Peugeot's New 108 Comes With Added Sophistication

How do you make a small car look premium?

That was the challenge facing Ivo Groen, project design director at Peugeot Design, and his team as they collaborated with Citroen and Toyota to develop the 108/C1/Aygo replacement.

Peugeot Partner Tepee Outdoor ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

What Is It

The Partner Tepee is Peugeot’s curiously named family wagon for those who want a car with a hugely practical interior with plenty of space for five for very little cash. It sits between the smaller Bipper Tepee (which we reviewed in May 2013) and larger Expert Tepee.

In 2012 the Partner Tepee received a mid-cycle refresh which included Peugeot’s latest corporate grill, revised headlights and for the first time LED daytime running lights. There were also minor changes to equipment levels including the introduction of Peugeot’s Connect Navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity (fitted to our car).

Hardly an object of desire the Tepee makes no attempt to hide its van roots but it’s fair to say it’s far from ugly. 16 inch alloy wheels and body coloured trim certainly go some way to improving the look.

Prices start from £13,160 for a base 1.6-litre VTi in Urban trim but here we are testing the range-topping Outdoor model that features taller suspension, beefier bumpers and roof bars setting it apart from the rest of the range. Our test car is fitted with Peugeot’s tried-and-tested 1.6-litre 8v HDi diesel engine producing 92 bhp.

Car Of The Year 2013

What half decent car website would be complete without a Car Of The Year post? Last year we crowned Ford's Focus 1.0T EcoBoost our winner having driven a vast array of models during 2012 - 2013.

Now after another busy year driving 70+ cars it's time to do the same again but this time we are going to do it a little differently. Rather that breaking down our accolades into categories (like last year) for Car Of The Year 2013 we are simply going to name four runners up (in order of favouriteness) then crown our winner. Got it? No wait....we struggled to stick to five so we have six... 

10 Most Popular Posts Of 2013

As we say goodbye to 2013 and are all dragged kicking and screaming into 2014 it's time to look back at the 10 most popular posts on DriverVIBE.

There's no point trying to guess what's coming next as there are quite a few that quite frankly we had forgotten all about but you, our avid readers obviously took a liking to.

So here goes...in reverse order (naturally)

Peugeot 208 XY ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

With Peugeot's aspirations to push themselves upmarket out in the open the first model to be launched with this idea in mind is the new 208 XY. Intended to rival cars such as the MINI and its DS3 cousin the XY is aimed at the more fashion conscious among us - Peugeot say the XY is ‘designed to be the epitome of urban chic’.

It sits towards the top of the 208 range, just below the sporty GTi and promises to be the most luxurious supermini the brand has ever produced. We got our hands on an XY fitted with Peugeot's 1.6-litre 115 bhp HDi engine to see what it has to offer.

Luxurious cars have to be well kitted and the XY certainly delivers. There isn’t a huge amount it doesn’t have. Highlights include the seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system, DAB digital radio and sat-nav, special 17-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass sunroof, automatic lights and wipers, ear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.

To distinguish the XY from lesser 208s are completely unique paint finishes, purple badging, alloy wheels, headlight graphics, a slatted grill and chrome everywhere. It also borrows its wheel arch extensions and skirts with the GTi. It comes together well looking plush and sporty even in the girly Purple Night finish of our car.

The cabin has been given an upmarket spruce-up with plenty of silver, high-gloss plastics dotted around and great looking machined aluminium dials with purple digits. The leather seats with purple stitching are deeply bucketed are as comfortable as they look. The small steering wheel with high-set dials are pretty unique but we like them a lot. The materials used are also of good quality bar the tops of the door panels which are scratchy.

Cabin space is very competitive with plenty of room in the front and decent room for two in the rear although getting in isn't the easiest. The boot too is a good size and shape. The panoramic roof floods the 208s cabin with light and makes it feel larger than it is.

On the road the XY is a halfway-house between the standard 208 and the GTi as it shares its wider tracks with the latter but rides on standard springs and dampers. It means that you still get a composed and comfortable ride but in corners it's much more stable and planted. It has a pretty good chassis which turns in keenly and grips well but the steering is over assisted and lacks a little feel. 

Fitted with Peugeot's proven 1.6-litre HDi diesel unit you get a slick shifting 6-speed box rather than the horrible 5-speeder in the lower output 92 bhp variant. With 115 bhp and 199 lb ft of torque on offer from 1,750 rpm this 208 will scamper to 62 mph in a swift 9.7 seconds. It's a tad grumbly at times and a little docile at lower revs but once the turbo is awake it has plenty of power. 

