Peugeot 2008 SUV 2013 review - CarBuyer

They're all at it, the car makers that is, Peugeot included with the 2008. Bringing compact SUVs to market. More space, more rugged - with the delicate styling of a supermini, what's not to like?

Based on the 208 there are similarities in the design including swept back headlights and chrome touches, with the added ruggedness of plastic cladding, an increased ride height and it is longer overall.

and that means more space inside, this boot is larger than others in the same class and the load lip helps with putting in heavy bags.

You can also fold down the seats to create even more room. The extra vehicle length over the 208 overall also means that passengers have more space so even tall adults will travel in the back without complaining of being cramped.

The interior has been lifted from the normal hatchback and so is eye catching and stylish, finished with satin chrome and glass black. Go for the Allure model and you will enjoy a colour touch screen, blue LED dial surrounds and and LED laser etched pattern in the roof lining.

Well, that's pretty cool. As is the way this compact SUV drives, it has the same small steering wheel that gives a slightly sporty feel. Don't expect it to be quite as agile as the normal 208, there is obviously slightly more roll in the corners and it is slower to respond to your inputs. However for what it is, it is rather good and is quiet at motorway speeds - in fact in some ways drives better because ride comfort has been improved.

There will be no complaints about fuel economy either because the most economical diesel returns 74.3 miles to the gallon with the automatic gearbox and emits just 98 g/km of CO2 - that means free road tax. If you prefer manual then the fuel consumption isn't quite as good and it is not free to tax, however it is still extremely efficient.

And that brings me onto this car's downsides. Avoid the 1.6 petrol, it is strained and returns 47.9miles to the gallon. Peugeot know this isn't good enough and are releasing a 1.2 turbo charged engine early 2014 which will have similar performance yet better economy. Then, despite being a baby SUV it is only available in front wheel drive, unlike the Vauxhall Mokka and Nissan Juke, which you can get with all-wheel drive if you need a bit of off-road ability.

But this won't bother most people and if you like the 208 but fancy a bit more space and ruggedness then why not add another zero and go for the 2008?.

[arfer]

After 6 years of ownership I've been pleasantly surprised by the 2008 1.6 Not a single fault in 6 years. Totally reliable. Comfortable and very practical. Definitely avoid if it's performance you want. It's slow off the mark, but pulls well in the mid-range. 60MPG all day long.

[sheldongannon]

You know what gives me the shit's, is that people nock peugeot's! DO you actually know how many car makers use peugeot engine? Ford, Jag, Range rover and many more! The 1.6 petrol engine isn't made by peugeot it is made by BMW and it has more problems than any peugeot diesel engine! I have had many pugs and they have all been pretty much problem free! But i maintain they make some of the best allround driving cars that you can buy for the money!

[eshanezra]

Just got my 1.2Vti petrol in Dakota Brown yesterday...my wife and the kids love it...my friends want one too!!!  Bravo Peugeot!!!

[saulhudson]

Test drove one today and it was excellent. Not sure why she didn't mention the traction control though, that's quite a major omission from this review. And for those trolls who are going on about bad build quality from French cars you obviously have no idea what your talking about. Have been driving French cars for the last 30 years and not been let down by any of them. Peugeot build top quality cars and the 2008 is one of them. Will be placing an order soon :)

[DonJonhJohnson]

She looks great. She lost quite a bit of weight. Not that she was too heavy, just looks even fitter now. And not to forget: a decent reviewer too!!

[conorcranks]

Love the Peugeots only cars I would buy, VERY safe and reliable. Great gadgets as standard as well!

[GrotrianSeiler]

She has so much appeal, it's uncanny. Love her reviews.

[nexus]

Just posting as weve been looking at the used market for 2008's and every 1.6 I've driven is far far superior to the 1.2 turbo engine. Smoother power delivery and you dont have the ticking timebomb of a wet belt.

[TheGreatLoco]

Nice review, its quite informative and Becky's never boring!!! No mystification and other bs, too bad traction control didn't get mentioned.

The 2008 and Captur clearly show that 4.1m crossovers can be very useful. Those cars have plenty of space.

Would like to see a Land Rover or Range Rover in this format, but they would need smaller engines. Maybe they could source them from Ford.

Not sure about the 2008 concept of looking the dashboard over the steering wheel, thought. Peugeot tried to reinvent the wheel, why?

[valdenegro]

In fact is the Dyamic Curve Light, a system created to illuminate the curve you are turning on. It was designed for xenon head lamps, as part of the AFL system. In regular halogen lamps, the fog light is used as a Dynamic Curve Light. Regards.

[pilzj]

Can't believe there's no dual zone air-condition while 208 offers! To me it's a very important feature if the back passengers do not wish to fight with the driver.

[maadloveskualalumpur]

For a moment there i didnt realize its a 2013 model cuz it says 2008 lol

[Nordmann]

This is the estate version of the 208, that looks like a crossover SUV looking car, good idea, more space, and a popular look, this car is a good choice for a small family looking for a car in the compact/supermini segment. Cheers.

[wwp]

When she hit her head at 1:15. That's when I thought the car could be too small

[potatocubes]

I love this car more than my dad's 508

[MisterScotti]

Hey Rebecca, I like your practical, precise and objective reviews. Keep up the good work!

[rihardsmors]

About the legroom in the back - I'm 1.87 cm and it's cramped for me. And 4WD systems add some weight, but lightness helps in off-road IMO. My '99 Avensis went where the friend's of mine Disco don't go, so... Thanks for review :)

[juschill]

Another great review Rebecca and still looking good. I like how you mach your dress to the type of car you are reviewing. Looking forward to a luxury car.

[AviationDirection]

Yes, I am aware (only 0.8L/gal difference); comes out to 61.8 MPG US...still impressive considering the Prius and the like only hit in the 50s as hybrids. Plus, they are smaller, and less useful, not to mention the enormous building costs and environmental concerns in nickel procurement.

[KrissKross]

Thanks! I never knew such a feature existed.