Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech EAT8 GT (A) Review

Peugeot has been on a bit of a roll as of late. In the past four months alone, we have not only got the facelifted 3008 and 5008 SUVs, but also the new 508 Fastback. And now adding to that trio of cats to arrive here is this little number, the 2008.

So, just how well does it stack up against the standard set by the larger sisters in its pride?

Brazen little kitten

Well, first impressions are great, for the 2008 has all the style of its siblings.

Up front, the GT-line exclusive three-claw daytime running lights pair with a huge chrome grille, giving the car a somewhat impish face, while at the flank, the 2008's doors offer up an interesting angularity that can rival those found on the Hyundai Avante.

I suspect the overall design might not be to everyone's taste, but there's no denying that it gives the 2008 a much-needed quirkiness in order to stand out in what is a rather competitive segment.

Oh, and if standing out from the crowd is what you're looking for, you'll be glad to know that the Fusion Orange finish that you see in the pictures is also going to be exclusive to the 2008.

Step inside and there's still much of that unique design flair to go around. The cabin of the 2008 is a wild mix of colours and surfaces. You get to choose between three 'themes', each adjusting the colours on the interior screens from a cool blue, dark red - or my favourite - a green hue much like those used to colour radioactive items in cartoons.

The i-Cockpit 3D instrument cluster offers you a wide choice of display formats, all housed within a beautifully sculpted cowl.

It may be absolutely charming to look at, but I feel like I ought to issue a word of warning here: I had to adjust the seat rather low and set its back into an upright position in order to get an obstructed view of said instruments.

I've never had any issues with finding a comfortable seating position in the other two of Peugeot's SUVs, so you might want to check if the layout is an ergonomic fit for your own proportions at the showroom.

The carbon fibre look inserts on the dashboard, ambient lighting, and gloss black finish on the centre console meanwhile, do much to give the whole affair an upmarket impression.

Agile little number

And it's not all just style though, for the Peugeot 2008 is also a delight to drive. 

You get the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit in the 2008 as is found in the 3008 and 5008, which delivers a peak 230Nm of torque at an accessible 1,750rpm, making quick sprints between traffic lights a breeze.

Acceleration is significantly quicker in the smaller body of the 2008 (official zero to 100km/h figures are 9.1 seconds for the 2008 and 10.9 seconds for the 3008), but I found the sheer sensation of speed in the 2008 just slightly blunted, thanks to its excellent noise insulation.

Unlike the rest of Peugeot's SUVs, however, the ride in the 2008 is on the firmer side. Brittle best describes the 2008's low-speed ride over pitted surfaces. But the upshot of this setup is that you get decent control over body roll, so this crossover has a chassis that can match the perchance for curves that small steering wheel so readily suggests.

Those that find parking a chore will also surely find the steering in the 2008 a real pleasure. It is feather-light for performing manoeuvres in a carpark, but weighs up to become quite a meaty item once you're up to highway speeds, so you can still drive with confidence.

Capable little crossover

Of course, you'd expect your crossover to deliver on the practical front and the 2008 does not disappointment.

There's sufficient space all around for four, and a boot capacity of 434 litres may be behind on the 536 litres offered in the Renault Captur, but you still get a wide and boxy aperture and a boot floor that can be raised so it becomes flat with the folded rear seats.

Fuel economy averaged 12km/L after three days of driving.

The 2008 might be the junior of Peugeot's lineup here, but if you're looking for something that can deliver big on driving thrills and still perform all the practical duties expected of a compact crossover, the 2008 should be your pick of the bunch.

Can't get enough of this quirky crossover's styling? Well you can see all the angles you need of the Peugeot 2008 right here!