UK drive: The Peugeot 2008 is a decent choice for a compact crossover

What is it?

What’s new?

The 2008 was last facelifted in 2018, when it gained a bold, upright front end and the Peugeot badge moved from the bonnet to the grille. That makeover brought it in line with the rest of the Peugeot range, which now has a pleasingly cohesive aesthetic throughout.

The facelift also upgraded the lights, bulked up the wheel arches and added skid plates front and rear for a more rugged look. Make no mistake, though, this car only has front-wheel drive and isn’t an off-roader – though Peugeot’s ‘Grip Control’ does a fair approximation, sending torque to whichever front wheel has the most traction.

What’s under the bonnet?

Economy is strong even in the petrol cars, too. Though the diesels are capable of over 70mpg, the 55mpg we averaged in the most powerful petrol was very impressive.

What’s it like to drive?

How does it look?

The 2008 aims to be the opposite of its C3 Aircross cousin. Where the latter car is quirky, with ‘upside-down’ headlights, brightly coloured paint schemes and swathes of plastic cladding, the 2008 is sensible and classier.

The car’s profile does look rather odd, with the tall body making the wheels look rather lost inside their plastic-clad arches. The front end is rather more successful, though – it’s smart, premium and definitely a Peugeot.

Those after something a little more eye-catching would be better served by the C3 Aircross or perhaps something totally different, such as the Nissan Juke.

What’s it like inside?

Quality is decent if not class-leading, and certain aspects of the cabin, especially the infotainment, feel rather dated. At least the 2008 is roomy, with space for adults in both rows and a 360-litre boot. It’s a shame cabin storage isn’t so great – the glovebox is tiny and so is the centre console.

What’s the spec like?

All 2008s gain the essentials, with front electric windows, six airbags, LED daytime running lights and air-conditioning, but most will likely opt for mid-range Allure spec which gains parking sensors, tints the rear windows and adds dual-zone climate control and mood lighting to the interior. Our car was in top-spec GT-Line trim, though, which is the stylish one of the group. It has a blacked out grille and no-cost optional black alloys, plus a panoramic glass roof. Considering the price, though, we were disappointed to see active emergency braking relegated to the options list across all grades – albeit at a reasonable, £250 extra cost.

Verdict

If you’re in the market for a likeable compact SUV with decent manners on the road, the Peugeot 2008 is a quiet contender. It doesn’t shout like its Citroen sibling, and it won’t divide opinion nearly as much as a Nissan Juke or Hyundai Kona, but its plain-but-smart exterior hides a selection of great engines and a well-equipped interior. Add in rock-bottom running costs and the 2008 could be the pick of the compact SUV crop for some.