Peugeot 2008 1.2 VTi 82 CV, test drive (Exterior design, interior and trim)

Diego G. Moreira 18 February 2014 3 min.

Peugeot 2008 1.2 VTi 82 CV, test drive (Exterior design, interior and trim)

These days we are at the wheel of the Peugeot 2008, the city car with a French off-roader look, which we have tested with the entry-level petrol engine in the range. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with 82 CV was analysed in the first part of the test.

Now, in the second part, we have to analyse the exterior design of the Peugeot 2008, the interior finish (which we already said we liked) and the space it offers its five occupants. All these topics will be the focus of the second part of the Peugeot 2008 test.

Exterior design

Outside, the 2008 stands out for its SUV look but in a compact size, ideal for the city but with more interior space than a city car. The front is typically SUV, highlighting the bumper with its black lower section and the new Peugeot grille.

The standard headlights feature LED technology for the daytime running lights, and from the second trim level (the one we tested) it also has front fog lights. On the side profile, its height stands out, along with the roof bars, again emphasising its crossover image.

Although they may look like alloy wheels, our unit had attractive wheel trims that from a distance can pass for alloy wheels with an attractive design. The wheels measured 195/60 R16 and were fitted with GoodYear EfficientGrip tyres.

At the rear, the headlights stand out for their design, and they also feature LED technology that outlines their shape, plus the large tailgate with muscular shapes, which makes loading easy thanks to the low height of the loading lip.

Interior design

Inside, the design does not change from the Peugeot 208, we find a well-finished driver’s position, simple and with good adjustments, although some parts in soft plastic stand out (something other rivals don’t have). Furthermore, from the second trim level (the one in our test) it already comes with a touchscreen with tri-tuner radio, Bluetooth hands-free kit, streaming system and jack / USB sockets.

The steering wheel is smaller than usual, an innovation debuted on the 208, and once we get used to it, it is very practical for manoeuvring. The instrument layout has also changed: it is seen above the steering wheel, but we always have all the information at a glance.

The driving position is comfortable and high, typical of an SUV. We miss an armrest, which is optional. The seats offer good lateral support and visibility is adequate. The steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach.

In the back is where its space shows, especially compared with a 208. It is a spacious car, closer to a compact than to a city car. In addition to offering enough legroom, it also provides generous headroom given its height; however, a third passenger sitting in the back will be more uncomfortable, and the raised centre tunnel doesn’t help.

In short, inside the Peugeot 2008 is a spacious car, with a quality dashboard and good materials. In this respect it is ahead of the Renault Captur, which relies on hard plastics in its interior, although the Captur has a more traditional design.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage spaces, the Peugeot 2008 is quite well equipped: it has several places in the centre tunnel to leave our things, the main glovebox is large, and it also has a fairly sizeable compartment between the seats where objects can be stored.

The boot has a capacity of 338 litres, with an additional compartment under the boot floor where small objects can also be stored. The loading lip is low and the boot shape is very practical for getting the most out of the space.