ANOTHER EIGHT TO RATE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_peugeote2008_2020

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 61

Peugeot's e-2008 delivered the full-EV formula to the smallest segment of the SUV market - and in a trendy, very lifestyle-orientated package. It looks snappy, does at least 193 miles between charges, has no practicality downsides over the combustion-engined version and comes with monthly payment finance you could justify. In short, there's plenty to like in early versions of this model.

Modelsword count: 8

5dr SUV (EV) [Active, Allure, GT Line, GT]

Historyword count: 141

The e-2008 small SUV is Peugeot's second full electric model, introduced as the brand implements its strategy of providing an electrified derivative of every one of its cars by 2023. It's all apparently part of the company's philosophy of 'Unboring the Future' by offering customers the option of switching to a full-electric powertrain without compromising on space, technology, looks or driving sensation. It shares all the same engineering we've already also seen in two other PSA Group small battery-powered lifestyle SUVs, the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE and Vauxhall's Mokka-e, designs that, like this one, share this Peugeot's sophisticated CMP ('Common Modular Platform'). Plus those same underpinnings allow for a new generation of 'big car'-style camera safety systems. The e-2008 sold in its original form until mid-2023, when it was significantly facelifted. It's the pre-facelift version though, that we look at here.

What You Getword count: 329

The all-electric e-2008 is pretty difficult to distinguish from what Peugeot calls its 'thermic'-powered models, though brand loyalists might spot this EV variant's colour-coded front grille, subtle 'e'-badging and a more unusual 'Dichroic' finish for the lion badge that appears to change colour, depending on your viewing angle. As with the brand's 208 supermini, the front end is probably the most immediately arresting part of the design, with distinctive LED corner 'fangs' that flow up into the three-claw LED headlight signature. Look further up and you'll note the pared-back windscreen that makes the carved bonnet more horizontal. There's also plenty in the muscular profile to catch the eye, with a high beltline, various repeating triangular lines and lots of intricate surfacing that must have made the panel pressing a real technical feat. Wheel sizes on mainstream variants are either 16 or 17-inches, but top versions (recognisable by their 'diamond black' roof colouring) feature bigger diamond-cut 18-inch rims, At the rear, the avant garde theme continues, with exact design and tautly-drawn shaping. The 3D tail lamps again feature that 3-claw signature and are linked by a black band running the width of the boot lid, emphasising this second generation 2008 model's extra width. Inside, there's the usual 2008 'i-Cockpit' driving position format, where you view the instrument binnacle over the upper rim of a tiny steering wheel rather than conventionally through the wheel spokes. Plus, as with other versions of this model, the concept's been further developed with the addition of a clever 3D instrument binnacle display. What else? Well rear passenger space is much better than in an e-208 but still slightly compromised by the need to place the powertrain's battery pack beneath that back seat. Still, even with a six-foot tall driver up-front, someone of similar height could sit behind comfortably. The EV drive layout doesn't compromise boot space, which is 434-litres in capacity just like any other 2008 and extendable to 1,467-litres with the back seat folded.

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