Peugeot 2008 (2013 – 2019) Review

The Peugeot 2008 is to the Nissan Juke what the 3008 is to the Qashqai. While the Nissan models were pioneers of the modern breed of crossovers, carmakers like Peugeot were left fighting to keep up. Launched in 2013, the 2008 is based on the 208 supermini, but a chunkier body, raised ride height and slightly roomier interior makes it a better overall package than the car it is based on.

The compact crossover is one of the world’s most popular body styles, so it will come as no surprise to discover that the Peugeot 2008 was a hugely successful car. Launched in 2013, the 2008 rode on the coat-tails of the Nissan Juke, offering a compelling blend of space, practicality, low running costs and low-rate finance.

Production stopped in 2019, when it made way for the all-new Peugeot 2008, but it makes a cracking used buy. Indeed, prices have dropped as low as £4500, while even the more desirable post-facelift model could cost as little as £7,000. There are too many rivals to mention, but the list includes the SEAT Arona, Renault Captur, Citroen C3 Aircross, Ford Ecosport and Vauxhall Mokka X.

The 2008 doesn’t really stand out in a crowded market, because it doesn’t really excel at anything. It’s certainly more spacious and practical than the 208 supermini, but the styling of the pre-facelift car hasn’t aged well, while the driving experience is nothing to write home about. So why should the Peugeot 2008 be on your shortlist?

The 1.2-litre PureTech engine is a real positive, offering an excellent blend of punchy performance and diesel-like efficiency. It’s available in a choice of outputs, including a 130PS version, which gives the 2008 a surprising turn of pace. Unfortunately, the chassis doesn’t have what it takes to harness the power, with the car feeling unsettled and unwieldy when driven with any degree of enthusiasm.

This engine was introduced as part of the 2016 facelift, which also ushered in a new look for the popular crossover. It worked well, with the new car boasting a more premium and upmarket appearance. It still looks fresh today, four years later.

Inside, the i-Cockpit uses a small steering wheel and a raised instrument panel to deliver a look and feel that’s unique to Peugeot. It’s a bit ‘Marmite’, but if you can find a good driving position, you’ll probably love it. The level of quality is good, but some parts of the interior feel hollow and plasticky.

It’s just a shame the 2008 is so uninspiring to drive. We could forgive the general feeling of detachment if the ride quality was good, but the Arona and C3 Aircross are more comfortable. It doesn’t help that the steering is so darty, which takes a while to get used to. To almost borrow a phrase from a margarine brand, we can’t believe it’s not better.

We’d recommend a car with Grip Control. It works like an all-wheel-drive system to provide greater traction in slippery conditions, with modes for snow, mud and sand. It does this without the drop in fuel economy you’d experience in cars with a ‘proper’ all-wheel-drive system.

A jack of all trades and a master of none, then? This might seem a little unfair, but it’s hard to think of a single reason why you should choose a 2008 over any of its immediate rivals. Then again, we can’t think of many reasons why you shouldn't choose it. How’s that for the least conclusive conclusion of 2020?

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Peugeot 2008 review. 

The ride is unsettled, particularly over pitted surfaces, which can be a bit unnerving when cornering. This is especially true of models riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, so these are best avoided.

It’s not as though it handles particularly well, with the 2008 leaning too much when cornering quickly. It doesn’t help that the steering is too quick and light, which takes a lot of getting used to. This is a car that feels best on smooth roads at lower speeds.

Look out for models fitted with Grip Control. It’s an excellent alternative to all-wheel-drive, using an electronic differential and all-season tyres to provide extra traction in slippery conditions. A rotary dial is used to choose the desired setting, with options for mud, snow and sand. You can also disconnect the stability control at speeds of up to 30mph.

Once again, it makes sense to buy a post-facelift model, with the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine our recommended choice. The three-cylinder turbocharged unit is available with 82PS, 110PS and 130PS, offering a terrific blend of punchy performance and excellent fuel economy. Even the 82PS feels lively, but the 130PS is noticeably quicker.

The 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine was introduced as part of the facelift. It’s a step up from the old 1.6-litre version, giving the 2008 muscular performance and excellent economy. You have a choice of 100PS or 120PS outputs.

Earlier engines are harder to recommend, although the 1.6-litre e-HDi is a good option. We’d avoid the nasty ECG automated manual gearbox, favouring the later EAT6 automatic transmission. The manual gearbox is a bit vague, but it does the job.

