BEST OF BOTH WORLDS? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Hybrid power in Peugeot's 2008 makes for an appealing combination. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 47

Peugeot fills the gap between combustion and EV versions of its little 2008 SUV with this Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 model. It's largely electric where it needs to be - in town. And fuel-powered where you might want it to be - on longer journeys. An ideal combination?

Backgroundword count: 124

We can understand why you might be attracted to Peugeot second generation 2008, yet find yourself rather undecided as to what powertrain it should have. For most of this MK2 model's life, there's been a vast price gulf between the Puretech combustion models at one end of the range and the full-electric E-2008 variants at the other. A gap Peugeot has finally plugged with the Hybrid version we're looking at here. This is the same Hybrid e-DSC6 powertrain we've already seen in a whole range of Stellantis Group models, though here you don't get the 100hp version of this package that's offered in the 208 Hybrid supermini. The 2008 offers only the 136hp variant of this Hybrid powertrain, but it's well worth a look.

Driving Experienceword count: 223

In concept, this Hybrid 2008 is a combination of combustion and battery power. And, it turns out, in engineering terms too. As usual with a full-Hybrid, you have to have an auto gearbox, though this is a rather different kind of self-shifting transmission - and not only because it's of the dual-clutch sort and restricted to six speeds. Built into its casing is a DC inverter, an Engine Control Unit and, most significantly, a little 28hp electric motor powered by a tiny battery secreted beneath the front passenger seat. On the move, this motor can work together with the Hybrid model's 1.2-litre petrol engine - or separately from it. And, unlike with a mild hybrid system like that fitted to say, a rival Ford Puma, here the car can be driven for short urban distances (under 18mph) on electric power alone. During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the Hybrid system's 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system. The motor additionally assists the engine under acceleration - such as from standstill to 62mph, which takes 8.3s en route to 128mph for the 136PS version on this engine. The more affordable 100PS variant of this Hybrid unit that Peugeot offers in the 208 supermini isn't available in this SUV.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227