MANY OF OUR READERS will remember when Peugeot was one of Australia’s best-selling brands. It’s been quite a while since the marque has troubled the top ten, but Peugeot fans are loyal to a fault, so they are highly likely to consider the new small SUV from their favourite maker.
The small SUV category is hotly-contested so the all-new 2008 SUV, a small urban adventure vehicle designed to fit the modern landscape, will have its work cut out for it.
Based on Peugeot’s new and efficient Common Modular Platform (CMP), the all-new 2008 SUV debuts the latest-generation of Peugeot’s renowned 3D i-Cockpit complete with configurable head-up 3D instrument panel display (a feature unique to Peugeot and a safety feature since it keeps the driver’s eyes focused on the road ahead), high definition colour touchscreen and compact multi-function steering wheel.
A true safety leader, the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV features an impressive range of features including Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Technologies and Programmable Cruise Control with Speed Limiter.
The new Peugeot 2008 SUV also showcases the latest development of Peugeot’s four time International Engine of the Year Award-winning PureTech powerplant, the Euro 6-compliant 1.2-litre, turbocharged, three-cylinder offered in two stages of tune.
The PureTech 130 horsepower, fitted to the Allure, develops 96kW of power at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 1750rpm and the PureTech 155 horsepower, standard for GT Sport, delivers 114kW and 240Nm.
Of note, the GT Sport 155 produces an impressive 95 kW per litre of engine capacity, which is the highest power to engine cubic litre ratio in its “VFACTS SMALL SUV under $40,000” category.
For Allure the PureTech 130 is mated to the ASIN six-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT6) and for GT Sport the ASIN eight-speed EAT8, both drivetrains maximising overall performance and fuel efficiency.
Despite their ample power outputs, both PureTech engines are exceptionally frugal, the 96kW example delivering 6.5L/100km on the NEDC Combined Cycle and the 114kW variant an efficient 6.1L/100km with corresponding carbon dioxide outputs of 148 and 138 grams per kilometre respectively.
A compact SUV car designed and engineered to be as much at home on city streets as it is on country roads, Peugeot’s all-new 2008 delivers plenty of road presence thanks to its bold nose, sharp and muscular lines, a no-nonsense, four-square appearance courtesy of its ‘wheel at each corner’ stance and modest front and rear overhangs which also serve to maximise interior space.
Measuring 4.3m long, 1.77m wide and 1.55m high, the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV seats five comfortably with room for 180cm-tall adults on the back seat. The boot holds 434 litres (min) and 545 (max) with the back seat raised, ensuring day-to-day practicality. Added versatility comes in the form of a split/fold rear seat which, when fully folded, increases luggage capacity to 1015 litres (min), and 1467 litres (max).
Peugeot Australia General Manager, Kate Gillis, said with this car representing a major leap forward in every aspect of design and engineering, the (much over-used) ‘all-new’ tag is appropriate.
“All-new 2008 is automotive haute couture in Australia’s current small SUV market segment,” Ms Gillis said.
“Peugeot is redefining the SUV class with all-new 2008 SUV by embracing three important areas that resonate with buyers – engineering, comfort and technology.
“The end result is a new and exciting vehicle bringing a fresh perspective in its approach to the segment, an outstandingly stylish car delivering innovative design and engineering features, impressive equipment levels and great drivetrain combinations.”
“At Peugeot we know the strength and competitiveness of Australia’s SUV market and all-new 2008 range will quickly become a vehicle highly sought-after by buyers,” she added.
The latest version of Peugeot’s 3D i-Cockpit for the 2008 SUV features a compact steering wheel (not universally loved) and a new 3D display which projects information in hologram form in the foreground and background. This prioritises information naturally closer to the driver’s eye-line and may help improve reaction time. From personal experience, we can confirm that having the instrument read-out in your eye-line does minimise the amount of time spent looking away from the road.
The centre console-mounted infotainment system has a 7-inch colour touchscreen for Allure and 10-inch screen for GT Sport. 3D Navigation is standard for GT Sport while MirrorScreen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard across the range.
Peugeot 2008 SUV interior details mean premium materials for the seat and door trims including Nappa leather upholstery for GT Sport as standard, quality carpets and matching headlining. The interior can also be personalised with a choice of eight customisable LED mood lighting colours.
Prices for the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV start from $34,990 (plus on road costs) for the Allure variant, which features directional LED headlights, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, gloss black longitudinal roof bars, Peugeot’s 3D i-Cockpit with six configurable 3D instrument panel displays as well as a modular boot floor which can be positioned at either of two levels, the upper position for easy flat boot lip unloading and level load bay when the seats are folded. The upper position also creates a secure, hidden storage area. The lower position ensures extra depth for additional storage. Both vehicles have LED tail lights enhance the car’s lighting graphic.
Technological features are enhanced on the GT Sport which, with a starting price of $43,990 (plus on road costs) and has as standard a connected 3D navigation, leather upholstery, 18-inch Onyx Black alloy wheels, Diamond Black roof, premium black interior, eight-colour interior ambient lighting and heated, massage (driver only) front seats.
GT Sport also features adaptive cruise control with complete Stop & Go function, Lane Positioning Assist (lane centring) and Active Blind Spot Monitoring and aluminium pedals.
Full LED headlights with Peugeot Smartbeam Assist (auto high beam) are standard on GT Sport and feature Peugeot’s distinctive signature ‘sabre tooth’ three-claw Daytime Running Lights giving it even greater recognition on the GT Sport.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is standard on 2008 Allure with pedestrian and cyclist detection, with 2008 GT Sport receiving the latest third generation AEB with additional capability of night-time (low light) detection.
Despite having to contend with the effects of the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic, all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV has already struck gold in Europe, winning the coveted 2020 Red Dot Award for Product Design.
| Model | Power & Transmission | Price (plus on road costs) |
| 2008 Allure | 96 kW – 6 speed EAT | $ 34,990 |
| 2008 GT Sport | 114 kW – 8 speed EAT | $ 43,990 |
An electric opening sunroof is optionally available to the GT Sport variant, and a total choice of 7 colours including three special three coat/pearlescent paint colours on the range.
The Peugeot 2008 comes with Peugeot’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year Service Price Promise program.
It will be interesting to see if the Peugeot 2008 can attract buyers in a very competitive segment. The price should play in its favour, putting it firmly up against the Mazda CX-30 ($28,990-$41,490), Honda HR-V ($25,990-$36,240), Hyundai Kona ($24,300-$36,660), Mitsubishi ASX ($23,990-$33,490) and Eclipse Cross ($29,990-$39,490), Nissan Qashqai ($28,290-$38,790), Renault Kadjar ($29,990-$37,990), Skoda Kamiq ($26,990-$35,490), Subaru XV ($29,240-$35,580), Suzuki S-Cross ($28,490-$29,990) and Toyota C-HR ($30,915-$37,165). Meanwhile, the Koreans and Chinese will offer better value with the Haval H2 ($22,990-$25,990) and SsangYong Tivoli XLV ($31,990-$34,490) and the MG ZS ($23,490-$27,490) and ZST ($28,490-$31,490). Most European brands cost significantly more than the Peugeot (with the exception of Renault and Skoda) but the 2008 GT Sport nudges the lower end of European pricing.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Peugeot 2008, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.