Feline Antics
The new 2008 was actually announced in the 3rd quarter of last year and a product launch was already being planned before the effects of the global pandemic took hold. The vehicles were delayed in shipping and dates kept being pushed out, but they finally landed in January and made their way to our starting point. I had driven the previous generation 2008 in 2017 and was excited to see what this entirely new vehicle had to offer.
Related: 2017 Compact SUV Shootout – Peugeot 2008 vs Hyundai Creta
Grey clouds filled the sky as we departed, headed even further east towards streaks of lighting and a very dark horizon, unsure of our final destination but happy that we were ensconced in very safe and highly rated compact SUV.
The Packaging
As we mentioned, This 2008 is completely new from the ground up retaining only the engine block from the previous generation. This means new stying and new technology. Highlights of the exterior package are the tiger claw LED lights front and rear with new LED fog lights that create the shape of a feline bearing its fangs when the lights are on in the dark. The 17" wheels are encapsulated by cladded arches that make the vehicle look wide and flat. The exterior is shaped by geometric folds along its side panels that attract the eye while the myriad of bright body colours show off the lines.
The GT Line model that we tested comes standard with a black roof and C-pillar lending a floating roof design that adds to a menacing appearance. The vehicle appears smaller than its actual 4.3m length x 1.5 m width but is easily piloted along even the narrowest of rural roads.
The Interior and Technology
If the exterior didn't sell you on the 2008, then the interior and its high-end offerings definitely will. Opening the door, you are greeted with beautifully stitched mixed material seats nestled in a full leather and composite material interior. The green stitching highlights on the door cards, seats, steering wheel and dashboard set off the 8 colour mood lighting and brand new 10" touchscreen infotainment.
The driver's binnacle features the all new 3rd-generation i-Cockpit system featuring a 3D display with traffic sign recognition. The infotainment system has Apple Car Play and Android Auto with a wireless charging compartment and fold away phone tray. There is an all new frameless electro-chromatic rearview mirror and the characteristic oblong Peugeot steering wheel.
Safety is taken care of by a host of systems and functions such as active blind spot monitoring, the lane departure avoidance system, Park Assist, active warning of involuntary lane crossing and automatic emergency braking.
The Drive
The new Peugeot 2008 is built on PSA's CMP platform and is powered by a single engine option in the 3 cylinder, 1,2l Puretech turbo petrol engine and is coupled with either a manual in the Active model or the 6 speed Auto in all other models. The 2008 gets going when prompted and never feels as if it is struggling even when attacking a 8km muddy trail. There are driving modes in the form of sand, snow and mud and you have the option of descent control should you ever need it.
Our test drive took us over 400km of Gauteng and Polokwane highveld, alternating between winding open roads and narrow rural thoroughfares culminating in a muddy jaunt through the bush. All the while the 2008 never skipped a beat and surprised even seasoned journalist with its prowess in the dirt.
The Models and Pricing
Peugeot South Africa has been very prudent with their line up choice and pricing.
There will be three models available with various transmission options.
| Peugeot 2008 1.2 Active MT 74kW | R 359 900 |
| Peugeot 2008 1.2 Active AT 96kW | R 399 900 |
| Peugeot 2008 1.2 Allure AT 96kW | R 429 900 |
| Peugeot 2008 1.2 GT Line AT 96Kw | R 479 900 |
Verdict
Peugeot has stepped up the game with the new 2008. It is a very good progression from the older model and is sure to grab the attention of existing Peugeot customers and perhaps even a few new ones. It is a premium product and is priced accordingly and with a raft of new products heading to our shore within the next few months we are looking forward to seeing more PSA products on our roads. It is an exceptional vehicle and is worth a visit if you are in the market for a compact SUV that can if it must.
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