Yes, in the battle for the smallest engine in the crossover segment, the 2008 wins hands down. Before we get into its performance, let me tell you what else is good (and what needs improvement) about this Peugeot.
The 2008’s design is bold and brash, proudly flexing its shapely edges found all around the vehicle. Well, there is no point in trying to be sleek or slim when your
logo is a lion. The grille is plain compared to its bigger sibling, the 3008, but its pieces form horizontal slats that create a homogenous look with the other air intakes in the front.
Like all other Peugeot models, the lighting system (front and back) features the three-claw mark and the unmistakable stretched fang that comes down to the bumper from the LED headlamps. It has daytime running lamps, LED taillamps, and rear fog lamps.
Body cladding thickness varies, which is odd. It is thinner at the wheel arches but widens along the rocker panel and the tail. It could also probably do without the silver trim on the front and rear bumper and along the side. Other features include 17-inch wheels, roof rails, a rear spoiler, and dual tailpipes.
One of the things I like about the exterior is the centerline that splits out to form a triangle going to the front and rear fenders. It is a unique look not found in its competitors. It also sports the popular floating-roof effect created by the blacked-out D-pillar.
The 2008 only feels small next to the 3008. Otherwise, it looks more like an SUV than a crossover. It has great size and appears formidable. That French design needs
some getting used to, but I give it credit for standing out like no other model in the segment.
Smart keys are one thing, but Peugeot takes it to another level. With the 2008’s keyfob, you walk up to the vehicle, and it unlocks. There is no need to fake-grab the
driver’s door handle to unlock the doors when you’re just dropping something off. Go directly to the second-row door, open it, and put your stuff in. To lock, touch the stripe on the front-door handle. My only gripe is it takes a few seconds for the system to respond.
The cabin is some of the best you’ll see in the segment. The i-Cockpit has a stunning, configurable ten-inch 3-D cluster display and a seven-inch touchscreen
infotainment system. Then there’s the oval leather, multi-function steering wheel. The odd shape obstructs the bottom part of the instrument panel (I made the same mistake in the 3008). I now realize that if tilted lower, it doesn’t block the view anymore and feels 10x better to handle.
It has a padded dashboard, leatherette seats, two properly mounted USB ports in front, toggle controls, and even ambient lighting. Connectivity functions include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The manually-adjustable seats feel small, so it took some time to get the right fit and form. There is just enough space for five people, but the second-row seats
only have two headrests. Legroom is just enough for Asian sizes as cabin space allocation favors the storage area, which can hold up to 434 liters of cargo.
A 1.2-liter turbo engine delivers 130-HP and 230-Nm of torque to the front wheels of the 2008 via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration isn’t snappy, but it
doesn’t drag its feet either. To get peak performance, switch to Sport mode (it has Eco and Normal too). It grunts way more, but its bite is as good as its bark. The response is faster from throttle and steering input.
Handling is excellent for a crossover, probably the best yet. It stays planted and balanced around fast curves and has minimal body roll. It feels so good to maneuver,
partly due to the compact steering wheel, the low position, and the light feedback.
Comfort is okay. Some road harshness creeps into the cabin when the roads get really bad, but the suspension holds up very well against potholes and ill-formed speed humps.
The 2022 Peugeot 2008 1.2L Puretech Turbo goes for P1.550 million. It does not exactly undercut the segment competition, but it doesn’t fall short on features either.
It also has High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Hill Start Assist, and Cruise Control. Best of all, it picked up 10.2 km/l in pure city driving.
Like I told you in the beginning, tiny engine, sporty performance.