Peugeot 2008 UK Media Launch

Words & Photos by Rob McSorley

Remember the last time a car maker came up with a model so amazing it could be five cars in one? Citroen tried hard to keep up the visard with their crazy Pluriel but it failed in every single way. It doesn't seem to have put Peugeot off though as they are marketing their new 2008 crossover as a tantalising mix of estate car, MPV and 4x4

If not difficult enough the 2008 faces stiff competition from rivals such as the newly launched Renault Captur and the established Nissan Juke without forgetting Ford's mighty B-max.

Luckily for Peugeot it seems that they have hit the ground running and have had to double production to meet strong demand for their newest model. Considering customers haven't yet seen or experienced the car it's a monumental achievement.

To find out if the little crossover is any good we were invited to bustling Birmingham for the UK media launch at the swanky Hotel La Tour. The location was chosen - according to Peugeot - to tie in with their " See the City in a Different Light" marketing campaign. With the opportunity to clamber behind the (small) wheel of various versions across a range of driving environments we were eager to see if it's any good.

Sitting on the same platform as last years 208 supermini the 2008 benefits from the same space efficient design with a cabin that can comfortably seat four stocky adults. Passenger space is a lot more generous in the rear despite sharing the smaller cars 2538 mm wheelbase with plenty of leg, head and elbow room. It wouldn't be too difficult to seat there across the rear bench if necessary. 

The boot too is much larger at 360 litres and has a low, wide opening for easy loading. A nice feature are rear seats that fold completely flat in one action extending carrying capacity to 1194 litres.

The cabin design itself is lifted straight from the 208 with the same touchscreen navigation centered design and small steering wheel and high placed dial arrangement. We like the layout a lot. The only real differences are a variety of new materials that adorn the dashboard, door panels and seats. Some of which were a little odd for our liking.

The handbrake design differs however and is stubby, similar to that found in Fiat's Panda although we found it awkward to use and offers no real benefit over a traditional one.

In our eyes Peugeot have hit the jackpot with the 2008's styling. It's nicely chunky and more butch than the 208 with pronounced arches and raised suspension. The front is dominated by distinctive headlights with Peugeot's corporate grill which will feature on the new 308 soon. The rear is probably the best angle with claw-like wrap around taillights and a roof line that gets considerably taller towards the rear highlighted by the additional trim over the rear doors.

Unsurprisingly the new 2008 drives very much like the car on which it's based offering high levels of refinement and ride comfort to make any journey soothing. It also benefits from the same composed handling but suffers more in the corners with less controlled body roll with a tendency to wallow over larger crests. It's very pleasant if lacking involvement with steering that although direct if too vague.

Our initial drives enabled us to sample the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 82 bhp and the popular 1.6 4-cylinder diesel engine offering 115 bhp. 

The smaller unit is relatively punchy with a smooth delivery of power and characterful 3-cylinder thrum but it struggles to lug the 2008s extra weight around without a good thrashing. Fuel economy therefore suffers. It's also mated to an awful five speed box that has an awkwardly long throw and is far too notchy.

In comparison the larger diesel engine was much better suited to the task in hand with a healthy 270 Nm of torque. It's a refined unit with enough gusto to make light work of overtaking and carry large loads. It also comes with Peugeot's excellent six-speed gearbox which has a slick action making it a pleasure to use.

The range comprises of four trim levels from the base level Access+ to the top spec Feline which all come with a very good level of standard equipment which includes air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking, one touch folding rear seats, LED daytime running lights and rofbars. Prices kick off at £12,995 for the 1.2 VTi Access+ rising to £19,195 for the plush 1.6 e-HDi Stop & Start Feline placing the 2008 at the same price point as its Nissan, Renault and Ford rivals. 

The highlight of the launch event had to be the demonstration of the companies Grip Control system in action that can be specified across the range. Put simply it consists of a switch located in front of the handbrake with various settings for different types of terrain. It controls the traction control system to improve grip levels. In conjunction with the the cars increased ground clearance and under body protection it grants the 2008 access to areas other two-wheel-drive vehicles could only dream of.

To give the system a good testing we took to the indoor ski slope at Snow Dome in Birmingham. We had the opportunity to drive a 2008 without Grip Control which barely made it onto the incline before losing traction completely. With Grip Control fitted and all-weather tyres it was easy to climb the steep slope covered in snow from as little as 2,000 rpm. The system shuffles power between the two driving wheels for optimum progress. Coming down the slope the system enables safe steering even when applying the brakes. At all times whilst driving in the snow the 2008 felt controlled and assured which gives plenty of confidence. Impressive stuff!

At the end of the launch event we had no doubt that Peugeot are onto a real winner with the new model. It builds on the strong talents of the 208 - our favourite supermini - whilst bringing added practicality with some off-road ability when specified with Grip Control. It also looks smart and is very refined for a car of its size. Nissan's Juke and Renault's Captur better watch out! 

In the coming months to see what the new 2008 is like to live with we will be spending more time with it and posting an in-depth review. Check back soon to see our verdict.

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.co.uk).