It appears that Brits can’t get enough of pseudo-SUV crossovers, with models such as the Nissan Qashqai selling in ever greater numbers. However, drivers after a sensible, smaller high-rise model haven’t been so spoiled for choice, with the Nissan Juke prioritising style over practicality and others, including the Vauxhall Mokka, trailing hatchback equivalents in emissions – and BIK – terms.
The Peugeot 2008, however, can still break the 60mpg mark in petrol form and 75mpg with a diesel motor, while offering much more butch styling than the smaller 208. First launched in 2013, the 2008 has now been spruced up with bolder, more 4×4-esque styling and new GT Line trim, for a sportier look. The 1.2-litre petrol engines with 82hp to 130hp remain, as do diesels with 75hp to 120hp.
As with other Peugeots, the 2008 features a shrunken steering wheel with dials visible over the rim. This may seem odd initially, but we found it easy to make ourselves comfortable. Despite the 2008’s raised ride height, it offers a firm but mostly smooth ride, although the payoff is that it takes corners with much more enthusiasm than many similarly tall cars, with the small wheel making the steering surprisingly heavy.
Consequently, the 2008 is more satisfying to drive than rivals including the Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka. Some drivers will yearn for lighter steering, though, and softer suspension, especially in the diesels, which failed to shield passengers from rough road surfaces.
Fitted with the 130hp turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine, the 2008 proved nippy and very refined. The engine pulls hard from low speeds, but remains unruffled when worked harder – unlike the slightly raucous diesel models.
Whole-life costs are less competitive. Thanks to low residual values of 33.4% – less in diesel form, so an equivalent 120hp diesel costs more than the 130hp petrol in whole-life cost terms – the 2008 is pricier overall than Nissan Juke and Suzuki Vitara rivals. No model can match the 2008’s sprightly performance and strong efficiency though, with the still nippy 42.6p per mile 110hp 2008 offering greater value.
Diesel Nissan Juke and Renault Captur models are cheaper at as little as 40.0ppm, however. But whole-life and BIK costs both make the petrol 2008 a more cost-effective bet than its diesel sibling.
The 2008’s cabin is comfortable for those in the front, with the rear seats providing adequate room for two adults. Headroom in our car, fitted with a full-length glass roof, was very limited though, with the middle seat even tighter. Boot space, on the other hand, is adequate for the size of car. Of more concern was the satnav system, which completely failed in our car, being unable to locate the vehicle’s position for more than an hour, despite being rebooted and reprogrammed several times.
The 2008 is pricier to run than it could be – due to its mediocre residuals – however, it offers a greater blend of economy and performance than rivals, meaning that drivers shouldn’t feel shortchanged – especially thanks to low BIK charges for the petrol cars.
Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 130 Allure |
Model price range £13,615-£20,565 |
Residual value 33.4% |
Depreciation £12,035 |
Fuel £4874 |
Service, maintenance and repair £1985 |
Vehicle Excise Duty £40 |
National Insurance £1570 |
Cost per mile 44.1p |
Fuel consumption 58.9mpg |
CO2 (BIK band) 110g/km (19%) |
BIK 20/40% per month £57/£114 |
Warranty 3yrs/unlimited miles |
Boot space (min/max) 422/1400 litres |
Engine size/power 1199cc/130hp |