Thanks to standard fit cruise control and low levels of wind and tyre noise the XY is great for tackling long motorway jaunts. Economy is very good returning a claimed 74.3 mpg on a combined cycle. We managed 63 mpg which is still pretty good. With low emissions of just 99 g/km buyer won't pay road tax or congestion charges thanks in part to an unobtrusive stop-start system.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £18,045
Engine: 1.6 litre 8v 115 bhp - 0-60 mph: 9.7 secs - Maximum Speed: 118 mph -
Economy: 61.4 mpg (urban) –83.1 mpg (extra-urban), 74.3 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 99 g/km (Band A) - VED (12 months): £0
Dimensions: Length: 3,962 mm - Width: 2,004 mm - Height: 1,460 mm - Wheelbase: 2,538 mm
*data from Peugeot UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

Adding an ultra-plush version of the 208 range makes perfect sense and provides Peugeot with a model to take on rivals from MINI, Audi and Citroen.

The standard 208 is a great place to start and the XY only improves on its strong talents. It looks great, drives well, is economical and comes loaded with equipment. It should appeal to those who want something a little special but perhaps can't stretch to a GTi which costs more to run and insure.

The only problem the XV has is that for the same money you can get yourself an Audi A1 or MINI which have the premium badge that so many people crave. The latter is also better to drive. Still the XY is a great alternative and is available with a range of different engine options to suit all tastes.

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.com).

Peugeot 2008 ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

Crossovers are big business right now. So far this year 151,000 units have found homes in the UK alone. Building on the success of the larger 3008, Peugeot is the latest manufacturer to join the smaller B Segment crossover market. The 2008 promises the same core features of its bigger brother such as rugged looks, a practical interior and low running costs but in a more compact package. When we attended the UK Media Launch a few months back we really liked the new car but what is it like to live with day-to-day? We got our hands on a 1.6-litre 92 bhp 2008 in plush Feline trim to find out.

One thing is for sure, the 2008's interior is perfectly suited to family life. Its larger dimensions over the 208 mean that seating four stocky adults comfortably is easy with plenty of leg and headroom. The boot is a useful size and shape easily accommodating a couple of buggies and the seats fold completely flat without an annoying step in the floor.

The cabin is a bright and airy place to be thanks in part to the Cielo panoramic glass roof and light seat fabrics. The design is lifted straight from the 208 so looks and feels upmarket with the same small wheel, raised dials layout that we get on well with. The only real differences are some rather odd trim finishes and a stubby, naff handbrake lever. 

If you like your toys then the Feline trim of our car is the one to go for. 17 inch alloys, touchscreen satellite navigation, automatic dual zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, USB and Bluetooth stereo input and cruise control are all included. Oddly our car came with what Peugeot calls "Panama premium trim" which doesn't feel half as nice as leather - a no cost option on Feline models. Park assist was also fitted to our car which at £300 isn't to be sniffed at.

On the road it's evident that Peugeot has placed the emphasis on comfort rather than sportiness which will appeal to most potential 2008 buyers. It rides very softly which is ideal around town so when cornering there is plenty of bodyroll but the chassis feels nicely grippy and light on its toes. External noises are nicely subdued and the engine is very refined.

All that gets in the way of a truly great driving experience is the vague steering, stodgy gear change and a clutch pedal with too much travel that sits much higher than the others. The 2008 is far from bad though.

Despite its modest 92 bhp output the 1.6-litre diesel engine is a perky performer despite taking an unimpressive 12.8 seconds to hit 60 mph. Thanks to 169 lb ft of torque from 1,750 rpm it's easy to exploit what is on offer. Keeping up with the flow of traffic is easy and the units eagerness to rev and smooth power delivery hold plenty of appeal. 

It's worth noting however that a 115 bhp variant of the same engine offers the same economy, falls into the same VED band but offers 199 lb ft of torque. Crucially it also comes with a far superior 6-speed gearbox that has a much nicer shift action than the sloppy 5-speeder fitted to our test car.

If you are looking for a car with low running costs this particular model will hit the spot. You can expect economy in the mid-to-high 60s and with emissions of 103 g/km it sits nicely in VED band B - that's just £20 per year to you and I.

