Based on the PF1 platform, the Peugeot 2008 shares about two-thirds of its components with the 208 and is the latest entrant into the crowded crossover segment for the French marque.
Introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Peugeot 2008 replaces the Peugeot 207 SW, as Peugeot did not plan to release an SW version of its 208.
Much like the rest of the mini crossovers, such as the Nissan Juke and the Volkswagen CrossPolo, it's geared towards younger drivers who want the high-ride and chunky looks of an SUV but with the running costs of a regular hatchback.
Exterior
Standing at 4,157mm by 1,739mm by 1,570mm (L x W x H), the 2008 is 195mm longer and 99mm taller than its hatchback brethren.
Thus, the 2008 still looks very much like a high-riding estate or stationwagon, which marks it out as a more old-fashioned crossover, while most of its competitors actually look more like high-riding hatches.
Inspired by the 208, the 2008 takes a few styling cues from the supermini such as the swept-back headlights with LED daytime running lights, bold chrome grille and defined creases around the sculpted sheet metal.
At the rear, it gets a special design tribute to the brand - a set of 'claw'-shaped LED taillights mimicking that of a lion's. A set of roof rails come as standard, while the slightly squared off wheel arches and rugged cladding help lend the car a bit of an SUV look.
Interior
On the inside, the differences between this car and the 208 will be a little harder to spot, but that's not a bad thing. It wouldn't take long for one to notice the same high quality fabrics and plastics used throughout the cabin. There are also piano black panels and splashes of silver trim, which lend a touch of class.
As soon as you slide behind the wheel of the 2008, you feel as though you've climbed into a tall SUV, with more room inside than you'd expect from a car with such a small footprint.
The driving position is commanding, and forward visibility is excellent. And like the 208, the 2008 has an unusually small steering wheel where you can look over (instead of through) to see the instrument panel.
On the inside, the differences between this car and the 208 will be a little harder to spot, but that's not a bad thing. It wouldn't take long for one to notice the same high quality fabrics and plastics used throughout the cabin. There are also piano black panels and splashes of silver trim, which lend a touch of class.
As soon as you slide behind the wheel of the 2008, you feel as though you've climbed into a tall SUV, with more room inside than you'd expect from a car with such a small footprint.
The driving position is commanding, and forward visibility is excellent. And like the 208, the 2008 has an unusually small steering wheel where you can look over (instead of through) to see the instrument panel.
The 2008 also comes with a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen that houses the multimedia system, car settings, as well as factory-fitted navigation, which previously wasn't available on the 208.
Although the wheelbase of the 208 and the 2008 are shared, the 2008's overhangs are longer, allowing for a larger boot - 360 litres of cargo space, which is expandable to 1,194 litres with the seats folded down.
The Drive
Utilising the same 1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel engine as the 208, the 2008 is very refined for an oil burning power plant, with linear power delivery and reasonable performance.
However, it is paired with the semi-automatic EGC transmission - famous for its lumpish gear shifts at the lower range - with some time taken to get used to easing off the throttle for smoother gear changes.
It's only when you bring the car up to speed that the sluggish feeling gets better, with reserves of pulling power to make it a more relaxed and economical drive.
We managed to achieve 17.5km/L on our test run without paying attention to our right foot's pressure. We also detected very low wind and road noise at three-digit speeds, which further accentuate its focus on refinement.
Utilising the same 1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel engine as the 208, the 2008 is very refined for an oil burning power plant, with linear power delivery and reasonable performance.
However, it is paired with the semi-automatic EGC transmission - famous for its lumpish gear shifts at the lower range - with some time taken to get used to easing off the throttle for smoother gear changes.
It's only when you bring the car up to speed that the sluggish feeling gets better, with reserves of pulling power to make it a more relaxed and economical drive.
We managed to achieve 17.5km/L on our test run without paying attention to our right foot's pressure. We also detected very low wind and road noise at three-digit speeds, which further accentuate its focus on refinement.
Just like the 208, the 2008 feels most at home in the city, where its compact size and elevated driving position combine to make manoeuvring easy.
On the whole, the 2008 rides well on 16-inchers, with little body roll around corners. The only setback here is the lack of feedback from the steering wheel at higher speeds.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 2008 is refined, decent to drive and deserves its place among the hordes of compact crossovers. If you're looking for a practical crossover that drives with the instant cheery responses of a small car, this car may just be your cup of tea.
On the whole, the 2008 rides well on 16-inchers, with little body roll around corners. The only setback here is the lack of feedback from the steering wheel at higher speeds.
Conclusion
The Peugeot 2008 is refined, decent to drive and deserves its place among the hordes of compact crossovers. If you're looking for a practical crossover that drives with the instant cheery responses of a small car, this car may just be your cup of tea.
