Design and Build

Not too much is different about this revised 2008, which gains a slightly more aggressive front end, complete with the latest Peugeot brand badge and a light signature inspired by the recently revised 508, characterised by three vertical light claws integrated into the gloss black inserts on the bumper. There are revised LED tail lights too, made up of three super-imposed horizontal double slats, which help to visually widen the car's stance. Wheel sizes are between 16 and 18-inchers and, as before, GT-spec models are distinguished by a black bi-tone roof. There are subtle differences inside too, where the innovative 'i-Cockpit' dash design (which sees you viewing the instrument gauges over the rim of the steering wheel rather than through it) has been updated, primarily with a fresh look for the 10-inch digital instrument cluster, which features a 3D display on GT versions. All models get a 10-inch central touchscreen as standard. The steering wheel gets new brand badging and houses buttons for the infotainment system, as well as the voice control set-up. Plus there are new upholstery and dash fabrics used throughout, including a smart alcantara option for GT versions. Otherwise, things are much as before. The cabin's pretty practical; even with a six-foot tall driver up-front, someone of similar height could sit behind comfortably. And this interior continues to set the class standard for cabin quality, with more soft-touch surfaces than you'll find in the various rival Volkswagen Group small SUVs. With all powertrains, there's a 434-litre boot with a false floor that can be positioned to create additional space beneath.

Market and Model

Previously, the 2008 wasn't the most affordable supermini-based SUV on the market - and it still isn't. Pricing sits in the £24,000 to £41,000 bracket. There's a choice of 'Active', 'Allure' and 'GT' trim. As before, Peugeot expects the 'GT' variant to be particularly popular; this comes with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a black tailgate spoiler, a contrasting black roof, a dark chrome radiator grille and a sporty body kit with a matte chrome chin spoiler and a faux diffuser. On 'Allure' trims and above, the 2008 is available with Peugeot's 'i-Connect' infotainment system, which offers full connectivity through wireless phone mirroring ('Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto'). The system can be controlled via the central 10-inch high-definition touchscreen or via natural voice recognition, activated by saying Ok Peugeot. The 'i-Connect Advanced' system is available as an option across the range, which adds a high-performance TomTom connected navigation system with over-the-air updates. For easier and safer driving, the 2008 comes with a range of driver assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Automatic Emergency Braking, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring. For enhanced traction, Advanced Grip Control, together with all-season tyres, is also offered, which provides access to three additional driving modes: Sand, Mud and Snow.

Cost of Ownership

The engines that have been announced for this 2008 are some of the most economical units that Peugeot make, so running one of these vehicles shouldn't break the bank. Expect the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol variants that most will buy to be very acceptably clean and frugal. With the 100hp manual model, you can expect to manage up to 52.6mpg on the combined cycle and return a CO2 reading of up to 123g/km, which is pretty good going for a car in this segment. The 1.2-litre 130 PureTech model manages up to 52.7mpg and 126g/km of CO2. Pay extra for the new full-Hybrid version and you should get fuel readings that are similar to those of the old 1.5-litre diesel variant. And a CO2 return of up to 26g/km. But of course if you're really interested in ecological efficiency, there'll be just one variant of this car that'll interest you, the all-electric E-2008. For the 54kWh version of this derivative, Peugeot now claims a WLTP-rated driving range between charges of 252 miles; it's 214 miles for the smaller-battery 50kWh version. Either way, fast charging the battery at the rate of 100kW is available via a CCS socket hidden behind the fuel cap, with an 0-80% charge achievable in around 30 minutes. If you install a wallbox at home, you can recharge the battery from empty in around five hours if you have an 11kW electricity supply - or in around seven-and-a-half hours with a 7.4kW supply. Bear in mind that the E-2008 is around 350kgs heavier than the ordinary version.

Summary

This improved version of Peugeot's second generation 2008 certainly makes a more overt style statement than before, but it's kept the sensible attributes that endeared its predecessor to plenty of buyers. As with most models of this kind, on paper, the advantages being offered over a standard supermini in space, styling and potential driving flexibility appear at first glance to be small. In practice though, they add up to a car that feels a far more rounded, more complete family tool - not as a primary runabout perhaps, but a perfect second family vehicle. Of course, there are things Peugeot could still improve. Not everyone likes the unusual 'i-Cockpit' steering wheel and instrument set-up for instance. We think though, that this car needs design innovations of this sort. Models of this kind ought to be fashionable, innovative and just a little controversial. If that's what you want in this segment, then you probably need to try this car.