We review the Peugeot 2008 1.2 Pure Tech from price to economy and all its features
BACK in 2013, Peugeot came up with this – the 2008.
It was relatively bland and the engine range flawed but its second update, the 2016 model 2008 (confusing, I know), is bringing something rather good to the party.
Its biggest strength is the fact it’s based on Peugeot’s supermini, the 208, a very good car.
The 2008’s body is a pumped-up version of the 208, so it shares the crisp handling and attractive styling.
Key Facts
- Price: £13,970
- Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
- Economy: 57.6mpg
- Emissions: 114g/km
- 0-62mph: 13.5 seconds
- Top speed: 105mph
- Length: 4.1 metres
Steering is sharp, nearly sporty, and if it wasn’t for the elevated ride position you could almost fool yourself that you were buzzing around town in a hatchback. It’s easy to manoeuvre into tight spots and makes light work of negotiating the battlefield that is Asda car park on Saturday morning.
While open-road driving couldn’t be called exhilarating, it corners like a peach and is never ruffled. And that’s surprising, because unlike a lot of its rivals the 2008 doesn’t come with a four-wheel-drive option.
Let’s face it, 99 per cent of the people who buy crossovers don’t need 4x4
Instead Peugeot have fitted what they call “Grip Control”, which can be adjusted for different road surfaces, including snow and mud.
Let’s face it, 99 per cent of the people who buy crossovers don’t need 4x4 and Peugeot’s alternative works just fine. There are two engine options, 1.2 petrol or 1.6 diesel. But confusingly again, there are six power options, ranging from a puny 75bhp – which I suggest you avoid – to a sprightlier 130bhp.
Between those are 82bhp, 100bhp, 110bhp and 120bhp.
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Told you it was confusing.
So here’s my advice if you’re in the market for one of these – choose the 120bhp diesel engine, which comes in the Allure trim level or the sportier GT Line trim.
That’s the model I drove and it was more than enough. This is never going to be fast but it never felt sluggish and held its own on the motorway, even when fully loaded.
The car I tested also came with the top-end GT Line trim. If you ask me this is a waste of money.
Who wants their crossover to be dripping in black gloss and dollops of chrome?
And it’s an extra grand over the Allure trim. With the Allure, you still have Peugeot’s decent 7in touchscreen technology helping long journeys fly by, plus Apple CarPlay and all the apps you will ever need.
Stick with all that and you have got yourself a decent crossover.