Peugeot has refreshed its smallest crossover-SUV, the 2008, with a midlife facelift and some additional technology. While the all-electric e-2008 model gains a bigger battery, more power and more one-shot driving range, and an all-new mild-hybrid version is on the way in early 2024, the remaining choice for customers is the 1.2-litre petrol option, so is it still relevant?
In the metal
Peugeot has grafted its latest 'three-claw' light signatures to all the key areas of the 2008 crossover. As part of a redesigned and wider-looking front end, the three-strake daytime running lights are the most obvious difference when compared to the pre-facelift car, while there are new horizontally arranged three-lamp rear clusters too. Those specifying top models are also likely to get the advanced matrix headlights, with another three-lamp cluster arrangement, just so you can be in no doubt about this 'lion claw' thing.
Beyond that, the handsome and chiselled 2008 looks much the same as it ever did, with a few new garnishes sprinkled on it - such as new designs of alloy wheel, including a very eye-catching 17-inch item which looks as if it might have been one of the proposed chest logos for Spiderman's costume, as well as two new body colours, a different typeface for all the model-related badges on the exterior (which are also finished in Basalt Grey for good measure), and a full-width Peugeot monogram stretching across the boot lid.
GT models also feature a contrast black roof (although Irish specs have yet to be confirmed), and they should also get the natty body-coloured highlights on the front radiator grille, which really gives the 2008 some presence as you approach it. If you go for a lower-grade version, the grille is rendered all in tasteful gloss black.
Inside, Peugeot's idiosyncratic i-Cockpit cabin remains, which means a tiny, low-set steering wheel and a high-mounted instrument binnacle with digital dials. Not everyone of every height gets on 100 per cent with this configuration, although we've never had a problem attaining a good driving position in any i-Cockpit-equipped Peugeot. Anyway, once you've come to terms with the unusual dashboard, you'll notice just how good the 2008's cabin still looks. Changes include fresh graphics and configurability for the 10-inch driver's instrument pod, as well as a 10-inch central touchscreen infotainment interface on all models now. There is a smattering of new upholsteries, including Alcantara, and trim finishes too.
In terms of practicality, unless you fail to gel with i-Cockpit then the interior of the Peugeot is sound. Space in the rear is on the tighter side but it's not unbearable for adults to have to sit back there, while there are some useful storage solutions and cubbies dotted about the cabin. If that's not enough cargo capacity for you, then one of the largest boots in this sector sits behind the passenger compartment - the 2008's bay accommodates 434 litres with all seats in place and 1,467 litres with row two folded away.
Driving it
This car is powered by the tried-and-tested 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine called the PureTech by Peugeot. In the revised 2008, it can be paired to either a six-speed manual, or an eight-speed automatic gearbox badged the EAT8 if you go for the higher-powered 131hp variant as we're testing here - the more modest 101hp derivative is only available with the manual. It is not confirmed yet as to whether this latter version will make it here.
And while it might not be the fashionable thing to say in this day and age, as we move ever closer to the total electrification of the car-driving world, we prefer how the 2008 drives with petrol power, as opposed to its saintlier e-2008 relation. The reason for this is weight - the 2008 1.2 PureTech is a good 300 kilos trimmer than the electric model. And that really does make a difference out on the road.
The reduced bulk translates into a driving experience that, if not out-and-out thrilling, is nevertheless pretty enjoyable by the standards of most compact crossovers. The Peugeot 2008 has a lovely fluidity to its steering, which notably feels different between its Eco, Normal and Sport settings. Add in well-judged suspension that limits body lean smartly and you can actually get the little Pug into a nice, flowing groove on a quieter back road - whereupon, thanks to plenty of grip and good information levels coming back to the driver, it can make itself feel a lot faster than 131hp and 230Nm might have you believe. The auto remains a good gearbox as well, smooth of shift and rarely flustered by what you demand of it in terms of throttle application.
So far, so good. And then we come to the ride quality and refinement, both of which are also excellent. There's a bit more of a firmer edge to the way the car covers the ground than you might find in some of the 2008's Stellantis contemporaries, such as the Citroen e-C4 or DS 3 E-Tense for example, as Peugeot is seen as the sporty brand in the stable, but even on larger alloy wheels the little crossover never becomes uncomfortable.
In fact, it's rather good when it comes to smothering out road imperfections before they compromise the comfort of onboard passengers. And you don't hear much in terms of tyre chatter or wind noise either, at any speeds, which makes it relaxing to travel in and pleasant around town too. About the loudest thing on it is a muted background snarl to the three-cylinder engine when you decide to give it a bit more throttle from time to time.
All in all, while it's not the newest compact crossover on the market, the accomplished Peugeot 2008 still feels like it is very near the front of the pack when it comes to driving manners. It does lots of thing very well indeed, and rarely puts a foot wrong in the process.
What you get for your money
We're still waiting for Peugeot Ireland to confirm specs and prices for all of the revised 2008 range, including the e-2008 electric flagship. It is expected that the trims of Allure and GT should be carried over at least. We'll bring you exact details on this score as and when we have them.
Summary
Nothing enacted upon it has been transformative during the facelift of the 'regular' Peugeot 2008 line, but then that's probably the embodiment of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. This was always a good-looking little crossover-SUV with a top-notch cabin and a more-than-decent chassis too. Much of those attributes carry over now into the 1.2 PureTech model, which is good, and the few polishing aesthetic touches ultimately do enough to keep this appealing vehicle right in the thick of the action when it comes to the best compact crossovers around right now.
