Name: Peugeot 2008 Review
Item: Peugeot 2008
Author: Gumtree.com

The Peugeot 2008 is a compact crossover or mini-SUV, a category that has become increasingly popular for family cars. It landed in 2013 and was based on Peugeot’s 208 hatchback but with a beefed-up body and increased ride height – meaning improved comfort and visibility. A new model arrived in 2020, improving on the formula and outshining the first-gen models (which can now be scooped up for a bargain). There are a number of petrol and diesel engine choices, and the 2020 model offers an impressive full-electric option.

Visit the Peugeot 2008 hub to explore available cars and learn more about the model

What we think about the Peugeot 2008

The Peugeot 2008 is a real competitor in this category and well worth considering.

Pros

Stylish looks inside and out

Good choice of engines/motor

Some impressive tech

Cons

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Having the best features can get expensive

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The small steering wheel is not for everyone

The Peugeot 2008 is now available in five trim levels: Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium. The 2020 models include plenty as standard including lane keeping assist and a digital instrument panel (i-Cockpit). Stepping up to Allure trim will bag you a reversing camera, additional in-cabin storage space and exterior styling enhancements.

Driving performance of the Peugeot 2008

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Peugeot 2008 is easy to drive and can be rewarding when pushed a little. The ride quality is mostly comfortable, but this will be impacted by larger alloys and tighter suspension on sportier versions. The Allure trim, with its 17-inch alloys and more forgiving suspension, may be the preferred choice unless you’re set on the jazzier looks and added goodies of GT trims. The 1.2-litre petrol engines are a good choice, as even this basic configuration will be punchy enough for most everyday needs.

Safety and reliability of the Peugeot 2008

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The Peugeot 2008 has a host of safety features, so there was no surprise when it was awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in 2019. This score was with the optional Safety Plus pack fitted though – without this, the rating was four stars. The safety rating for child occupants was 84% however, and adult occupant safety was over 90% in both tests, so either variant is considered a thoroughly safe choice. It’s also worth noting that the first generation vehicle was given five stars in 2013, when standards were a little different. Reliability-wise, Peugeot’s reputation has improved, and we don’t foresee any major issues with the 2008. There’s a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty from new, too.

Under the bonnet of the Peugeot 2008

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The turbocharged 1.2 PureTech petrol engine has 101 bhp and does 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds, which is spritely enough for most. If not, there’s a 130 bhp version of the engine that cuts two seconds off that time (slightly less with an auto gearbox) with comparable fuel efficiency. The GT Premium has an option for a peppy 155 bhp engine, too. The new electric motor gets to 62 mph from a standing start in nine seconds. If you’re bucking the trend and going for diesel, the sole 1.5-litre offering has similar acceleration to the base-level petrol but is a bit less fun to drive.

What you'll find in the Peugeot 2008

Our Design Rating9 / 10

The 2020 Peugeot 2008 is an attractive SUV with aggressive styling you’ll fall in love with. Its large front grille is modern-looking, and the three-stripe, lion ‘claw effect’ front and rear lighting is a nice touch. GT trims look the best (though come at a premium and some comfort sacrifice) but the 2008 looks good at any trim level. The first-gen still scores highly, though the 2016-onwards facelift models are the best in our opinion, for both style and performance.

Comfort and interiors in the Peugeot 2008

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The interior is as stylish as the exterior with a carbon-effect dashboard, leather steering wheel and black-gloss ‘piano’ switches as standard. There’s a central infotainment touchscreen unit, as well as Peugeot’s i-Cockpit digital instrument panel that gives the 2008 a modern feel. Somewhat controversial is the ‘compact’ (shrunken) steering wheel to allow the instrument panel to be viewed above it – it’s proven to be a little like Marmite, so a test-drive is advisable. Passengers will find plenty of headroom, and the boot is more than adequate at 360 litres.

What features you'll find in the Peugeot 2008

Our Features Rating7 / 10

The virtual instrument panel is the standout feature here, but there’s also a host of other tech. Drive-Assist recognises street signs and limits speed at the touch of a button. Smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included as standard, and there’s a wireless charging plate to keep your phone juiced up. At the top of the range, the (standard) adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a set speed by scanning the road ahead. At this end of the range you can even spec semi-autonomous parking that steers you into parking spaces – pretty neat.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Peugeot 2008

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The petrol engine can achieve up to 52.6 mpg unless in the 150 bhp format, though that still manages up to 46.6 mpg. The diesel can reach a figure of 62.7 mpg making it the most frugal of the fossil-fuel options. Emissions-wise, the petrols produce 124 to 141 g/Km depending on the version and the diesel achieves 122 g/km – but the green-conscious hero is, of course, the zero-emissions electric, which has an impressive range of up to 206 miles.

Running costs of the Peugeot 2008

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

With relatively low fuel costs and emissions, the 2008 is unlikely to be expensive to run. The servicing schedule is 12,500 miles or one year (20,000 miles for the diesel) and servicing costs are not expected to be unduly high. Insurance group starts at 13 for the entry-level petrol and can be as high as group 23 for the top-level petrol in the GT premium trim. The electric model is either group 25 or 26, depending on trim.

Our verdict of the Peugeot 2008

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Peugeot 2008 is a great-looking choice for a family vehicle with practicality and good driving manners.

Peugeot 2008 Review