One of the latest new products in the B-SUV class is the Peugeot 2008. This little one is built on the same platform as the compact hatchback 208 and the budget sedan 301. Despite having the same wheelbase as the hatch, the car is almost 20 centimeters longer and 10 centimeters taller than the 208. The ground clearance has been increased by 25 millimeters and amounts to 165 millimeters. At first glance, it may seem that this is not enough - for a crossover. But remember at least the new Honda CR-V, it has the same clearance.
Our impressions of the 1000-kilometer test of the new Peugeot 2008 crossover will be told in a video review:
For those who like to read - the text version of the test drive of the new product:
Photo: Sergey Mamin
Externally, the car is perceived as a crossover not only because of the increased ground clearance, but also thanks to pseudo-off-road details. The lower part of the body is encircled by plastic protection. The visually enlarged roof and rear doors, forming a kind of hump, catch the eye. On the roof - roof rails. The ensemble is completed by a spoiler on the tailgate.
At the front, the fog lights in a massive frame and squinted headlights attract attention. Overall, the car seems muscular and not small.
In the base, the car is equipped with 15-inch wheels, in the middle version - 16-inch, but also with hubcaps, although they look like alloy wheels. Even up close, not everyone will understand that this is a decoration, not real alloy wheels. Daytime running lights are provided for all trim levels. A small thing, but nice.
Inside, the Peugeot 2008 clearly resembles its passenger donor. The dashboard, instrument panel, and in general all controls the crossover inherited from the hatchback. The designers redid some things, but not significantly.
If we abstract from similarities, it must be said that the instrument panel is located somewhat unusually for many motorists. Its location is the result of research by the French. They came to the conclusion that for easy perception of information, the instruments should be located slightly above the steering wheel so that it does not block them. Indeed, the shield, although small, is informative and convenient in all respects. And there are no complaints about the steering wheel either. It seems childish and very small, but fits perfectly in the hands.
In the center of the dashboard - a large touch screen that allows you to control music and the on-board computer. Convenient, easy to understand, but a pity that it does not hide. We are sure there will be more than one car vandal who will try to pull it out, even though it is unrealistic.
The fit of panels and the quality of plastic are made at a very high level. A feeling of being in a small but almost premium car is created. Lovers of feeling plastic will definitely be pleasantly surprised. Except that climate control is provided only for the top version, the rest have air conditioning by default.
Among the features, I would like to note the handbrake. Its handle is made in an aviation style. A solid thing, although functionally nothing outstanding.
Sitting in the front in the 2008 is comfortable and cozy. The seats have a good profile and developed lateral support, and the recessed glove box allows a passenger of any size to sit.
In general, there is nothing to complain about ergonomics - the French competently placed the buttons and worked on the arrangement of space. True, in the back you can't really stretch out. It is logical, because no matter how you look at it, the base is like a hatchback. So do not build illusions about excess legroom. But there is enough above the head - due to the increased ceiling.
The trunk surprised. Compared to the notorious Juke, it impresses with volume. 350 liters is very good for such a class of car. If you fold the backs, which is done with a light movement of the hand - the volume of the cargo compartment can be increased to 1400 liters. The only drawback of the trunk is the lack of space for small items.
The test drive of the new Peugeot crossover took place in the historical city of Kamianets-Podilskyi. It is located almost 450 kilometers from Kyiv, which we covered in the 2008. For the test, we chose the modification that, according to the brand representative, Peugeot Ukraine, will be the most in demand on the domestic market. We are talking about a car with a 1.2 engine with 82 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed robot. This configuration, like ours, is estimated at 222 thousand hryvnias. You can have the same engine and robot cheaper - for 209 thousand, but without the central display, with fewer airbags, 15-inch wheels and without audio control on the steering wheel.
As the experience of driving on the Lviv highway showed, you can drive quite comfortably at high speed without covering your ears and without raising your voice much when talking to a passenger. In corners, the 2008 behaves almost like the 208. It traces them quite clearly and easily. But this is on a flat road. If the surface under the wheels is not the smoothest, during active maneuvering the rear semi-independent beam makes itself known. It tends to shift the rear, which is quite logical given the suspension design.
Despite the small volume and modest power, the 1.2 petrol engine proved itself worthy. According to the stated characteristics, you can't say that - 15 seconds to a hundred, but according to subjective feelings, it allows you to accelerate quite briskly, you just need to get used to the robotic gearbox. Compared to previous robots that were installed on Peugeot models, this gearbox has become more understandable. But do not delude yourself that it is an automatic or even a CVT. When you sharply press the gas pedal, the gearbox does not react immediately. And in general, there are noticeable delays during shifts. Driving with the pedal to the floor will not only be useless, but also dangerous. You need to periodically release the pedal so that the robot shifts up a gear. Otherwise, acceleration will be jerky and uncomfortable. This is the specificity, and nothing can be done about it. As our trip showed, on such a car with 1.2 and a robot, you can easily fit into 7-8 liters in the "hey, let's ride" driving mode. If you move slowly and on an empty road - 5 liters will be enough.
For the 2008, an automatic is also provided, but only for the 1.6 engine and in the top trim. 4-speed, by the way.
Rich in cobblestones, Kamianets made it clear that the Peugeot 2008 suspension handles small irregularities comfortably and quietly. Even at high speed. But if there is a washboard under the wheels, you begin to understand that, despite the high seating position and large glazing area, you are still driving a city crossover that absolutely does not want to drive off-road. The suspension does not have a large travel, so it is prone to breakdowns when driving carelessly over potholes. But driving over curbs is not a problem, which is what this car was created for.
In theory, you can climb a little further than in a passenger car. But regardless of the car version, we would not advise doing this. The body overhangs, although more or less normal, but the car is front-wheel drive. Therefore, any attempt to conquer the peak will result in returning to the starting position. Oh yes, the 2008 has a kind of imitation of all-wheel drive. This system is called Grip Control and serves to improve the car's cross-country ability on ice, snow, mud and sand. But it is available only as an option and only for a car with a 1.6 engine and manual transmission.
Why is there no all-wheel drive? This question was asked to Peugeot representatives by all our colleagues. Marketers... they calculated the percentage of sales of all-wheel drive crossovers among competitors and came to the conclusion that the 4x4 version is simply not needed. We will immediately answer another question - will there be a diesel? Not in the near future, although it is provided for the model. Why? According to Peugeot representatives, it has not yet been adapted to Ukrainian realities. But personally, it seems to us that the reason is the high demand for diesel in Europe. That is, a shortage. After all, despite the fact that the 2008 first rolled off the assembly line only in May 2013, after two months a queue of 45 thousand people lined up for it. Today the model is produced in France, but to keep up with demand, it will soon be produced in China and Latin America.
To sum up, a few words about the audience of the 2008. Peugeot believes that the main buyers of the new model are women and two-person families. If so, the Peugeot 2008 has every chance of becoming much more popular than the older 3008 in its class...
