2023 Peugeot 2008 revealed
On sale Summer 2023 | Price from £25,000 (est)
Whether it’s a film trilogy or Neapolitan ice cream, some things are better off when they come in threes. The updated Peugeot 2008 might well be the latest addition to that list, because it’s soon to be offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid or fully electric power.
The newest member of the 2008 family is the 48V hybrid version, which consists of a new-generation 134bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine and an electric motor that’s integrated into a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
This system is designed to improve efficiency around town, with a claimed 15% reduction in fuel consumption. Like many other regular hybrids, this 2008 can run on electric power alone for short distances around town. It will join the line-up in 2024.
The fully electric Peugeot e-2008 has also been updated, getting a new, more powerful electric motor (up from 134bhp to 154bhp) and a larger battery (with a total capacity of 54kWh rather than 50kWh). As a result, the new e-2008 has an official range of up to 252 miles (versus 212 miles previously).
When it comes to charging, the e-2008 can accept power at rates of up to 100kW (unchanged from the outgoing model); this means a 10-80% top-up will take around 30 minutes via a suitably powerful public rapid charger. Using a typical 7kW home wallbox, a full charge takes around seven and a half hours.
As before, the regular petrol offerings consist of 99bhp and 129bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder units. The former comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the latter can be had with either the six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Of the two, the 129bhp unit – which we praised for its punchy performance and impressive fuel economy – was the most popular engine in the outgoing car, although we found that the optional automatic gearbox wasn’t the smoothest by small SUV standards.
Changes to the 2008’s design start with the introduction of Peugeot’s new badge, as seen on the Peugeot 308 and 408.
At the front, every 2008 now gets three vertical LED daytime running lights on each side, rather than the single strip from before, while GT versions get full LED headlights.
At the rear, the tail-lights have been tweaked and are now made up of six horizontal LED strips. The ‘Peugeot’ name is now spelt across the tailgate more prominently than before, while the traditional badge has been removed entirely.
Much of the 2008’s interior is similar to the outgoing car’s. The 10.0in digital instrument panel, for instance, is still positioned above (rather than behind) a small steering wheel, as is the case in all current Peugeot models. In the previous car, this layout meant that some drivers might need to adopt an unnaturally high seating position in order to get a clear view of the display over the top of the steering wheel.
All versions of the 2008 now get a 10.0in infotainment screen as standard, in place of the 7.0in screen previously fitted to all but range-topping GT models. Additionally, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone integration is now available with Allure and GT trims.
As in the outgoing car, the 2008’s climate controls are mostly operated from a menu on the central touchscreen, plus a few physical shortcut buttons for certain functions. When we tested this system in the outgoing car, we found it harder to use on the move than physical dials, such as those you get in a Ford Puma.
Elsewhere, the seats are available in a new range of fabrics, including optional Alcantara upholstery for GT versions.
With the interior changes being limited to the materials and technology, space inside the latest 2008 is expected to remain the same as in the previous model. We found that car to be reasonable in this respect but not class leading; the Skoda Kamiq beats it for rear head and leg room, as well as boot space.
The updated Peugeot 2008 is expected to cost from around £25,000, making it pricier than the more spacious Skoda Kamiq, but not quite as expensive as our reigning Small SUV of the Year, the Volkswagen T-Roc.
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