The Peugeot 2008 Still Divides Opinion Before You've Even Started It
All three reviews circle back to the same distinctive design choice — Peugeot's small steering wheel and high-set dials — as the single biggest factor in whether this car works for you.
Illustration for editorial purposes
A Small SUV With a Big Personality
Plenty of small SUVs blend into the background. This one has never tried to, leaning hard into distinctive styling both inside and out — and reviewers keep noting that's exactly why people either love it immediately or never quite get comfortable in it.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Small SUV / crossover |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.2L PureTech petrol (99bhp/127bhp), Hybrid 145, fully electric e-2008 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic |
| Boot space | 434 litres |
| Electric range (e-2008) | Up to 247 miles official |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar found the Hybrid 145's real-world economy fell short of its claimed figure, returning around 44-47mpg against a 51mpg official rating, and notably behind the Renault Captur E-Tech hybrid's 63mpg in the same test conditions. They praised naturally weighted steering and well-controlled body roll despite the car's tall stance, and rated interior material quality as genuinely upmarket, though singled out the touch-sensitive shortcut icons below the touchscreen as frustrating to use without visual feedback while driving.
What Car?
What Car? recommended the entry-level 99bhp petrol over the pricier 129bhp version, finding the performance difference didn't justify the extra cost, and was blunt that the automatic gearbox can feel horribly jerky at low speeds regardless of engine choice. They rated the interior design as genuinely competitive with premium rivals like the Audi Q2, but flagged the divisive i-Cockpit layout as something that absolutely needs testing in person, since the small wheel and high-mounted dials suit some drivers far better than others.
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the styling as more eye-catching than key rivals including the Puma, Kona and T-Roc, crediting the 2023 facelift's subtle but effective changes. They liked the redesigned toggle-switch gear selector, calling it either loved or hated but undeniably more premium-feeling than what it replaced, and noted that specifying the nicer transmission and a few options can push the price close to £30,000 quickly. Peugeot's resistance to heavy discounting was flagged as a genuine benefit for resale values down the line.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
There's no plug-in hybrid — the choice is pure petrol, mild-hybrid petrol, or the fully electric e-2008, with the entry PureTech 100 manual-only and restricted to base trim.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 PureTech 100 Active | 1.2L 3-cyl petrol, FWD | 99bhp | 6-speed manual | SUV | 10.8s |
| 2008 PureTech 130 Allure / GT / GT Premium | 1.2L 3-cyl petrol, FWD | 129bhp | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic | SUV | 8.9s (manual) |
| 2008 Hybrid 145 GT / GT Premium | 1.2L 3-cyl mild-hybrid petrol, FWD | 143bhp | 6-speed automatic | SUV | 8.3s |
| e-2008 Allure / GT / GT Premium | Single electric motor, FWD | 154bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 9.1s |
Trim walk runs Active → Allure → GT → GT Premium, with the entry PureTech 100 exclusive to base trim. The e-2008's 54kWh battery gives up to 247 miles of range. A broad exterior colour range is offered. Check Peugeot's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Distinctive, eye-catching styling inside and out
- Genuinely upmarket-feeling interior materials
- Strong resale values thanks to limited discounting
- Competitive electric e-2008 range for the class
Weak points
- Divisive i-Cockpit driving position won't suit everyone
- Automatic gearbox can feel jerky at low speeds
- Real-world hybrid economy trails key rivals
- Weak reliability survey placement for the brand
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers drawn to distinctive styling who are willing to test-sit the i-Cockpit layout before committing — this is one of the most personal ergonomic decisions in the class. If real-world hybrid efficiency matters most, the Renault Captur is worth cross-shopping directly.
Common Peugeot 2008 Parts & Costs
- Peugeot 2008 Alternator
- Peugeot 2008 Battery
- Peugeot 2008 Brake Discs
- Peugeot 2008 Brake Pads
- Peugeot 2008 Cabin Air Filter
- Peugeot 2008 Engine Mount
- Peugeot 2008 Exhaust System
- Peugeot 2008 Fog Lights
- Peugeot 2008 Front Bumper
- Peugeot 2008 Front Suspension
- Peugeot 2008 Fuel Pump
- Peugeot 2008 Grille
- Peugeot 2008 Headlights
- Peugeot 2008 Radiator
- Peugeot 2008 Rear Bumper
- Peugeot 2008 Rear Shock Absorber
- Peugeot 2008 Rear Springs
- Peugeot 2008 Spark Plugs
- Peugeot 2008 Tail Lights
- Peugeot 2008 Timing Belt
- Peugeot 2008 Wing Mirror
More Peugeot Reviews
Watch the Reviews
Peugeot 2008 review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)