Finally the 2008 has a sharp set of clothes. Photos only tell half the story as in the metal it's easy to appreciate the chunky stance and modern detailing which all comes together very well indeed. The claw-like rear lights and stepped roofline are particular highlights along with the edgy front lights and slatted grill that are set to be rolled out across the Peugeot range.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £19,440 (£18,645 excl options)
Engine: 1.6 8v 92 bhp - 0-62mph: 12.8 secs - Maximum Speed: 113 mph -
Economy: 60.1 mpg (urban) 78.5 mpg (extra-urban), 70.6 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 103 g/km (Band B) - VED (12 months): £20
Dimensions: Length: 4159 mm - Width: 1829 mm - Height: 1556 mm - Wheelbase: 2538 mm
*data from Peugeot UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

The Peugeot 2008 is entering a saturated market heaving with similar sized models from a whole range of manufacturers all fighting for the limelight.

It doesn't really bring anything new to the segment but its strongest assets are its comfort, refinement, excellent economy and spacious cabin. It's also a very attractive design inside and out.

It may not be exciting to drive but for many it will strike the perfect balance appealing to small families looking for hassle-free transport.

We would however recommend trying the higher powered diesel variant as it's just as cheap to run but comes with a vastly better gearbox.

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.com)

Peugeot 208 GTi ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

It has been said hundreds of times before how amazing the Peugeot 205 GTi of the 80s was and every subsequent French hatch bearing the iconic 3 letters on its rump has been scrutinised and compared ever since. Is this fair? Yes and no really. What makes a hot hatch half decent hasn't changed over the years but what has are the constraints on manufacturers to meet safety regulations. It means that engineering a hot hatch to be fun is harder than it used to be.

Peugeot has really fallen victim over the years. The 206 GTi was slow, handled like a blamanche and just didn't look or feel sporty. Later came the 206 GTi 180 which was mildly better but still as exciting as a wet weekend. The next real chance for Peugeot came with the 207 GTi which on paper looked good but in reality it was simply too heavy and didn't have enough power. It also lacked agility and had wishy washy steering. 

Fast forward to 2013 and Peugeot is telling the world that the "GTi is back" and promise great things of the new 208 wearing the badge. The 208 itself is an excellent starting point as it drives very well thanks to a lower kerb weight, looks the part and has a lovely cabin. In fact it is our favourite supermini so the 208 GTi should be brilliant. Shouldn't it? 

It certainly has the performance to have you grinning from ear-to-ear with a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo petrol engine under the bonnet kicking out a very decent 200 bhp (the very same unit found in the RCZ). It can thrust you to 62 mph in just 6.8 seconds and on to a dizzy 143 mph. The figures tell only half the story as the maximum torque of 203 lb ft can be extracted from just 1,700 rpm making for frantic pace with no turbo lag and plenty of power whenever you desire it.

Thanks to a tight 6-speed manual with well spaced ratios keeping the engine on the boil is child's play and it loves to be revved. All the way to the red line if you are that way inclined. It also emits a burbling growl from the exhaust which is pretty seductive but some will wish was louder. 

Peugeot has gone all out when it comes to the GTi's chassis. As you would expect there are stiffer, lowered springs and firmer dampers but unusually it also has much wider tracks at both ends for improved stability. How does it all come together? Deliciously. Instantly you can feel that this 208 is much more planted and feels solid under your backside. Its modest kerbweight means that it turns in crisply with little lean and corners like it's on rails rewarding with endless levels of grip and pointy, direct steering. You can also enter corners a silly speeds and the GTi will see you through as it hunkers down and drags you out the other side grinning like a Cheshire cat.

When you aren't driving the 208 GTi like you stole it what gives this little rocket added appeal it its easy going nature. Despite the beefed up suspension somehow a lot of the chassis's pliancy has been retained making for a comfortable ride that takes a lot to upset it. The engine is also pretty quiet and good soundproofing keeps wind and road noise outside where they belong. It is also easy to live with on a daily basis with a roomy cabin that can seat four in comfort and a boot that is deceptively spacious.

To distinguish the GTi from lesser models Peugeot has gone for subtle exterior jewellery but it still manages to look sporty. There are wheel arch and sill extensions, gorgeous 17 inch alloy wheels, a big spoiler, a twin exhaust, unique headlight graphics and a chequered grill. There is also a red bar beneath the front grill and a smattering of red GTi badges that remind others that you are driving something special. It's a very appealing look that builds on the good looks of the basic 208 design.

