If you want to argue on the basis of an example that the segment of the B-segment SUVs is experiencing a strong growth spurt, the new Peugeot 2008 is a very good one.
The French newcomer, which, like other fresh PSA products, is on the new CMP platform, is no less than 14 centimeters longer than the first 2008 and, with its length of 4.30 meters, it even scales against the higher C-segment. That is also recognized by the creators of the 2008, who give it a place at the top of this class. In any case, at first glance it is clear that the 2008 new style is a lot more confident. Where the first generation seemed somewhat ashamed of its SUV genes due to a sloping nose, bulging body and somewhat uncomfortable roofline, the new one comes across as almost brutal. The LED “tusks” in the front bumper and the recognizable layout of the rear make it typical Peugeot. Nevertheless, the 2008 is clearly distinguishable from other models of the brand thanks to other proportions and the many sharp corners and folds. Impressive steps have also been taken on the inside.
The first 2008 also had the well-known i-Cockpit layout, but the interior of the new is on a higher level in every respect. The special design language has been consistently implemented everywhere, the materials used are of good quality and the dashboard is full of beautiful details. The result is sensitive to taste, but without a doubt looks modern and very high quality. Moreover, it is not all form for function, because we see handy storage compartments and most controls are in a logical place. The seating position is ergonomically less strong. The high position of the instruments means that the small steering wheel must be set very low in order to be able to read everything. Not everyone will experience that as a disadvantage, but it is still a problem for some drivers that does not exist in other cars.
Top version
To compensate, driver and passenger are nicely encapsulated for a safe and secure feeling. This is not only due to the high dashboard and ditto middentunnel, but also because of the window surface, which is certainly rather limited for a small SUV. Top version GT further dresses up the already beautiful base with lime green stitching, extra beautiful upholstery fabrics and spacious equipment. Part of this is a 10-inch touchscreen that is turned towards the driver. That looks nice, but the screen is still not one of Peugeot’s specialties. For example, it responds more slowly to touch than we are used to today and the layout leaves something to be desired in terms of logic. It is also unfortunate that the climate control is hidden behind the screen, although Peugeot has fortunately provided a number of frequently used functions with a physical button.
Also in other areas there is something to criticize about the operation. For example, the audio buttons seem to be placed haphazardly on the steering wheel, the wiper lever is difficult to fathom and the digital instruments react a bit slow to input from the driver. However, we are happy to forgive the latter, because the new 3D instruments are exceptionally beautiful. Peugeot does not suffice with a screen, but projects some of the information onto its transparent cover, which gives the whole a particularly futuristic look.
A lot of power
Although the roaring marketing cries about sportsmanship and active lifestyles may suggest otherwise, a compact SUV rarely gets a lot of power. Until recently it stopped at about 130 hp, but as GT the new 2008 just lifts that limit to 155 hp. That relatively impressive power still comes from the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder that also provides power to less fortunate versions. On the way you can see that from the typical three-cylinder roll, although the engine noise remains neatly in the background. The 2008 GT is nice and smooth with this engine, although not very fast. Still, the extra power is welcome, especially since the car has to do a lot less effort for a quick insertion action or a smooth intermediate sprint. Don’t make the mistake of attaching a GTi-like meaning to the GT label, because this 2008 is especially comfortable. Unevenness is neatly eliminated by the finely tuned chassis, which also manages to keep the tilting within limits.
The GT comes with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. It shifts nicely under most circumstances, but is sometimes a bit choppy, especially at lower speeds. The controls are direct, but also very light and somewhat numb.
The new Peugeot 2008 is very mature in many ways, but that pleasure is unfortunately not free. As a GT, the 2008 costs at least € 36,960 and those who dress it up like in the photos have lost almost 40 grand. This means that the newcomer not only exceeds its segment in terms of exterior dimensions, strength and finish, but also when it comes to price.