by Peugeot 2008 became one of the most striking new releases of the past year in our market in the budget segment. The car has transformed externally and become more advanced, and it’s no surprise that it won the title Crossover/SUV of the Year 2021 in Ukraine. We had the opportunity to get acquainted with this interesting newcomer.
If the first Peugeot 2008 resembled a lifted station wagon, now the design has become more “off-road” – with a high hood and chopped lines. The front end is designed in the signature style of modern Peugeot – with a trapezoidal grille and distinctive LED “fangs”. The rear glass is covered by a spoiler, and the lights resemble claw marks.
The new Peugeot 2008 2020 has noticeably grown and now reaches 4300 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2605 mm.
At the same time, the crossover is quite light – only 1205 kg.
As with all modern Peugeot models, the 2008’s interior is designed in i-Cockpit style. The steering wheel is very small and flattened on top and bottom, and the instrument panel is placed high. It is not just virtual; it features three-dimensional graphics – the speedometer, for example, is displayed in the foreground. It looks very unusual – even the senior Peugeot 508 doesn’t have anything like this yet.
The curved gear selector is familiar from many PSA models. By the way, it can automatically shift to park.
The seven-inch touchscreen is angled towards the driver.
It handles most functions (including climate control), so there are few buttons left. Below, there are USB ports and a handy foldable shelf for a smartphone.
The range of seat and steering wheel adjustments is quite wide, and importantly, even in the highest position, the steering wheel does not block the instruments. The pedal area is a bit cramped, though, so it’s better not to sit behind the wheel in winter boots. The front seats are firm, but they hold the back well. The forward visibility is good – the high hood doesn’t obstruct it.
However, rear visibility is limited, but the camera helps when parking.
In the second row, the legroom and headroom are decent for the class, but the interior isn’t very wide. There’s also a tunnel running through the center. Rear passengers have their own pair of USB ports. The trunk is spacious for this size – 434 liters in standard condition and 1467 liters with the rear seats folded. It features a two-level floor.
The Peugeot 2008 Allure trim includes keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, rain and light sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, and a parking sensor.
An interesting feature: the headlights can be turned on with a remote, which is convenient if you need to light up the path to your house at night.
The Peugeot 2008 crossover is equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo engine with 155 hp. It impresses with its mid-range torque – the maximum 240 Nm of torque is achieved at 1750 rpm. According to the specs, 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 8.2 seconds. The engine, by the way, is much quieter than its predecessor, and vibrations are now unnoticeable.
The engine’s character greatly depends on the selected driving mode. If you choose Sport, it becomes very lively, and the revs quickly build up.
But if you switch to Eco mode, the engine becomes lethargic, and the gas pedal feels less responsive. Unlike many other cars, the difference in behavior across different modes is very noticeable here.
However, in Eco, fuel consumption is about half a liter less. Overall, we managed about 8-9 l/100 km in the city and about 6 l/100 km on the highway at a speed of 110-120 km/h – not much more than the official consumption figures.
Shifting in the 8-speed automatic transmission happens almost imperceptibly, and the gearbox constantly tries to select a higher gear. Although you can take everything into your own hands and use the paddle shifters. There is no and will be no all-wheel drive for the Peugeot 2008, but there’s an off-road traction control system called Grip Control and a hill descent assistance system.
The suspension of the Peugeot 2008 is quite stiff, and road bumps are noticeable.
However, the crossover barely leans, and in general, the handling is commendable – there’s almost no understeer. At high speeds, the steering becomes heavier, although it lacks some feedback. Also, the crossover has improved sound insulation, making the interior quieter.
The new Peugeot 2008 in Ukraine starts at 615,000 UAH. The test car in the Allure version costs 692,000 UAH.
Specifications of Peugeot 2008:
- 3-cylinder petrol turbo engine, transverse front
- Displacement 1199 cc
- Power 155 at 5500 rpm
- Maximum torque 240 Nm at 1750 rpm
- Front-wheel drive
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Maximum speed 208 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 8.2 seconds
- Fuel consumption city/highway 7.7/5.2 l/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4300/1770/1530/2605 mm
- Trunk volume 434-1467 liters
- Ground clearance 174 mm
- Turning diameter 10.4 m
