Reader test team: Peugeot 2008
Peugeot has been on a roll for a few years now, especially when it comes to SUVs; the seven-seat 5008 have been hoovering up both What Car? awards and sales ever since it arrived back in 2017, while the 3008 is also highly impressive.
With this all-new 2008, the French firm is hoping to continue this trend. That’s why the small SUV has the same striking styling as its siblings, a high-tech interior – with a large infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument display – and plush materials to appeal to the sort of buyers who’d usually go for something like an Audi Q2.
However, it isn’t just design and tech that make the 2008 stand out in this closely fought class, because it comes not only with a range of turbocharged petrol or diesel engines but also in electric form (badged the e-2008), with an official range of up to 193 miles.
So, can the new 2008 pull off the same trick as Peugeot’s other SUVs? We invited a group of readers to see one of the first examples in the country to get their thoughts.
Adrian Sprague
Age 70 Job Retired Drives Volkswagen Tiguan
“I was initially unsure about Peugeot, because I’ve been a Volkswagen and Audi fan for many years. But looking at this new 2008, I’m pleasantly surprised by the striking design and the quality of the materials used inside.
“I didn’t think I was going to like the small steering wheel, but actually it works quite well. I’m not so sure about the ‘piano’ keys on the dashboard, though; all the icons face upwards, so they’re hard to see at a glance. And the touch-sensitive icons behind them won’t be very easy to use while driving.
“I’m surprised to hear that you can get only front-wheel drive on the 2008, because SUVs and four-wheel drive go hand in hand for me. It’s also odd that you can’t have an automatic gearbox with the diesel engine.
“At 6ft tall, I found getting in and out of the back seats a bit difficult with the front seats pushed right back. But with the adjustable boot floor in its lowest possible setting, the space available is fairly generous.
“One of the reasons I go for Volkswagen and Audi is good resale values, so I’d have to see what they’re like for the 2008. However, I’d definitely one – and doubted I’d be saying that at the start of today.”
Verdict 4/5
Russell Hill
Age 67 Job Retired Drives Toyota Yaris Hybrid
“I’m an older Peugeot person; I had the 504 and 505 in the ’70s and ’80s, and the squarer front end of this new 2008 reminds me of those cars. I also like that you can sit in the 2008 and still see the bonnet’s corners, because it doesn’t dip away from you, as in some of its curvier rivals.
“I think the 18in wheels that come with GT trim are too big. I’d prefer the 16in ones on the entry-level model; they should provide a better ride and fuel economy.
“Having driven a hybrid Toyota Yaris, I wouldn’t buy a pure combustion-engined car again. I wanted to go electric, but I couldn’t find a model within our budget that had a decent range.
“Peugeot might have missed a trick with the e-2008, because it would have been nice to have a storage space under the bonnet for the charge cables. You’d have to lift stuff out of the boot to get at the cables if you hide them under the false floor.
“I like the fact that there are extra rubber seals at the bottom of the doors to stop the sills from getting muddy. I think the sills might be a bit too wide, though; that could be a problem if you have mobility issues.”
Verdict 4/5
Sergio Di Fabio
Age 55 Job Procurement manager Drives Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon
“Given the mileage and type of driving I do – mostly on the motorway – diesel is still the most cost-effective and efficient choice for me.
“Electric doesn’t appeal, because I would need to have a charging point installed at home, and that only works if you have your own parking space. There are some lamp-post charging points where I live, but they’re limited at the moment.
“The interior looks and feels really good. It’s visually appealing and nice to touch. There are some smart styling features, such as the continuation of the trim from the top of the doors into the dashboard. It has been really well thought out.
“I’m not so sure how well the black plastic trim will last, though. It might look beautiful now, but with fingerprint marks and scratches from keys, rings or watches, it might look less beautiful in the future.
“I would say the 2008 is more practical than my current small estate. Also, I have a dog, and he can’t easily get into the Alfa’s boot, due to its lip. The 2008 doesn’t have this obstruction, and it’s a nice, square shape.”
Verdict 4/5
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