New car preview: Peugeot 2008
THE Peugeot 2008 faces some tough opposition in the compact crossover division. With some very economical engines and subtle but handsome styling, it may well be in with a decent shout.
Despite its beefy looks, the 2008 is front-wheel drive only, but some off-road ability is delivered via a clever Grip Control traction system, which comprises an intelligent traction control system and special Mud & Snow all-weather tyres.
It works with the vehicle's Electronic Stability Programme to maintain the best possible traction from both front wheels and has five selectable operating modes which can be chosen by the driver from a dedicated control mounted on the centre console.
The engine line-up is familiar to the 208 supermini and will include a revised version of the turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit, alongside 1.4 and 1.6 e-HDI diesels.
Orders taken over £2000 , will receive £100 off and the option to take 2 years interest free credit
Terms: £100 off only on orders over £2000 with the option to take 2 years interest free credit , this offer ends bank holiday Monday 27th may 4 pm , this voucher must be printed and presented on ordering .
Contact: 01332 419898
Valid until: Monday, May 27 2013
The 2008 features a higher driving position than the 208 and, at 4.16m, it's fully 20cm longer than its supermini cousin. This gives it a good deal more road presence, which is further helped by its pronounced wheel arches. With 17in alloy wheels, it looks quite purposeful but the ground clearance is decidedly modest, so it doesn't seem as if it's trying to project an image it can't live up to.
Still, it's probably got more than enough about it to shrug off most British weather conditions. The black bumpers and body sills serve to protect it from abrasions and there's front and rear body protection and side mouldings in stainless steel.
The front face adopts the latest Peugeot family look, a heck of an improvement on their last one, it has to be said. LED daytime running lights and an intricately sculpted headlight pod give the 2008 a distinctive frontal signature, and there's some really slick detailing, such as the way the metal door bases cut into the black sill mouldings or the way the tail lights frame the 2008's subtle shoulder line. It's not the most overtly styled car in its class, but it's quietly handsome in a way that's old-school Peugeot.
Peugeot is a company on the up right now. That might not seem instantly apparent with UK sales in 2010 of 109,000 dropping to 95,000 in 2011, but the pick up to more than 99,000 in 2012 showed that the firm has weathered the storm. The introduction of the 208 has helped here – and the 2008 compact crossover vehicle can only bolster that sales performance. It looks a solid product, but much will depend on pricing, specifications and financing in a corner of the market that's not just tough but brutal.
There are some talented rivals on the market and in the pipeline right now. The 2008 will need to be very good indeed if it's to make its mark. Campaigning on the grounds of subtlety hasn't always worked in the crossover market, but if anyone can pull this off, perhaps it's Peugeot. Blending the refined style of old-school Peugeot with the engineering excellence of its latest crop might well result in a car to reckon with.
Comments