The Peugeot 2008 is a small SUV for the slightly style-conscious.
Based on the 208 hatchback, this was already one of the best-looking SUVs, with the French manufacturer’s eye for styling setting it apart from Korean and Japanese rivals.
Having received its mid-life facelift, it’s a much more handsome prospect. A handful of minor technological tweaks bring it up to speed with the latest competitors, but no major surgery has taken place – the ‘new’ 2008 is mechanically very similar to the way it was before.
The 2008 has had a nosejob – the grille now has vertical black bars, reminiscent of more premium manufacturers’ front ends. Minor adjustments all around the car certainly add up to give it a sportier, more upmarket edge, though it’s important to remember that this is a bulky small SUV and not a stylish city car.
Inside, the interior remains relatively unchanged apart from some minor adjustments. Anyone who struggled to read the speedo over the steering wheel in the previous generation will have just as much trouble in the new model, and the seating position is awkward for certain sizes of driver. Try before you buy.
The cabin space is entirely reasonable. The awkward front seats force some taller drivers to move the chair position further back than they would in rivals, which means that the rear passengers’ legroom suffers.
The boot is broadly in line with rivals’ and the clever split-folding rear seats allow it to expand to meaningful proportions. That said, some hatchbacks and most estate cars offer more load-lugging capacity – a consideration for family buyers, even if the extra space is only needed occasionally.
The 2008’s buffet of powertrains focuses on efficiency rather than driving pleasure. Frugal motoring is possible throughout the range, though the smallest and least powerful engines can become a chore to drive.
The 74bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi coupled to a five-speed manual is one of the best choices in terms of emissions and fuel efficiency, but it’s a huge performance compromise.
Body roll has been reasonably well contained in this upright compact SUV. However, wind and road noise is slightly more pronounced than you’d expect, and the clunky automatic is easily led astray. This is no driver’s car.
The £13,615 starting price of the 2008 is positively bargainous. That brings it close to the SsangYong Tivoli, an off-brand SUV from Korea that can’t match the Peugeot for style. However, when you start to add in the options and pick a trim level you want to live with, the 2008’s price trundles above £20,000.
At this point, it has some pretty convincing opponents. The Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Yeti and Suzuki Vitara all make reliable, well-regarded alternatives – though they lack the 2008’s French flair.
This car makes a great compromise for a lot of buyers. Low starting prices for entry-level models, a range of efficient engines (including some gutless but frugal petrols) and a pleasing design will outweigh the mediocre driving dynamics for many people.
What the 2008 lacks in B-road excitement it makes up for in efficiency – a real-world MPG figure that should challenge most SUV-segment competitors.
THE FACTS
Model: Peugeot 2008
Price: From £13,615
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol producing 128bhp
Performance: Top speed 124mph, 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds
Economy: 58.9mpg
CO2 rating: 110g/km
