LICENCE FOR HILLS (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_peugeot2008_2016

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 137

Peugeot's 2008 small SUV sold well for the brand following an initial launch in 2012, but by the middle of the 21st century's second decade, the competition had become a lot stronger. Hence the need for the heavily revised version of this first generation design that appeared in 2015. Like the original version of this Crossover, this improved 2008 offered all the advantages of a compact runabout, together with the kind of added space, style and light off road driveability potential buyers probably never expected to be able to enjoy on a small car budget. The smarter looks of this revised version aimed to draw attention to a very efficient range of engines, plus there was extra media connectivity and stronger standards of safety. Does it all make sense as a used car buy? Let's find out.

Modelsword count: 12

5dr SUV (Petrol - 1.2 [82,110,130hp] / Diesel - 1.6 BlueHDi [75hp,100hp,120hp])

Historyword count: 188

Peugeot's approach to the small SUV category was certainly initially very effective in terms of overall sales - at least to start with - with over half a million Peugeot 2008 models sold in this model's first three years of production, following an original launch in 2012. Though based heavily on the French brand's 208 supermini, this little Crossover built on the virtues of that model by offering extra space and flexibility, a higher-set driving position, more individual looks and the option of mild off road ability. All for not much more money than was being asked for its showroom stablemate. You can see why it proved to be popular. By 2015, it was clear that early class leaders like this one were going to have to work a lot harder to sustain their share in this growing segment. Hence the need for this facelifted first generation version, a car with smarter styling, stronger standards of safety and extra media connectivity. And an evolved engine range. It's this facelifted model we check out here, a car which sold until the launch of the new 2008 in early 2020.

What You Getword count: 471

If you're one of those people who like the idea of a small Crossover-class car but think more ostentatiously-styled contenders in this class like Nissan's Juke and Ford's EcoSport look rather silly, then the subtly fashionable shape of this Peugeot 2008 will suit you perfectly. The changes made to this improved model mostly centred on the front end where the restyled bonnet lost its previous Peugeot lion badge. That was moved to the centre of a smarter, more distinctive grille that brought the look of this model into line with that of the brand's second generation 3008. And inside? Well, the feeling you get at the wheel of this car has always been one of the things most likely to sell it to you. Peugeot hardly changed things at all as part of the updates made to this revised model. We particularly like the styled 'metal-look' gear knob and the cool blue frames around the instrument binnacle dials. Ah yes, the instrument binnacle. The style and positioning of this and the tiny steering wheel is part of the car's unusual so-called 'i-Cockpit' interior design, something that's always been a major talking point with this model. You must view the dials over the top of the steering wheel rim and initially, it can take a bit of adjustment and fiddling around until you get to the point where you can see the gauges properly, something not everyone may be able to manage completely to their satisfaction. Do that though and for most, the benefits will be well worth having: namely wrist-flick steering feel - and instruments much closer to your line of sight on the roadway ahead. Just about everything else you need to know can be found on what looks like a tablet PC attached to the fascia, the multifunction 7-inch colour touchscreen, which is fitted as standard to all but the very cheapest entry-level models. As for rear seat accommodation, well the first thing to say is that the slight advantages this Peugeot enjoys in overall length over rivals like Nissan's Juke and Ford's EcoSport really show here because this 2008 feels significantly less cramped in the back than either of those two cars. This is especially true in terms of leg room, meaning that an average-sized adult can sit behind a six-foot driver in reasonable comfort. What about the luggage area out back? Well the first thing you might notice is that, rather annoyingly, the parcel shelf doesn't lift with the tailgate - there's just a hinged edge you can pull up to see the boot area better. Take the thing out and a 422-litre boot is revealed, the space on offer being 20% more than you'd get in a Peugeot 208 supermini, which means that it's one of the larger cargo areas that you'll find in this class.

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