Peugeot 2008

The Peugeot 2008 is one of the more upmarket small crossovers in the segment and it shows. The layout of the interior also follows in the footsteps of its hatchback cousin. The i-Cockpit makes an appearance here as well.  This gives it a low set compact and sporty steering wheel with an instrument cluster placed higher on the dashboard. This makes it easy for the driver to look at their instruments without taking their eyes off the road while also being more comfortable for longer drives. The instrument cluster itself gets a small LCD display between the twin pod dials which come with their own styling touches in the form of blue LED surround lighting. The center console gets a 7” touchscreen mounted on top of the center console. It is not the best to use but still provides Bluetooth and USB connectivity and music streaming through its Arkamys 3D Sound audio system with 6 speakers. Automatic dual-zone air conditioning gets its own physical controls. The seats are semi bucket type and very plush. As are the soft touch materials in the cabin and the metallic alloy finish grab handles. The handbrake is also an aviation-style arrangement instead of a normal lever but at least it is not an electronic one. The cabin ambiance is also improved greatly by the full-length panoramic sunroof. Room in the rear is very good for normal sized people. It is not the widest and taller people will struggle due to the sunroof for headroom. Rear passengers also get to use a 12V socket of their own apart from another for the front. Boot space behind the seats is average for its class at 350 L but it is a good square shape with low load height and a full-sized spare wheel under the floor. With the rear seats folded flat, it goes up to 1194-litre.

There is no denying that the Peugeot 2008 is a sharp and stylish SUV. It brings a much needed European flavor to our streets that also helps it stand out from all the Japanese influenced designs. Starting from the dimensions, the 2008 gains a few inches on the 208 with a total length of 4159 mm, width of 1739 mm and height of 1556 mm. As mentioned the crossover was recently facelifted that has given it a few visual improvements following Peugeot’s new design language. This has given it a new grille that appears wider thanks to new reflective vertical elements. The claw-like headlights get slight improvements but they are hard to notice. There are new 17” dual tone alloys 205/50 tires. These wheels are placed in wheel arches that come with black plastic cladding. The roofline has also been enhanced with a bump like curve with a small chrome strip. But this is purely a cosmetic thing and has no bearing on the headroom in the back. There are roof rails which end with a rear spoiler. The taillamps are LED and glow in the new characteristic Peugeot claw pattern. The rear also features that fat protruded lip-like extension that also features on the 208. In total, this is a stylish design that is also a bit idiosyncratic as all French cars are.

The Peugeot 2008 is a family crossover above all else and as such provides a comfortable ride quality thanks to its suspension with longer travel and softer suspension setup that uses pseudo MacPherson struts with anti-roll bars in the front and a trailing arm with dynamic cross member axle in the rear. This also means that it is not the most engaging to drive. The driver is seated high and is given a good look of the outside. Rest assured your family will be very happy riding with you in this car.

The Peugeot 2008 like its hatchback cousin has a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating. There are 6 airbags up front in total including side and curtain airbags. The Peugeot 2008 is fully loaded with safety features like the basic Hill start assist, ESP, ABS with EBD and emergency brake assist and advanced ones like anti-skid regulation, dynamic stability control and anti-whiplash front seat headrests. However, the 2008 misses out on parking assist features like reversing cameras and parking sensors which is a really sore point at this price level.

The Peugeot 2008 then, is a really nice crossover to look at and be in. It lets you break away from the usual Japanese vehicles in the segment and is also much more comfortable. It is not perfect but makes good on its asking price. A very viable alternative in the segment.