The 2008 was awarded a five-star safety rating when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2013. The individual scores were impressive for the time, but less relevant in 2020.

Driver and passenger airbags come as standard, along with head airbags, seatbelt reminders in the front, stability control and cruise control with speed limiter. Active city brake was available as an option on post-facelift cars. We’d recommend a car with Grip Control, as this improves wet weather safety, without putting a dent in the fuel economy.

Thanks to a maximum towing capacity of 1270kg, the Peugeot 2008 is only suitable for light towing duties. This figure is based on the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 120 engine. If you’re after a petrol engine, the 110 and 130 versions of the 1.2-litre PureTech unit boast a towing capacity of 1250kg.

A larger boot is one reason to choose the 2008 over the Peugeot 208. It offers a useful 360 litres of luggage capacity, or 1400 litres if you fold the rear seats. It’s a wide and deep boot, so it’s ideal for large and awkward items, while the low and near-flat loading lip is convenient when packing heavy goods.

The good vibes continue in the cabin, where the 2008 feels noticeably roomier than the 208, especially in the back. Headroom is impressive, although the 2008 loses marks for the absence of a sliding rear bench. At least there are two Isofix points in the back.

Other minor gripes include a space-saving handbrake lever, which is too short and hard to use. We’d also say the pedals are too close together, which will be an issue for drivers with big feet. Finally, the small steering wheel/raised instrument panel combo takes a bit of getting used to.

The exterior styling of the pre-facelift model isn’t ageing particularly well, but the facelifted 2008 still looks fresh today. Indeed, we recommend the post-2016 Peugeot 2008 over the older models.

The subtle facelift gave all models a leather steering wheel and handbrake lever, which enhances the feeling of this being a premium product. In common with many of its rivals, it’s not hard to find cheaper materials in the lower sections of the cabin, with the door panels feeling especially hollow and plasticky. Elsewhere, you’ll have few complaints.

Because the 2008 dates back to 2013, the infotainment system is a bit basic by today’s standards. Entry-level models had to make do with a basic radio plonked on top of the dashboard. Other models feature a touchscreen, which has a clear display, but can be tricky to use. Features include digital radio, Bluetooth, USB socket and smartphone integration.

Post-facelift models are better. By the end of the car’s life, even the Active model featured a seven-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Allure+ added a colour reversing camera to the mix.

For some context, the basic 1.2-litre petrol Active model cost £17,500 just before the 2008 made way for the new model in 2019. At £24,000, the 1.5-litre diesel GT Line model cost £24,000.

Today, prices have dropped to around £4500. This is enough to secure a 2013 or 2014 model with up to 100,000 miles on the clock, but we’d recommend upping the budget to secure a newer 2008.

Realistically, you need to budget for spending £7,000, but you’ll enjoy a better car. The latest models cost up to £18,000, which puts you within touching distance of the current Peugeot 2008.

Buying a 2008 registered in 2018 will ensure you benefit from the remainder of Peugeot’s three-year warranty. You’ll need to spend at least £9,000 for one of these cars.

The earliest models could cost as little as £100 a month on a four-year hire purchase deal, but other forms of finance might be preferable. For example, it’s possible to buy a 2019 car for less than £200 a month on a four-year PCP deal. This is based on a £1,000 deposit and an optional ‘balloon’ payment at the end of the contract.

The fuel economy figures listed for the earlier versions of the Peugeot 2008 were based on the old NEDC standard, so should be taken with a pinch of salt. Later models benefited from the more accurate WLTP figures, so we’ll focus on these.

You can expect to see 55.7mpg to 59.2mpg from the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Don’t rule out the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, which has the potential to return 44.4mpg to 49.9mpg with a six-speed manual gearbox. This is based on the 130PS output. The economy drops to 39.1mpg to 44.8mpg in the 110PS version with a six-speed automatic transmission, or 43.8mpg to 46.8mpg in the 82PS version with a five-speed gearbox. The older 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre VTi petrol engines are less efficient.

Car insurance should be affordable, with an early base-spec Active model dropping into group nine. Opting for a more powerful engine will increase the cost of insurance, especially if you opt for the 1.2-litre PureTech 130 in GT Line trim, which slots into group 24.

The Peugeot 2008 fails to stand out in a crowded market, never managing to excel in a particular area. This could be its greatest strength, because as an all-rounder, the 2008 is hard to beat. If you’re after a small car that is easy to drive, easy to live with and won’t break the bank, a 2008 with a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine makes a lot of sense. Just make sure you buy a post-facelift model.