The Peugeot 2008 has been a popular car for the French brand, but the looks were starting to look a bit dated, especially when you sit one next to cars such as the new 508, or the new 208, both of which share Peugeot’s new design language. Today, however, the covers have been lifted off the new model, and my word it looks good.
It’s electric, too
There will of course be an ICE version, but like the 208, the 2008 will receive an electric version, predictably called the e-2008. It will be fitted with a 50 kWh battery, which will power an electric motor that’s good for 134hp and more importantly, 193 miles of range. Like other electric cars, the e-2008 supports a rapid charge function, allowing the battery to reach 80% charge in 30 minutes.
To help differentiate the e-2008 from one of its ICE siblings, Peugeot will fit a body coloured chequered front grille, ‘e’ monograms, exclusive alcantara seats (if you go for the GT model), and you even get a sparkling dichroic Lion emblem, with reflections alternating between green and blue depending on the angle of view. Don’t think for a second the space taken up by the batteries will mean a loss in space compared to an ICE version. The batteries are placed under the floor to ensure that boot (360 litres) and interior space is not compromised.
More interested in the ICE?
The new 2008 will be offered with a choice of four engines – three petrol and one diesel. In fact, it’s the same lineup of engines as the DS 3 Crossback I currently on test – look out for that review sometime next week. Representing the petrol contingent you have a 1.2 litre, three cylinder PureTech, which is offered in three power outputs; 101hp, 131hp and 155hp, or you can choose a 1.5 litre, four cylinder BlueHDI diesel, which offers 102hp.
The 101hp unit is mated to a 6-speed manual, the 131hp unit can either be mated to a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed auto, and the 155hp unit is mated to the 8-speed auto. The diesel on the car other hand – the engine fitted to my DS 3 Crossback test mule – is mated to the 6-speed manual.
What else is there to know?
Full specification and price is yet to be revealed, but Peugeot states that the new 2008 and e-2008 will boast a high amount of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, full park assist, autonomous emergency braking, drive attention warning, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and auto high beam to name but a few.
Like other cars in Peugeot’s range, the 2008 and e-2008 will feature the 3D i-cockpit, meaning you get a smaller steering wheel and raised controls to help drivers spend less time looking away from the road to check the speedo and other important driving functions. There will also be a head up display, and the tech doesn’t stop there as buyers will be able to enjoy a 10″ touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity, navigation, plus more.
David Peel, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK said: “The all-new 2008 SUV is the second vehicle introduced into the PEUGEOT range where the customer can choose from a conventional petrol or diesel engine, or a 100% electric variant without compromising on technology, looks or driving sensations. We strongly believe in choosing your PEUGEOT and then choosing your powertrain. The all-new 2008 SUV is also another step forward in our commitment of having an electrified version, across our entire PEUGEOT range, by 2023.”
