Car of the Week: Peugeot 2008—A deeper dive into the stylish french crossover

The Peugeot 2008 is a relatively new model, first introduced in 2013 as a replacement for the Peugeot 207 SW. However, its roots can be traced back to the Peugeot 207, which was launched in 2006 as a replacement for the Peugeot 206 subcompact hatchback.

The Peugeot 207 was a popular model, winning several awards for its combination of style, practicality, and performance. However, Peugeot recognized that there was a growing demand for small SUVs, and in 2013, the company launched the Peugeot 2008 as its first foray into this market.

The Peugeot 2008 was designed to offer the practicality and versatility of an SUV, with the style and performance of a hatchback. It was based on the same platform as the Peugeot 208, with a longer wheelbase and higher ride height to give it a more SUV-like appearance.

Now that you have an idea of the 2008’s short but sweet history about how it started out with its small subcompact roots, we now go on some of the key features of what makes the 2008 special.

The 2008 has a distinctively French design, with sharp lines, bold curves, and a sleek profile that make it stand out from other subcompact SUVs. The front of the car features Peugeot's signature grille, with the lion emblem at the center, and narrow LED headlights that give the car a sporty look. It belongs here in Metro Manila streets as much as it belongs in the Parisian streets.

It boasts a spacious and well-designed interior that is both comfortable and practical. The seats are supportive and offer good visibility, while the dashboard is laid out in a clear and logical manner. The cabin is also well insulated from road noise and vibration, making it a pleasant place to be on long journeys.

The crossover is equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster with an i-cockpit system that offers a unique 3D display that helps you monitor the vehicle’s vital statistics, and a range of driver assistance systems. The infotainment system is intuitive to use and offers features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to help you navigate tight city streets and enjoy your favorite tunes.

The 2008 packs a compact 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine making 130 hp and 230 Nm of torque that makes the crossover feel quick on its feet, especially with its sport mode option. It also delivers great fuel-economy figures as well, averaging 8 km/L in very heavy city traffic. Think Quezon City to Pasay in two and a half hour type of traffic, and up to 22km/L on the highway.

Due to its compact sizing and short wheelbase, the 2008 is one of the most agile and responsive subcompact SUVs on the market, thanks to its precise steering, and well-tuned suspension, which offsets its high center of gravity. The car feels stable and composed in corners, while the steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

The efficient packaging and sizing of the 2008 mean it offers a practical and versatile interior, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The boot has a capacity of 434 liters, which can be expanded to 1,194 liters by folding down the rear seats should you need to haul larger items. There are also plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large glovebox, door pockets, and cup holders.

In summary, the Peugeot 2008 is a stylish, comfortable, and practical subcompact SUV that offers impressive technology, efficient engines, agile handling, and versatile practicality. It is a great choice for anyone who wants a small SUV that is both fun to drive and practical for everyday use, this in turn is what has established Peugeot to be a major player in the subcompact crossover market.