The cabin too has been tarted up with heavily bolstered part leather sports seats, splashes of black and red gloss trim and carbon effect dials. You also get a neat red centre line on the wheel like you find on track cars. The drivers seat is 10 mm lower than before so you really feel part of the action and the 208s dinky steering wheel with high mounted dials work incredibly well. The dash design is smart and easy to navigate centered around a touchscreen infotainment system that is a little tricky to operate but does everything you could want it to. The materials used also feel good to the touch although the unpleasant plastic used on the doors still remains.

For your £18,895 the GTi is well equipped with electric windows, dual zone climate control, sat nav, bluetooth and usb connectivity, cruise control, parking sensors, part leather seats, automatic lights and wipers, fog lights and led daytime running lights. Also for a car with so much power and performance running costs will surprise many. Emissions fall into VED band E emitting just 139 g/km resulting in an annual fee of £120. Fuel economy is also impressive with the GTi capable of returning 47.9 mpg if driven carefully.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £18,895
Engine: 1.6 16v 200 bhp - 0-62mph: 6.8 secs - Maximum Speed: 143 mph -
Economy: 34.4 mpg (urban) 60.1 mpg (extra-urban), 47.9 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 139 g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length: 3962 mm - Width: 1829 mm - Height: 1460 mm - Wheelbase: 2538 mm
*data from Peugeot UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

The 208 GTi is a real return to form for Peugeot and is worthy of the famous badge. It is very quick, handles brilliantly and is wickedly fun to drive. It also looks fantastic, has an interior that feels racy and is constructed of premium materials but is still usefully practical. What the GTi does offer that some rivals don't is an easy going side when you want to take things a little more calmly. Its ride, considering the beefier chassis, offers good comfort and bump absorption and its engine settles down proving to be refined. For your money you also get plenty of sporty touches inside and out that build on the strong, bold design of the standard 208 and all the equipment you could ever want. It also won't cost the earth to run with very respectable running costs. It results in a hot hatch that ticks all the right boxes and is an immensely fun and competent all-rounder that should be on any hot-hatch buyers shortlist.

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.com).

5 Cars For Thrill Seekers On A Budget

Words by Rob McSorley

For a large percentage of drivers a car is designed to get from A to B with minimal fuss but for a lot of people a car should be thrilling to drive. It should make you smile and cherish every journey regardless of how long it is. It is easy to think that an exciting car commands a high asking price but as we prove here you can get your hands on an exciting motor for very little cash.

1. Peugeot 106 GTi

Launched in 1996 the cheeky 106 GTi was Peugeot’s next hot-hatch after the iconic 205 GTi. Based on the same core values of a lightweight body and feisty engine the 106’s normally aspirated 1.6-litre 16v engine produced a very decent 120 bhp. With a kerb weight of just 950 kg it could rocket to 60 mph in just 8.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 128 mph. 

Performance wasn’t the only alluring trait of the 106 GTi. It was incredibly nimble with limpet-like grip levels and superb body control thanks to its unusual torsion bar rear suspension. It also had a powerful set of brakes with all-round discs and ABS to help reduce the monstrous lift-off oversteer. For such as focused drivers car the 106 had a ride that could shame a lot of much larger cars and could be specified with premium options such as leather seats and even air conditioning.

Peugeot did a good job of tarting up the GTi to differentiate it from more modest versions with alloy wheels, arch extensions, lower sills and butch bumpers. Perhaps the best part was that later in its life the little 106 GTi has its limelight stolen by its Saxo VTS cousin so is now a lot rarer on the roads and also has a better reputation.

How Much? From £600

2. Mazda MX5

Launched in 1990 the Mazda MX5 was a roadster that would capture the hearts of buyers throughout the world which explains why it remained on sale with the same basic design until 2005. It was originally powered by a 118 bhp 1.6-litre then later a 128 bhp 1.8 litre petrol engine. With its front-engined rear wheel drive layout and low kerb weight the little MX5 wasn't particularly quick but it was a joy to drive.

With a low slung cabin, low centre of gravity and even weight distribution the MX5 was able to turn the dullest of roads into hilariously fun roller coaster rides. With brilliant grip from its strangely thin tyres it could carry plenty of speed into and out of corners with its balanced yet predictable handling.

With Mazda’s superb reputation for reliability the MX5 was an easy car to live with and offered good levels of space and comfort for its two passengers. The boot was also a good size although early cars had fragile interior trim but this was later improved. Running costs were low so anyone could park the cheeky looking MX5 on their drive.

