No more cute kitty as Peugeot lets loose brawnier facelift 2008

Second only to the 208 as its best-selling global model last year, Peugeot has rolled out the 2008’s first mid-life overhaul since removing the covers for the first time in 2019.

Feistier look

Still only in its second generation, the 2008, of which 197 900 examples were sold globally in 2022 and almost 700 000 in total since its premiere four years ago, receives a redesigned front apron in the shape of new LED headlights, the same grille as the Landtrek bakkie resplendent with Peugeot’s new corporate logo, a restyled bumper and the “three-claw” LED daytime running light motif on the bumper’s flanks.

At the rear, the Lion brand has made more subtle changes in the guise of superimposing the three-claw motif LED light clusters, while also incorporating LEDs into the reverse lights for the first time.

Derived from the crossover-inspired 408, the 2008 will offer a choice of three trim levels, each with their own alloy wheel design; 16-inch Noma wheels on the entry-level Active, 17-inch Karakoy on the Allure and GT and optional 18-inch Evissa on the GT only.

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A new Basalt Grey 2008 badge rounds the exterior changes off, together with a dual-tone blue/white designation on the all-electric e-2008 that has accounted for 17.4% of all 2008 sales in Europe since 2019.

On the colour front, two new hues have been added, Okenite White and Selenium Grey. In total though, four other options are also available; Artense Grey, Vertigo Blue, Elixir Red and Black Perla Nera.

More premium and tech inside

Inside, the changes to the 2008’s cabin are even harder spot, but according to Peugeot, have been implemented in order to bolster its premium market standing.

In this regard, the materials and fabrics have been upgraded, the design and graphics of the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system modernised, and the 10-inch digital instrument cluster added to all models but the Active.

The infotainment screen itself is, however, standard fare across all trim levels, as is the small steering wheel and a new gear knob on models fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Reserved for the GT model is designated badging on the steering wheel, ambient lighting, a faster wireless smartphone charger and optional Alcantara upholstery.

On the features front, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models, along with more type-C USB ports on the Allure and GT.

Depending on the trim level, new or upgraded safety and driver assistance systems comprise a 360-degree surround-view camera system, expanded Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert, Active Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring.

EV takes preference over combustion

On the power front, and with the main focus being on the e-2008, Peugeot has reduced the combustion engine count to a single turbo-petrol and turbodiesel, with casualties being the 115 kW version of the former and the 74 kW as well as 81 kW variants of the latter.

It therefore leaves two versions of the stalwart 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech turbocharged petrol producing either 74kW/205Nm in the PureTech 100 or 96kW/230Nm in the PureTech 130, and a single 1.5-litre BlueHDI rated at 96kW/300Nm in the BlueHDI 130.

The standard transmission option on the former pair is the mentioned six-speed manual, or on the PureTech 130, an optional eight-speed automatic that prevails as the sole choice for the diesel.

As for the e-2008, Peugeot has increased the size of the battery pack from 50-kWh to 54-kWh, which has resulted in power going up from 100 kW to 115 kW.

Also up is the claimed range from 345 km to 406 km, although as standard, the e-2008 still comes with a 7.4kW charger outlet or as an option, an 11 kW outlet.

According to Peugeot, charging times vary between 11 hours 10 minutes using a household, to 30 minutes from 20%-80% plugged-in to a 100 kW fast charger.

Due to arrive next year, the 2008 will offer a hybrid model combining a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a new PureTech petrol engine of unknown displacement. The setup will produce a combined 100 kW delivered to the front wheels through a brand-new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

South Africa waits

Going on-sale in Europe from next month with production once again originating from the Vigo Plant in Spain, the updated 2008 has so far not been confirmed for South Africa, but should approval be given, expect Stellantis South Africa to make it available before the end of the year.

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