Test drive Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 155 CV EAT8: comfort and smoothness everywhere

The SUV segment is all the rage, which means it is extremely crowded. Given this, manufacturers fight to offer something different and capable of standing out in the pursuit of success, and a clear example of this is Peugeot. The lion’s house -like many other members of Stellantis- champions the disruptive and innovative, and the Peugeot 2008 is irrefutable proof of it.

To find out how different the lion brand’s SUV really is, we decided to live with it for a week. Specifically, we took the wheel of the Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech with EAT8 automatic gearbox and GT trim to see whether the exclusivity the brand advocates is really present in every aspect.

A striking, disruptive design

We may like SUVs more or less, but we must admit that in a market full of bland vehicles -as a rule- the Peugeot 2008 stands out. To be clear, we may like the French SUV more or less, but its different and innovative design catches the eye everywhere.

This is thanks to an imposing, considerably sized grille and two LED headlights that culminate in the already characteristic sabre-tooth daytime lights of Peugeot. The side stands out for its strong, sharp lines and 18-inch bi-tone wheels.

At the rear sit rectangular taillights full of personality, and that striking, disruptive design language reappears. Besides various chrome details, a dual exhaust outlet stands out, whose interior hides the real outlet -a solution that convinces far more than the trim pieces that simulate it.

An interior of light and shade

As the exterior foreshadowed, the interior of the Peugeot 2008 also plays with those distinctive canons. However, certain aspects mean I am not as happy with the cabin of the French SUV as I am with the exterior, which in the end is entirely subjective.

The first aspect that catches our attention in the 2008 -and in every contemporary Peugeot- is its well-known i-Cockpit. That name refers to a layout based on a small steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom, and a digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and very well-executed graphics positioned above it.

The truth is that its behaviour is quick and intuitive, and it shows a very attractive interface. However, the i-Cockpit itself doesn’t fully convince me: the steering wheel’s dimensions help with manoeuvring, but my driving position and build mean I cannot see the entire instrument cluster information.

The dashboard is dominated by a 10-inch screen with touch operation. There is also an interface that is simple to understand, fast and pleasant in design. What doesn’t quite convince me is that the climate control remains only partially integrated, although this is offset by a series of physical controls that give direct access to various functions.

The materials in general are pleasant to the touch, with an upper dashboard finished in soft plastic. The remaining elements are finished in hard plastic, though always with a good sense of solidity, except for some areas of the centre console. On the downside, there is piano black in much of the interior, a material that is a magnet for dirt and fingerprints.

As far as interior space is concerned, we found the rear seats generous, allowing two adults to travel comfortably. The centre seat, by contrast, is somewhat narrower despite having a padded backrest, and its width is a letdown. The boot holds 410 litres, a more than sufficient capacity combined with regular shapes.

Smooth and comfortable

But the high point of any test lies in the mechanical and dynamic side, and this one was no exception. Here we find the 1.2 PureTech engine producing 155 CV and 240 Nm of torque, a three-cylinder turbo unit paired with an eight-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox of torque converter type.

Its performance lets you tackle any situation with ease, and indeed, halfway up the rev counter you will find a generous surge of power. However, its three-cylinder nature shows, and at low revs vibrations can be felt, or a slightly unstable pull-away. Even so, this sensation disappears as soon as the engine enters a higher rev range.

In town, the Peugeot 2008 shines for its comfort and ease of driving. It is a vehicle that feels at home in the urban environment thanks to a soft suspension setup capable of absorbing road imperfections with ease, and steering that is light and made even easier to handle by the i-Cockpit. However, it does not excel in terms of feedback, though that is not its purpose. Here it is easy to achieve an average consumption of around 8 litres per 100 km.

On the motorway the sensations are very similar, with a car that prioritises comfort at all times. Given this, travelling in the French SUV becomes a very pleasant task, once again thanks to that generally soft setup. Furthermore, the engine is more than capable of making overtakes with ease. Consumption can easily be brought down to 6 litres.

On winding roads we can see that the 2008 does not feel entirely at ease, but that is logical given that it is not its natural habitat. Finally, a word about the EAT8 gearbox: while it is comfortable and quick in automatic mode, it is somewhat slow to downshift when using the paddles.

Conclusion

The Peugeot 2008 establishes itself as one of the segment’s SUVs with the most personality in terms of styling, thanks to a distinctive and disruptive design. The same can be said of the cabin, where we find the latest technology alongside a matching execution.

In addition, there is the comfort factor, which the French SUV exploits to the maximum. Its engine is up to the task and, setting aside some typical traits of three-cylinder engines, it is a very sensible option among compact SUVs.

On top of all this, the starting price for the Peugeot 2008 in GT trim with the 1.2 PureTech 155 CV engine and EAT8 gearbox is just over 25,000 euros.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverPeugeot 200811 versions · from 28,710 €