox that you have to have on the fastest derivative. The diesel is the company's usual 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine with 100hp. As for the all-electric e-2008 version, well just one variant of that will be available featuring a 50kWh battery mated to a 100kW electric motor and offering a claimed maximum WLTP range of 193 miles.

Of course, 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

Visually, this 2008 model now resembles a smaller 3008, being only 150mm shorter than that car, even though it sits on the PSA Group's small car platform. Peugeot's Exterior styling director Yann Beurel has given the 2008 a unique character, especially at the front where the all-LED lighting features claw and fang-like daytime running lights.

Inside, this MK2 model 2008 sets a new standard for cabin quality, with more soft-touch surfaces than you'll find in the various rival Volkswagen Group small SUVs. You get more space inside than was offered by the first generation 2008, thanks to a 60mm longer wheelbase this time round, plus an overall length increase of 140mm. Width is up by 30mm. As a result, even with a six-foot tall driver up-front, someone of similar height could sit behind comfortably. The cargo area is 10-litres larger than before at 434-litres.

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 £20,000 to £35,000 bracket. There's a choice of 'Active', 'Allure', 'GT Line' and 'GT' trim. Peugeot expects the 'GT Line' variants to be particularly popular; these come 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.

As you'd expect, a wide range of driver assistance and safety technologies are available this time round. Go for the auto gearbox (or an e-2008 model) and the adaptive cruise control system you can have has the ability to make the car automatically stop and go in heavy traffic. You can have this system with a manual gearbox too, where it operates down to 18mph. Lane departure warning, auto parking and blind spot monitoring systems are available too. Go for a variant with the largest 10-inch centre dash infotainment display and you'll get built-in navigation, plus 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring.

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 around 50mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and return an NEDC-rated CO2 reading of just over 100g/km, which is pretty good going for a car in this segment. The 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel version of course does much better. Around 65mpg on the combined cycle should be theoretically possible, along with up well under 100g/km of NEDC-rated CO2.

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. Fast charging at the rate of 100kW is available 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 eight hours with a 7.4kW supply.

Summary

This 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. 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.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Peugeot 2008

PRICES: £21,030-£35,630 – on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-23

CO2 EMISSIONS: 0-141g/km [NEDC - petrol/diesel variants]

PERFORMANCE: [1.2 100hp] 0-60mph 10.9s / Max Speed 115mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2 100hp - WLTP] (combined) 46.5mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, anti lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4300/1770/1550mm