Peugeot 2008 (2023 – ) review

The full price of the 2008 looks steep, particularly compared to the Renault Captur, but the Peugeot does have a more premium feel than many of its competitors, plus there are deals to be had on finance or leasing. Whichever model you choose shouldn’t cost you much to run. Both the manual and automatic petrol version claim mpg in the high 40s, while the mild hybrid model we tried was showing around 50mpg during our test. The electric E-2008 should be even more cost-effective, particularly if you are able to charge at home on a dedicated EV energy tariff.

Peugeot hasn’t always had the best reputation for reliability, but it has improved in recent years and regularly manages a mid-table position in owner surveys. As Peugeot is part of the wider Stellantis group, the 2008 has a lot in common with the Jeep Avenger, Vauxhall Mokka and Fiat 600 so you can have confidence the parts are tried and tested. For additional peace of mind, Peugeot offers a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty with the option to extend this further for a fee.

All 2008s come with a suite of safety systems including lane keeping assistance, driver attention monitoring, road sign recognition and autonomous braking. We particularly liked how these features weren’t overly intrusive and didn’t tell us off too often. Range-topping GT Premium models gain extras like blind spot monitoring and upgrades from regular to adaptive cruise control which maintains a safe distance from the car in front. These useful features can be added to lower-grade models as part of a the ‘Vision & Drive Assist’ pack, which we’d recommend as you’ll also gain a front and rear camera. We have docked a point from the safety score, though, as we found some of the car’s controls fiddly to use whilst driving. Despite having some physical toggles there aren't any tactile controls for temperature or fan speed, and interacting with the touch-screen distracted our attention away from the road for longer than we would like.

The 2008 comes with three trim options – Allure, GT and GT Premium – which get progressively swisher as you move up the grades. From GT upwards you’ll get green stitching and customisable ambient lighting, while range-topping GT Premium gains creature comforts like heated seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function. In the back two adults should have enough space to sit comfortably, while adding a third becomes rather cosy. Storage space isn’t the most generous as the door bins are on the smaller side, however there’s a decent boot, even though it’s not as large as the Ford Puma’s. In true Peugeot style, the 2008 does a good job of cushioning you from bumps in the road, the only fly in the ointment is the polarising ‘i-Cockpit’ driving position. If you can get comfy and see the full driver display at the same time, then you are onto a winner. However, if you can’t find the perfect position, the 2008 might not the one be for you.

Standard features include a 10-inch central touch-screen, a digital driver display, front and rear parking sensors and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This should cover most of you needs, although the infotainment isn’t the most user-friendly system. Upgrading to GT trim gains features like keyless entry, a reversing camera and Peugeot’s fancier 3D graphics, while GT Premium gets built-in TomTom-powered sat-nav plus the extras including more safety tech and heated front seats.

The choice of engine options plays in the 2008’s favour, giving flexibility regardless of whether you are ready to go fully electric or not. To keep things simple there’s just one battery option for the E-2008, while in pure petrol form there’s either a manual or slightly more powerful automatic available. Alternatively, there’s the mild hybrid automatic model we tried. This can’t cover any meaningful distance on electric power as the small battery and motor are simply there to add a tiny power boost and to aid efficiency, but you can make short manoeuvres at low speeds without firing up the engine. Out of the road the 2008 can be a bit slow to rumble into life from a standing start, but once you get going is has enough puff to cope with motorway speeds. Despite the engine’s modest size, it has a surprisingly characterful growl and gives a satisfying crescendo if you accelerate hard. Around town the 2008 feels nimble and, although this is a car designed for family life, the small steering wheel gives the illusion you are driving something sportier.