What is it?
Two more mainstream manufacturers haul themselves aboard the B segment crossover gravy train this week. One, dealt with elsewhere, is the Renault Captur; the other is the Peugeot 2008, which, as its name suggests, is an SUV-style rehash of the Peugeot 208 supermini launched last year and an indirect replacement for the now-deceased 207 SW.
With more meat on the bone, the new model is 200mm longer, 250mm wider and substantially taller than its five-door 208 template. Its heftier presence is something of an illusion - the car sits on the same 2538mm wheelbase as the hatchback - but seat-up boot space does swell by an appreciable 65 litres, and there’s a fold-flat 1172-litre capacity beyond that.
This practical advantage (and the design confetti around it) are the main selling points, since Peugeot has opted not to increase costs or sophistication by plumbing four-wheel drive into its existing platform.
Instead, the 2008 is offered, according to engine and trim (although it was absent from the car tested here) with Grip Control - the selectable traction-control system that sends as much torque as possible to the front wheel with the most grip - and specially developed all-weather mud and snow rubber from Goodyear.
Otherwise the lineup is familiar: four trim levels (split into Access+, Active, Allure and Feline) with essentially two petrol and two diesel engines.
The latter includes 1.4-litre and varying 1.6-litre outputs - the range-topping 113bhp e-HDI is driven here - while the petrol range is slightly muddled by the forthcoming introduction of a turbocharged version of Peugeot’s new 1.2-litre three-pot.
For now, though, it comes in 82bhp format only, with the older, dirtier 1.6-litre four-cylinder running alongside until the new forced induction motor arrives early next year.
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Hmmmm
I don't think that Mr Cackett likes crossovers. I agree with those who have pointed out how the Yeti has been roundly praised in the past. I owned one for two years and it was, as earlier reviews have suggested, a fine car.
As for this Peugeot, it is a 208 estate, nothing more. If what I have found out is correct then it does not offer a sufficiently raised driving position to fall into true crossover (Qashqai, Yeti, Mokka....) territory.
The engine line-up?
I like the styling and I have driven a Peugeot 208 and soon adjusted to the speedometer over the steering. It is in fact in line with your sight.
I have used Peugeot's traction control that Nic doesn't seem to know much about which is strange given he's an experienced car reviewer.
It's not 4WD but it's clever enough to keep you going in snow. Peugeot giving this car low-powered engines are far from exciting though.
"Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing"
For what I really think of this review check out the previous line to the above quotation!