What's the news?
Peugeot's all-new 2008 compact crossover has arrived in Ireland, priced from €18,595. That undercuts its direct rivals from Nissan, Renault and Opel. The cheapest diesel model costs €19,515 and all versions fall into Band A for VRT and annual road tax.
Exterior
Though the 2008 is a crossover, it's only modestly larger than the Peugeot 208 it shares 65 per cent of its components with, and it sits on the same 2.54m wheelbase. Despite that, it has one of the largest boots in the segment at 360 litres with the rear seats occupied. The overall look is subtle and nowhere near as controversial as the Nissan Juke, nor as extrovert as Renault's new Captur.
Interior
Inside, the 2008 is very similar to the 208 hatchback, though passengers sit higher and have more headroom. The dashboard and switchgear are largely all the same, including the divisive 'over the steering wheel' instrumentation design. Thanks to that the lovely compact steering wheel is retained.
Mechanicals
Incredibly, Peugeot has managed to keep the 2008's weight down to as little as 1,045kg, which helps no end in delivering the car's impressive efficiency numbers. Customers can choose from a single 1.2-litre petrol engine (82hp, 114g/km) or 1.4- and 1.6-litre HDi diesels. About 70 per cent of Irish buyers are expected to opt for diesel, which explains the wider choice of options. The 1.4-litre HDi engine puts out 68hp and emits 104g/km, while the 1.6-litre engine can be had in 92- or 115hp guises with either a manual or EGC automatic gearbox. The 92hp version fitted with the latter emits just 98g/km, for Band A2 road tax.
All models put power to the front wheels only, though Peugeot offers buyers the 'Grip Control' option at £255, which is said to enhance traction in slippery conditions. It includes higher ground clearance, Mud & Snow tyres and a multi-mode ESP system.
Anything else?
Three trim levels are offered as ever: Access, Active and Allure. Standard specification across the line-up includes LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, ESP (stability control), cruise control, front electric windows, roof rails and child safety locks.
The Active model gains rear parking sensors, a leather steering wheel, auto wipers and lights, front fog lamps, electric folding door mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels. Allure versions add cornering fog lamps, a panoramic and LED feature glass roof, dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, rear electric windows and external chrome pack.
Des Cannon, Peugeot Sales & Marketing Director said, "Peugeot's new 2008 is an attractive proposition incorporating many virtues. It's a compact and stylish vehicle that offers great passenger space and a higher driving position to instil a feeling of safety and security."
He continued, "Our latest-generation engines offer an exceptional driving experience, combined with a real breakthrough in performance and fuel economy with CO2 starting from just 98g/km, to allow 2008 to stand out from the competition. Indeed, the new Peugeot 2008 will not only have the widest range of petrol and diesel engines on offer in the segment, it will be unique in offering both petrol and diesel versions at sub-100g CO2."