Peugeot has launched its new 2008 small crossover onto the Irish market, with a starting price of €23,900.
Diesel models arrive first, then petrol, then electric
Well, not quite. You see, €23,900 is the price for the basic petrol version of the 2008. However, the first wave of 2008s arriving in Irish dealers this month will be diesel models, using the 1.5 BlueHDI diesel engine, with a base price of €25,900. The first petrol versions won't arrive until March. Following on from them, the all-electric e-2008 will arrive in April, but we haven't been given a price tag for that yet.
Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors, said: "The stunning all-new 2008 SUV has real road presence and I have full confidence it will gain new custom, even in its very competitive B SUV segment. Our philosophy of offering customers the option to choose the model, then choose the powertrain - petrol, diesel or electric - without compromising on space, technology, looks or driving sensations, is striking a chord with customers. We strongly believe this approach allows customers to opt for the powertrain that best suits their exact needs."
Dramatic new styling
The new 2008 makes a dramatic departure from the rather demure styling of the previous model - it's much more angular and dramatic, and a great deal more in-your-face. At 4.3 metres long and 1.77 metres wide, it's also bigger than the old one, and has as much as 1,467 litres of cargo space, if you fold down the back seats.
There are three petrol engine options - the familiar 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder unit, with 100hp, 130hp, and 155hp versions. The 130hp version comes with the option of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the 155hp model gets that auto 'box as standard. The only diesel engine is a 100hp version of the 1.5-litre BlueHDI unit. The e-2008, when it arrives, will have a 50kWh battery powering a 136hp electric motor, with a WLTP one-charge range of 310km.
Standard specification across the range, from Active trim, includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, six airbags, electronic stability control with hill start assist, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, eco LED headlights, front fog lamps, rear full LED 3D claw-effect lights, programmable cruise control and speed limiter, speed limit recognition and recommendation, extended traffic sign recognition, automatic headlights and wipers, two ISOFIX child seat fittings and child locking on rear doors. There's also the familiar i-Cockpit layout, featuring a compact multi-function steering wheel, heads up instrument panel and touchscreen, while Bluetooth, Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard across all versions.
3D 'i-Cockpit' digital instruments
The Allure trim, from €25,850 plus delivery related charges, gains the latest-generation 3D i-Cockpit with a configurable digital instrument panel display, 17-inch alloy wheels, central front armrest, electric and heated power folding door mirrors, front parking sensors, an electro-chrome rear view mirror, privacy glass, automatic climate control, passenger seat height adjustment, electric parking brake, modular boot (which means it has a two-position boot floor) and roof bars.
The GT Line version, from €28,380 plus delivery, gains heated front seats, a ten-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, dark chrome chequered grille, twin chrome exhaust, a black diamond roof and rear spoiler, a choice of eight LED mood lighting colours, full LED headlamps with Smartbeam Assist, LED front fog lamps with cornering function, LED daytime running lights with 3-claw headlight, frameless interior rear view mirror and active safety brake function.
The top of the range GT trim, from €34,950 plus delivery, adds adaptive cruise control with stop&go function, lane positioning assist, active blind spot monitoring, smartphone charging plate, Alcantara upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry and ignition.