New look, better engines for Peugeot 2008

Johannesburg – Peugeot will be hoping to bolster its fortunes in the burgeoning compact crossover market with its thoroughly revised 2008, which goes on sale later this week. The little Peugeot gets a more imposing face, as well as a completely new engine line-up, revised infotainment system and a new range-topping GT Line trim level.

Peugeot has also added value at the bottom of the range, with the previous normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine making way for a 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesel, good for 68kW and 230Nm, and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Despite the fact that diesel engines are more expensive to produce, the base price stays the same at R274 900 and we can’t help but wonder if Europe’s sudden distaste for diesel engines, following recent scandals and resultant NOx pollution studies, isn’t what allowed the importer to clinch a better deal on this model.

The top half of the range gets Peugeot’s 1.2-litre PureTech turbopetrol engine, already seen in the 308 and 208. Pushing 81kW and 205Nm, the engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox only.

As is the norm in this segment, all models are front-wheel driven, but it does cater for dirt-road driving with 165mm of ground clearance and M+S all-terrain tyres. Furthermore, the new range-topping GT Line model gets Peugeot’s Grip Control traction system that offers four driver-selectable modes: normal, snow, all-terrain and sand.

The 2008 looks a bit more rugged too, thanks to a more upright grille design and raised bonnet, complemented by black and chrome-masked headlights. The external changes are rounded off by new 3D-style LED tail lights.

As before the 2008 range kicks off with the ‘Active’ trim grade, but even this model is rather well appointed, with standard kit including Peugeot’s latest 18cm touch-screen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth streaming capability as well as integrated support for the Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink systems.

Also standard on the Active is cruise control, air conditioning, electric windows front and rear, remote central locking, leather-covered steering wheel with reach and height adjustment, 16-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and ESP stability control.

Allure models get 17-inch alloys along with additional chrome embellishments and fog lights with cornering function. Inside it gains half-leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto headlights and wipers, tinted rear windows and a white matrix LED instrument display.

The GT Line (pictured) is set apart by a gloss black exterior package and unique alloy wheels while its infotainment system is kitted out with satellite navigation.

Prices include a three-year / 100 000km warranty and three-year / 45 000km service plan.