Presentation and price: Peugeot 2008 starts at a good 27,000 euros
Appearance and dimensions: The 2008 has become larger and more angular
Visually, the 2008 has taken a big step. Nothing remains of the once round design of the first 2008. The second generation is much more angular, borrowing some from the 208 models and the larger 3008 SUV.
With a length of 4.30 meters, the 2008 almost belongs to the compact SUV segment in terms of size.
While the basic shape is similar to that of the larger and rather futuristically styled compact SUV, the 2008 adopts some details from its small car brother, the 208, especially at the front.
These include the LED headlights with the three-part light graphic in a claw look, the larger grille with the wide trim strip and the saber-tooth daytime running lights that extend deep into the apron. In the smallest Peugeot SUV, however, these are not directly connected to the headlights.
The second 2008 has become longer and flatter
“Small” is out of the question anyway: With the model change, the 2008 has become 14 centimeters longer and, at 4.30 meters, is clearly on the border with compact SUVs. Together with the wheelbase, which has grown to 2.61 meters, this should provide significantly more space in the rear seats.
At the same time, the new model is 1.77 meters wide (plus 3 centimeters), while it has shrunk by around one centimeter to a height of 1.55 meters. In the side view, the two striking beads punched into the sheet metal are particularly striking. They run in opposite directions and, together with the window line that rises steeply in the rear area, visually separate the 2008 from its big brother.
Similarities to the 3008 can also be seen at the rear. However, the LED taillights with the typical claw light graphics are much narrower. In addition, the lion logo was placed further down on the tailgate. A Peugeot logo takes its place on the 2008.
Dimensions at a glance:
• Length: 4300mm
• Broad: 1770mm
• Height: 1550mm
• Wheelbase: 2605mm
• turning circle: 10.4m
• trunk volume: 405 to 1467 liters
Interior: 3D cockpit and plenty of space in the second row
The interior holds few surprises in the first row. The futuristic dashboard and the controls are already known from the Peugeot 208. Means: The driver steers with the small, deep-seated steering wheel and looks at the digital instrument cluster mounted high up, directly in the field of vision.
Digital instruments and the low-slung steering wheel characterize the 2008. The technology comes from the smaller 208.
According to Peugeot, this makes a head-up display obsolete. The digital instrument cluster is ten inches tall and is capable of 3D display. The most important information thus comes to the fore and comes to the driver. In the basic equipment “Allure” there are still classic analogue instruments.
Trunk volume increased significantly
The touchscreen of the infotainment system is inclined towards the driver’s seat and measures seven or ten inches, depending on the version. In addition to an inductive charging compartment for smartphones, the center console also offers some shelves, USB ports and two cup holders.
Overall, the interior in the tested “GT-Line” equipment looks high-quality. This is also due to the fact that the designers have spruced it up in many places with carbon-look decorative elements and plenty of piano lacquer.
At the rear, the increased external dimensions have a positive impact. The knees have enough space, and despite the optional sunroof there is enough air above the crown thanks to a bulge. This means that even tall people can get along well in the rear.
Under the hood there are three and four cylinders with up to 131 hp. In the electric 2008, things go forward with up to 136 hp.
The 2008 was also able to increase the trunk. Instead of the former 350 liters, the loading compartment now swallows 405 liters. If you fold down the rear seat bench, you can even get up to 1467 liters into the trunk of the 2008 – that’s a whopping 273 liters more than the predecessor (maximum 1194 liters of loading volume).
Used car check: How good is the Peugeot 2008?
The first generation of the mini SUV, built from 2013 to 2019, is the successor to the 207 SW. The technology comes from the 208, the careless processing quality initially left a lot to be desired. Fuel filler flap without central locking, loose cables and an engine compartment that was only primed – the 2008 was created at a time when Peugeot had to make noticeable savings.
Its chassis is designed for leisurely tours, dynamic ambition is alien to it – but due to the lack of all-wheel drive, it also drives on real terrain. The so-called i-Cockpit, the instruments placed high up and the small steering wheel far below are again typical Peugeot.
Little rust, but frequent oil loss
But in addition to the processing problems, the 2008 also has other weaknesses. Rattling plastic parts can be quite annoying. Defects in the ETG5 automated manual transmission are even more serious if an internal servomotor fails. Failing ESP and ABS units can become critical.
There were also two recalls: A stuck starter relay caused a fire hazard. And a defective water temperature sensor that sounded the alarm unnecessarily. Loss of oil and defective exhaust systems run through all vintages.
Equipment and connectivity: There is no shortage of assistants
Of course, Peugeot also gives its smallest SUV model a large number of assistance systems. For example, the 2008 parks itself if desired, the driver only has to accelerate and brake. There is also an emergency brake assistant, traffic sign recognition, fatigue warning and a blind spot assistant.
In combination with the eight-speed automatic, there is an adaptive cruise control that brakes and accelerates automatically. With the new lane departure warning system, the driver can determine the position of the car in the lane. The high beam automatically dims when there is oncoming traffic. For a surcharge, there is a 3D navigation system from TomTom, which automatically adjusts the route based on current traffic information.
Engines: in addition to three and four cylinders, also as an electric version
When it comes to the engines, there is a choice between two petrol engines and one diesel engine. The petrol engines are 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder, which are offered with 101 and 131 hp. The engines are linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The 130 hp version is also optionally available with the well-known eight-speed automatic transmission.
From the front, the e-2008 can be recognized by the radiator grille in the vehicle color and the slightly modified lion logo.
For frequent drivers, Peugeot also has a diesel on offer. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder is available with 131 hp. Here, the eight-speed automatic takes over the gear changes as standard. All engines, whether petrol or diesel, meet the Euro 6d emissions standard.
Electric version with a range of over 300 kilometers
Even with the second generation of the 2008, the French do without all-wheel drive. In poor road conditions, the optional Grip Control should take care of it. The SUV, which weighs at least 1.2 tons, is being built in Vigo, Spain.
Technical data at a glance:
engine
displacement
fuel
perfomance
Max. Torque
transmission
0-100km/h
top speed
Consumption according to WLTP*
electric range according to WLTP*
With the second generation of the 2008, a purely electric version was launched for the first time. An electric motor on the front axle with 100 kW (136 hp) drives the 1620 kg SUV to 100 km/h in a smooth nine seconds, thanks to a 50 kWh battery there should be a range of 342 kilometers according to WLTP.
Comparison: electric vs. combustion engines in a drive duel
Basically, the differences between the two aren’t all that big, optically only a few details on the radiator grille and the license plate with the “E” at the end reveal that the e-2008 is an electric vehicle. The fully digital display, which also has a 3D effect, is available in both versions. As I said, interesting – you should definitely try it out.
Old against new world: The e-2008 competes against its combustion engine brother – and in the end is ahead!
Many colleagues who like to drive with a sloping backrest will find it difficult to find the right seating position here; others praise the concept. The operation follows a similar game, many functions are set via touch.
And instead of the automatic converter, which is only recommended to a limited extent and is subject to a surcharge, AUTO BILD recommends manual transmission. Six well-assorted gears help with locomotion, but they don’t look beguiling in union with the three-cylinder.
In the e-2008 there is a pleasant calm
Incidentally, there were hardly any problems with the charging infrastructure during the test phase. Like its siblings, the e-2008 charges to 80 percent in just 30 minutes on the fast charger. Thanks to the CMP platform, the e-2008 also offers the same space and trunk volume as the petrol engine.
