LAUNCH DRIVE: New Peugeot 2008 is not just a pretty car

The 2008 GT Line has our vote and it is not just a pretty car, it is capable and would choose it over key stablemates.

February 17, 2021

Ntsako Mthethwa 2 minutes read

When talking cars, German, Japanese and Korean makes are likely to be part and parcel of the conversation, while sidelining French offerings.

This is because their reputation in South Africa isn’t so great, however, it keeps on improving with time. For example, the Peugeot brand has been doing some extensive work to make itself stand out of the crowded scene and it seems to be working.

Parts and service centres are now accessible more than ever before and their products keep getting better.

Which brings us to the new, elegant Peugeot 2008 compact SUV.

Over 1 million units of the first generation 2008 were sold globally since its launch in 2013 and the French carmaker is replacing it with a fresh new model.

Love or hate its looks, it is determined to alter the segment that the Volkswagen T-Cross, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Toyota C-HR and Mazda CX-3 have been having all to themselves for a while.

The new Peugeot 2008 launches in Mzansi in three trim levels: Active, Allure and GT Line. At the launch, we only got behind the wheel of the latter.

Peugeot nailed it in terms of looks. It looks futuristic with its unique styling cues. The front comes fitted with stylish three LED claw daytime running lights.

There are well-proportioned lines that end at the rear of the vehicle, as well as the familiar Peugeot taillights.

Our test unit in the GT Line ran on diamond 18-inch aluminium wheels that add a sporty look to the vehicle.

The interior quality is top-notch and the GT Line we sampled at the launch, with its 3rd-gen i-Cockpit system, is sublime. The system features a 3D display with traffic sign recognition.

There is a compact steering wheel that makes one feel like they are piloting a jet. The steering gives better handling and better grip. The only problematic thing is that the steering obstructs the digital infotainment system and cruise control buttons in certain seating positions.

The infotainment system supports MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity. There is also a wireless charging zone and up to 4 USB ports.

Powering the new Peugeot 2008 Active model is a three-cylinder petrol engine with 74 kW and 105 Nm plus a six-speed manual transmission. The automatic variant churns out 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Allure and GT Line models pump out the same 96 kW/230 Nm and are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Our launch drive saw us driving over 400 km with a mixture of gravel and mud terrains. The Peugeot 2008 possesses a strong pulling power in all gears without even complaining. It stays tight and composed with great interior comfort.

We put the mud mode to the test through a 30 km stretch of gravel and it ensured that grip is maintained throughout.

Although we haven’t driven the other variants, the 2008 GT Line has our vote. It is not just a pretty car, it is capable and I would choose it over key stablemates.

Safety comes courtesy of a lane departure avoidance system, latest-generation automatic emergency braking, active warning of involuntary lane crossing (or the roadside), driver warning alert, automatic switching of high beam, active blind-spot monitoring and electric parking brake.