Peugeot 2008 review

As is the case with many rivals, the 2008’s ground clearance isn’t any greater than that of a normal small car. That said, its seats are mounted quite high so you still get a relatively SUV-like sitting position, and you certainly feel much higher up than you do in a Skoda Kamiq.

There’s plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat. However, as is the case in the brand’s other models, you’re forced to look over, rather than through, the unusually small steering wheel in order to see the instrument display. Although the dials are set higher than is usual, the result of this unconventional design is that not everyone will be able to find their perfect driving position; some will need to set the steering wheel unnaturally low for a clear view. 

A 3D-effect driver display is optional in place of conventional instruments. Peugeot argues that this helps the driver to pick out more useful information by bringing it closer, but in reality all the system did was give some of our road testers a double-vision headache. It’s standard equipment from mid-spec Allure.

The 2008’s high driving position gives a decent view out ahead, but the windscreen pillars are a bit thick and can obscure the view out to the sides at some junctions. Bright LED headlights are standard. Rear parking sensors are standard to help when manoeuvring in tight spaces, and you can have front parking sensors and a rear-view camera on the higher trim levels.

Entry-level Active and Allure models get a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system with shortcut buttons on both sides of the screen. A bigger, 10.0in touchscreen comes as standard on the top GT-Line and GT trims. The system itself is a bit laggy and generally fiddly to operate, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at least come as standard. 

With the bigger screen, the touch-sensitive shortcut buttons are moved to sit above the piano key-styled physical buttons that protrude from the dash. While the physical switches are clearly labelled and good to use, the touch-sensitive ones can frustrate; it’s not always obvious when you’ve actually pressed them.

It’s also annoying that the air conditioning controls are hidden within a touchscreen menu – as is the case with all current Peugeot, Citroën and DS models. Simple physical dials would be more convenient.

The ergonomic quibbles mentioned above are rather a shame because the 2008’s interior is otherwise great. Not only does the 2008 look fantastic inside, but its looks are backed up by excellent build quality, with (mostly) plush materials. In terms of quality, it can even give the exemplary Audi Q2 a run for its money. The dashboard surfaces are pleasantly squishy to touch, and it’s only really on the doors that you’ll find cheaper-feeling plastics.