Peugeot 2008 review

Driving position 

The driving position in a Peugeot of this generation is as contentious as Marmite – you either love it or hate it. 

What makes it so unique is the fact that you look over the wheel to see the dials, not through it. This can create an awkward seating position where you find the wheel too low, but rarely too high. 

It can take some getting used to – especially for taller folk – but once you find a position that works, it makes much more sense.  

The steering wheel itself is comfortable to hold due to its unique shape and small form factor, and the buttons are easy to use, though we wish the volume control were a scroll wheel instead of buttons, and changing track was the other way around. A small niggle, but one we think feels a bit counterintuitive. 

Tech and features 

Unfortunately, the 2008, at the time of writing, hasn’t been given the full makeover other models in the lineup have, such as the 3008 and 5008. 

This means it’s still got the old infotainment system and screen you’d find in a current 208. It’s a bit cheap-looking and slow. It’s decent in isolation, but when you’ve experienced the new system and can see what Peugeot is capable of, it’s a kick in the teeth. We’re confident an upgrade is just around the corner, though. 

But despite us nit-picking, you do still get a 10-inch touchscreen along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus wireless charging. There are also two USB-C ports in the front for extra charging options. 

Below the screen, and under the air vent, is a row of fighter jet-style buttons to control functions from the hazards to the central locking. They’re very convenient and cleverly placed. 

Engines and power 

There are three different types of Peugeot 2008 you can get: petrol, hybrid and electric. Our test car was the mild hybrid (MHEV), which we think is by far the best option for most. 

Though if you’d prefer a full-on petrol and the option of a manual gearbox, the full petrol is the one to have. Similarly, if you want to embrace a fully electric lifestyle, you should probably consider the e-2008 with up to 247 miles of range. 

The MHEV car we drove for a month had Peugeot’s classic 1.2-litre petrol engine with hybrid assistance for improved stop/start abilities and to help eke out a bit more range. 

It produces 145hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which is a really intelligent combination in mixed driving scenarios. 

In theory, this hybrid system reduces fuel usage by up to 20%, and when you’re driving at low speeds around town, it spends 50% of the time running on electricity.  

In our testing, we found this to be very accurate, hearing that little electric motor whine when pootling around town. Plus, you don’t need to plug it in – it’s the best of both worlds. 

Handling and ride comfort 

The most important part about any small family SUV is what it’s like to drive on UK roads.  

We don’t have the smoothest roads in the world, so to have a car that rides over any lumps and bumps in the road well is essential. 

Thankfully, we can report that the 2008 is very compliant in this area, whether that’s around town or on a faster A-road.  

It’s also quite brisk around a country lane, and doesn’t get much body roll, making it feel sturdy and well-planted at all times. 

Boot space 

Boot space in the Peugeot 2008 is decent at 434 litres, expanding to 1,467 litres when the rear seats are folded. 

With all seats in place, there’s enough space for a number of suitcases and/or soft overnight bags, and when folded, you have more space to slide in larger items such as a bicycle (with the front wheel removed) or flat-pack furniture. 

Rear seats 

The 2008 isn’t going to break any records for rear-seat space. You can fit two adults back there, but try to add a third in the middle seat, and it may be a struggle. 

There are ISOFIX mounting points on the two outer seats, though, making this a useful car for young families. 

But you do get a USB-C and USB-A port in the back to keep rear-seat passengers amused on longer drives. 

Storage solutions 

Compared to rivals from Volkswagen and Škoda, the 2008 doesn’t have the most in the way of storage compartments, but it’s not terrible either. 

In the front, there are two decent-sized cupholders in front of the wireless phone charger compartment, which doubles as a secure space to store items when the car is locked. 

Door bins aren’t the best, but they are good enough for smaller bottles of water. 

It’s the same story in the back, with narrow door bins, so your best bet is to make the most of the boot where you can. 

Safety 

When it was last safety tested by Euro NCAP, the Peugeot 2008 scored four out of five stars, giving it high ratings for both adult and child occupants. 

Much of this is down to its standard onboard safety features, such as cruise control with a speed limiter, lane-keep assist and speed sign recognition.  

If you want adaptive cruise control, which keeps you at a safe distance from the car in front and helps keep you in lane, this is an optional extra on high-spec GT models. 

Fuel economy 

The mild hybrid 2008 we tested is best in terms of fuel efficiency, leaning on its hybrid setup to improve range. 

Peugeot claims the 2008 will get 62.1mpg, and we saw figures close to this over 700 miles of driving.  

A full tank will get you just shy of 500 miles, which is very good and double the e-2008's claimed range. 

If you opt for the petrol-only version, expect around 53mpg, which is still impressive. 

Reliability 

Modern Peugeots are much more reliable than older ones, so we don’t see why you should have any concerns. 

Every new Peugeot 2008 comes with a very standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, but you can extend this to 100,000 miles at an added cost. 

Buying used? There are plenty of ways to stay safe on the road, and cinchCover is one way to get added peace of mind.