How Much? From £700

3. Ford Puma

Launched in 1997 the Puma was a very clever little coupe in that it shared a lot with the Fiesta including its chassis and interior but you would never know. That's because it was wrapped in a svelte body that looked sporty, unique and youthful. From the dark feline front lights to the swooping roofline the Puma turned heads from the moment it left the showroom.

On the road the Puma was a joy with crisp handling, beautifully direct steering and plenty of zest from the fizzy 1.7-litre 16v petrol engine that kicked out 125 bhp. It was huge fun on any road but still offered good levels of comfort. It was also blessed with a good sized boot and plenty of room for front seat passengers. Its rear seats however were best left for very occasional use.

The interior was lifted straight from its Fiesta cousin so is smart enough with clear dials but hasn't aged too well. It is also a little short of creature comforts including an adjustable driving position.

How much? From £800

4. Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin

Launched in 2000 Mitsubishi’s smallest go-anywhere 4x4 was a rugged little car for those who look for their thrills off the beaten track. Named after Pininfarina who styled the Pinin you would expect a sexy look but unfortunately what you got was a tall, upright design.

Available in both long and short wheelbases with 3 or 5 doors the Pinin appealed to a range of buyers. Inside was a back-to-basics, hard wearing interior which made up for its lack of luxuries with plenty of space and a decent boot. 

On the road it wasn't much fun as it was slow, rolled through corners and jolted uncomfortably over the smallest of rutts in the road. But it was never intended to be a car for enthusiastic drivers. Instead it was equipped with all manner of diff-locking wizardry making the little Pinin a seriously capable car when the going got tough. For those who pushed the Pinin to it’s limits off-road were probably disappointed that it didn't really have any. But you were sure to have fun trying.

How Much? From £1,000

5. Ford Mondeo ST220

Launched in 2002 the MK3 Mondeo built on the broad talents of its predecessor which included sharp handling, luxury levels of refinement and a practical, well built interior. When Ford decided to shoehorn their 3.0-litre V6 engine under the bonnet it was a recipe for success. With 226 bhp on tap the ST220 could reach 60mph in just 7.5 seconds. Ford even produced an economical 2.2-litre TDCi diesel version for those who preferred to fill up from the black pump and an even more practical estate.

Ford also worked hard on the Mondeo’s suspension with lowered, stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars to cope with the additional power. The result was a large family car with the handling of something half its size yet still retaining a degree of comfort when not in a hurry. With direct steering and peerless body control the ST220 was a hoot to chuck around.

It also looked the part with bespoke 18 inch alloy wheels, mesh grills, twin exhausts and sill extensions. It also came with gorgeous leather seats with Recaros up front which were also available in an eye-popping red colour which were not for the fainthearted. 

The only problem was its thirst for petrol and its ability to munch through tyres. Still those who do fall for the ST220s charms will be grinning from ear-to-ear even on the shortest journeys.

How Much? From £1,600

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.com)

Peugeot 107 ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

In the past year the city car segment has been flooded with all new models including the new Fiat Panda and the Volkswagen group’s hottest triplets the VW UP!, Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo. These clean sheet designs are stealing valuable sales from already established models such as Peugeot’s tiny-tot 107. We hit the road to find out if Peugeot’s baby still holds appeal in light of newer models raising the bar even further.

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).

Peugeot RCZ R to debut at Goodwood

Words by Rob McSorley

Peugeot have confirmed that their most powerful road-going car to date the RCZ R will make its international debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 12th July.

The RCZ R concept made its debut at the Paris and Geneva Motorshows and wowed crowds with its more focused styling and performance upgrades.

Under the bonnet the RCZ will feature Peugeot’s award winning 1.6-litre THP petrol engine pushing out close to 260 bhp which is a 30% increase over the current THP 200 range-topper. Despite the extra boost in power output Peugeot are aiming for emissions of around 155 g/km, an excellent achievement given the performance on offer.

Although no performance figures have been released it’s likely that the RCZ R will get to 60 mph in around 6 seconds which is considerably quicker than the current 200 bhp model. The R will also feature bespoke suspension that will be lower and stiffer than the current RCZ along with a Torsen®limited slip differential to harness the huge reserves of power and torque available. There will also be unique wheel designs and styling touches differentiating the new model.

Two production-ready RCZ Rs will be present at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ahead of the cars launch at the end of the year. There will be a static display along with an example being driven by the UK Peugeot 208 GTi Ambassador Bradley Philpot. 

