Peugeot 2008 review 2020

Model review

The Peugeot 2008 was the French firm’s replacement for the 207 SW estate, and production began in 2013, with the model essentially acting as an SUV version of the 208 supermini. In fact, the two cars share the same platform as well as numerous mechanical components.

The advantage of the 2008 over the 208, however, is added space. The crossover market is an extremely popular one that seemingly keeps growing – both in the number of cars that occupy the segment and how many are now out on UK roads. 

Joining the Peugeot 3008, the 2008 is a smaller crossover rivalling the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. Come 2016, the 2008 was revised and updated. Key changes include revised styling – most notably with a bolder grille – along with a new sporty-looking GT Line trim.

Current model

The latest-generation 2008 was launched in 2020 and straight off you can tell it is looking to tackle the competition head on. It had a bold new look inspired by the latest 208, which is now more aggressive and falls in line with the design direction across the Peugeot range.

While the original 2008 was fun, practical and affordable, this all-new version takes the old one and takes it to the next level. The biggest difference, looks aside, is the quality of the materials used in the cabin – feeling more upmarket, and if anything, you could be forgiven for thinking it was a more premium offering.

The 2008 is built on the same CMP small car platform as the 208, and it gets a mix of powertrains from a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol with three power outputs, a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel or an electric version badged e-2008 – a welcome addition to this segment.

Value for money

The overall build quality is a major improvement over the old 2008, but you will end up paying for it as new models are quite expensive, especially when you start looking at higher specification models. Mid-spec models come pretty well equipped though. Prices start from £21,665, for an entry-level Active Premium car, though prices easily rise above £25,000 for mid-spec models. Electric versions are also quite pricey – costing from £33,320 and rising to a steep £38,530 for top-spec versions. These are also now more expensive due to no longer qualifying for the government’s revised electric car grant.

For a bargain, however, it’s best to have a scroll through the classifieds, because there’s no shortage of previous-generation versions that can be picked up on a tight budget. The cheapest ones start at around £4,500 – and that’s for a 2014 car with around 100,000 miles-on the clock. Prices for facelift cars start at a bit more – around £7,000. At the time of writing, you could expect to save a few thousand pounds off a nearly-new version.

Looks and image

The latest-generation 2008 is quite a different proposition to the model it replaces. While it may sit in the same class, it looks far more modern and aggressive. The front end carries with it the Peugeot design language we’ve seen in other models like the 208 and 508 – meaning lots of quirky angles, a prominent grille and those daytime running lights that look like fangs. Around the back, the taillights have a hint of Lamborghini Urus about them, due to the way they’re narrow and stretch across the boot in one piece. It’s very effective and highlights just how much Peugeot is pushing upmarket.

It’s not just on the outside where things have improved. The cabin is a major enhancement, with lots of tech and high-quality materials, especially if you look at higher spec models that feature Alcantara or Nappa leather. Even lower spec models have a premium feel to them, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out if you don’t opt for a higher trim level.

The centre console is dominated by a seven- or 10-inch infotainment screen alongside Peugeot’s digital i-Cockpit, which sits slightly higher than in most cars. If we had to be critical, then it does mean the driving position is slightly unnatural if you want to see the dials.

Space and practicality

The 2008 is a classic case of where form has overtaken function. It’s not the biggest or the most practical compact crossover in its segment. A classic example of where this hampers things is when anyone is getting into the back, the narrow access – with high sills and low roofline, means taller people have to stoop to angle themselves in.

The boot is a decent shape, though, but is bettered for size by most of the competition – offering 434 litres of space, but this can be expanded to 536 litres by sliding the rear seat forward. If you need more space, then the rear seats fold down flat.

Engines

You’ve got three options when it comes to powertrains, petrol, diesel or electric.

The petrol is a 1.2-litre PureTech which comes in power outputs of 100bhp, 129bhp or 153bhp. Whichever one you opt for you won’t be disappointed. They all cope well with most conditions and even the lowest performer doesn’t feel underpowered at higher speeds.

There’s just one diesel on offer – a 101bhp 1.5-litre unit and this is best suited to anyone with an eye on economy – without the worries that come with electric car ownership. While performance isn’t a key issue in this segment, the diesel is pretty sluggish doing the 0-60mph dash in just over 11 seconds, with the most powerful petrol doing the same run in a more spirited 8.2 seconds.

The e-2008 is one of the first electric cars in this segment and is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a car with cheap running costs. In real world conditions it will easily manage the claimed 206-mile electric range. Its punchy 134bhp electric motor also allows for decent performance.

Running costs

The latest generation 2008 comes with a mix of low-capacity petrol and diesel engines, plus an electric version too, so which ever you opt for, running costs won’t hurt your wallet.

For economy reasons, the diesel makes the most sense – averaging a claimed 62.7mpg, with emissions of just 118g/km of CO2. On the petrol front, the pick of the range is the 100bhp 1.2-litre PureTech version, which will return an average combined fuel economy of 52mpg and emissions of 125g/km of CO2.

If you want to go down the electric route then it will cost you initially, with prices starting from around £29,000, but you will get more than 200 miles of range. It can also be charged in 7.5 hours from a domestic wallbox charger.  

Things to look out for

The beauty about the Peugeot being built on the CMP platform is that a lot of the technology is tried and tested and shouldn’t prove too troublesome, and to be fair, there were few issues with the old version. Few owners reported any serious mechanical issues with the first generation, and Peugeot is hoping that will continue with this new one.

Rivals

The compact crossover segment is a growing market and while Nissan originally paved the way with the Juke, other manufacturers are starting to catch up and, in some cases, overtake.

New additions to this class include the excellent Ford Puma, which has really impressed with its on road manners, competitive pricing and high levels of equipment, as too has the Skoda Kamiq and Kia Stonic.

Depreciation

It’s still early days with the latest 2008 but, based on the overall build quality and of course that electric power train, the latest version should hold its value stronger than its predecessor.

Used 2017 models didn’t fare as well and can be had for as little as £7,000, which do offer great value for money. Even 2019 cars are going for around £12,000, which means is you can’t quite stretch to a new one, then a late example of the previous car can be a bargain when buying used.