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Pros: Style, practicality, refinement
Cons: Awkward touch controls for ventilation, some rivals have longer range.
Peugeot 2008 Design
The second generation of the 2008 launched here in 2020. Along with the larger 3008 and 5008, this trio of Peugeot SUVs have proven very popular with Irish buyers. Peugeot has now smartened up the 2008 to keep it fresh. The front end has been redesigned for a slightly more aggressive look. It features a wider grille with a vertical pattern and the new Peugeot lion shield logo. The front and rear lighting has also been updated and is even more distinct than before. At the front, Peugeot’s new signature ‘3-claw’ lighting is integrated into the gloss black inserts on the bumper. Reversing lights and indicators are also all now LED. There’s a new paint colour, Okenite White, and new alloy wheel designs (16- to 18-inch). Black wing mirror caps come as standard regardless of body colour, with GT models also finished with a contrasting black roof as standard. At the back P E U G E O T is spelt out across a black panel connecting the rear lights. It's an excellent evolution of design and is sure to keep the 2008 high on the shopping list for buyers seeking a stylish small SUV.
Peugeot 2008 Interior
The 2008 always felt like a cut above rivals when it came to interior style and quality. Peugeot has enhanced the cabin’s upmarket feel with some new fabrics and a technology update. All models now get a larger 10-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice control that responds to commands of ‘Ok Peugeot’. The ventilation controls are still accessed from the screen, which can be a bit fiddly to use while driving. But there are shortcut buttons to pull up menus quickly. The Peugeot i-Cockpit feels modern with a compact steering wheel bearing the new logo and a redesigned digital instrument cluster. There are lots of nice materials used including glossy black trim on the centre console and optional Alcantara-finished seats.
As it’s just an update of a current model, space inside the 2008 remains unchanged. But the 2008 is still one of the roomiest small SUVs on sale, with adequate head and legroom for passengers. There’s also a good 434-litre boot with a practical shape and low, flat loading sill. The split level boot floor is useful for keeping the charging cables out of sight.
Peugeot 2008 Performance & Drive
As before, the 2008 will be available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 100hp or 130hp, and 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic (130hp only). A more efficient petrol mild hybrid is expected to join the range in 2024. The electric e-2008 gets the most significant update with a new 54kWh battery offering up to 406 kilometres (WLTP) of range on a single battery charge, compared to 345 kilometres previously. Some rivals do have a bit more range like the Hyundai Kona 64kWh (484 kilometres) and the Kia Niro EV (460 kilometres). The new e-2008 also gets a more powerful 156hp electric motor so it feels nippy and agile on the road, while also being pleasantly comfortable and refined for its size. There are a number of different driving modes as before like Eco, Normal and Sport, and a 'B' mode to increase regenerative braking. DC fast charging is still up to 100kW for a 20% to 80% charge in 30 minutes. A 7.4kW onboard AC charger comes as standard with the option of upgrading to 11kW.
Peugeot 2008 Pricing
The updated 2008 will be available in Active, Allure and GT trim levels, with pricing to be announced closer to launch later in 2023.
Carzone Verdict
The updated Peugeot 2008 stays at the top of its game thanks to its upmarket style, practical interior and robust range of power options. Cosmetic changes are minor but enough to give the 2008 a little more presence than before. The real star here is the e-2008. With more range and efficiency than before, it's now a much more appealing car.