The event and debut of the RCZ R neatly ties in with Peugeot’s 100 year anniversary of winning the French Grand Prix coming 1st and 2nd

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).

Peugeot 308 SW ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

The 308 hatch can be a difficult car to recommend in hatchback form as we found when we tried one last year. It's not that it's a terrible model in isolation it's just that with rivals as talented as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus you can't help but notice its shortcomings. However in SW guise or estate if you wish there should be more to get excited about, read on to find out.

Peugeot RCZ HDi ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

The Peugeot RCZ needs no introduction, put simply it's one of our favourite coupes and our preferred model from the French giant. Bringing it in line with the rest of the range its now lost its striking gaping mouth grill in addition to a series of other minor changes here and there. The idea is to freshen it up as it celebrates its third birthday. We hit the road in our favourite HDi 156 variant to see if it still holds appeal.

Peugeot Bipper Tepee ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

More than ever cars nowadays are designed with plenty of visual appeal but there are still some out there that offer buyers pure no-nonsense, practical transport at an affordable price. Peugeot's Bipper Tepee is one of those cars, based on the brand's popular Bipper commercial van. The Tepee adds rear seats and windows in a bid to offer value transport for those who don't crave a car with kerb appeal. The question is whether it holds enough appeal in other areas to compete with the latest crop of clever supermini-based MPVs that have flooded the market such as Ford's B-Max. Read on to find out.

Peugeot 208 HDi ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

We have already been impressed with Peugeot's little 208 in various petrol guises but now we get to see how it fares with diesel power under the bonnet. Here we try the smaller of the two diesel units on offer the 1.4 litre HDi in Active trim which sits near the bottom of the range. Offering penny pinching economy and free road tax we find out how the 208 fairs and whether it can rival the very best in the class.

Shoestring Superminis

By Leo Kimitri

Thanks to the rapidly increasing cost of insurance (and of course petrol, road tax, servicing etc.), car ownership levels among young people are plummeting. In a bid to soften the blow, Peugeot is extending its “Just Add Fuel” scheme which rolls all major motoring costs into one fixed monthly payment, so that it now covers drivers as young as 21. While this still leaves under 21s out in the cold, at least those residing in the hinterland between 21 and 25 now have another option when they come to buy a car. But just how tempting is Peugeot’s three year long package?

New Peugeot 2008 Revealed

Well here it is, the new 208 -based 2008 compact soft-road to sit beneath the hugely popular 3008.

What do you think?

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Top 12 of 2012 & DriverVIBE Car of the Year

Happy New Year and Welcome to DriverVIBE.

Put down your party poppers and raise your glasses. Its time to look back at my Top 12 cars of 2012 that you will be wanting parked on your drive during 2013.

The categories are;

Most Improved

(Winner & Recommended)

Best Economy

(Winner & Recommended)

Most Fun

(Winner & Recommended)

Biggest Surprise

(Winner & Recommended)

Most Family Friendly

(Winner & Recommended)

Best Technology

(Winner & Recommended)

Special Award

DriverVIBE Car of the Year 2012

Most Anticipated Car of 2013

Peugeot 3008 1.6 HDi Allure ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Leo Kimitri

Peugeot’s 3008 is a hard car to pigeonhole. It doesn’t have rugged 4x4 credentials (four wheel drive isn’t even an option on the 1.6 diesel), it’s not as flexible as a normal MPV and it’s much taller than a standard hatchback. The benefit of this according to Peugeot, is that the 3008 combines the benefits of all three. But does it also combine the drawbacks of all three? We spent a week with the 3008 to find out…

2014 Peugeot 208 CC

Images by Theo Chin

Words By Rob McSorley

Given the massive success of the whole folding hardtop coupe-cabriolet movement (originally started by Mercedes with their SLK then) made affordable by Peugeot with their 206 CC its begs the question, will there be a 208 CC? 

There is no doubt that the 208 is a great small car thanks to it's reduced size and weight making for a much more spirited drive. Considering that folding metal roof mechanisms are not only complicated but very heavy it makes us wonder whether Peugeot would risk the reputation of the 208. Also an insider has mentioned to us that the 208's body may be too small to comfortably accommodate the complex roof.

Either way, thanks to Theo we have these two images of what the 208 CC could look like, if it does make it to showrooms it should turn heads just like Peugeot's other CCs.