The Peugeot 2008 is the latest mini-SUV, and a rival to cars such as the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.
Peugeot 2008
It's based on the Peugeot 208 super-mini and uses the same range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. However, the 2008 offers tougher looks, a higher driving position, and more space for passengers and luggage.
The Drive
We drove the two most powerful engines - a 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel and a 118bhp 1.6-litre petrol - as well as the entry-level 80bhp 1.2-litre petrol. The diesel is by far the best drive because it delivers good in-gear flexibility and is impressively refined other than a little pedal vibration.
The petrol engines by contrast lack any real power, that is unless you thrash them, also they would benefit from an extra gear for a gear on the motorway, where they drone away loudly.
Peugeot say they have managed to make the 2008 as dynamic to drive as the 208 it's based on. But while there is notably little body roll in the corners, given the increased ride height and the additional bodywork there are a few niggles.
Keeping it stable through the turns has meant stiffening the suspension; not a huge issue in its home country of France with roads that are mostly smooth, but the way the 2008 thumps into speed bumps suggest it might feel just a little bit less comfortable in the UK.
Styling
The Peugeot 2008 features the same stylish swept-back headlights, bold chrome grille, and defined creases from its 208 cousin.
Add in a set of roof rails come as standard, and squared off wheel arches and tough cladding give the 2008 an SUV look. The entry-level Access+ models don't come with alloy wheels; neither do they get some of the chrome additions that upper range models get.
Inside it's best to go for Allure trim because then you get stylish blue LED surrounds to the dials and a laser-cut LED pattern in the roof lining. Nevertheless, even cheaper models look classy, with gloss black and satin chrome inserts throughout.
Costs And Safety
The 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel is the most efficient engine in the range, with CO2 emissions of 98g/km and fuel economy of 74.3mpg when combined with the EGC gearbox.
Every single diesel engine recorded over 70mpg during the usual EU testing procedure, and even the worst offending petrol - the 1.6 - claims 47.9mpg combined.
Better yet, there will be a version of the 1.2-litre petrol that emits just 99g/km CO2. But like the 98g/km CO2 version of the 1.6-litre diesel, this will only be possible in partnership with a special EGC automatic gearbox, which we weren't able to test on the launch.
There's no Euro NCAP rating for the 2008 at the time of writing, though in common with most modern Peugeots there's no reason to think it won't achieve five stars. However, it does without the latest electronic safety aids such as autonomous city centre braking - as does everything else in this class.
Conclusion
Peugeot's answer to the Nissan Juke market is safe, stylish, and well-priced. Its ace up the sleeve is Grip Control that with all weather tyres give is better than 4x4 capability in snow.