After a tough 2012, in which European
markets developed wobbles, Peugeot is on the comeback trail, thanks mainly to
expansion into markets outside of the EU. These markets now account for almost
half of total sales. In 2013, Peugeot sales continue to be down in its home
market, by around 13 per cent, but in the Chinese market the lion brand is
roaring, up 31 per cent. And in New Zealand, with an expanding crossover range,
Peugeot is targeting sales of 1,700 in 2014.
While
many of its rivals go for sportiness, the 2008 offers a slightly different
proposition, focusing on refinement and a premium feel
Into that expanding crossover range drops
the 2008, an urban five-door alternative to the compact hatch. This is another
addition in a fast-growing sector. The compact crossover sector is up by almost
19 per cent locally, year-to-date, and with new entrants arriving-Trax,
EcoSport and 2008-it looks set to grow further in 2014.
The 2008 is based on the 208 light car,
sharing about two-thirds of components, and replaces the 207 wagon. Riding on
the same 2,534mm wheelbase, it is 195mm longer, 25mm wider and 96mm taller,
with 25mm of extra ground clearance (165mm). It is a significant vehicle for
the company because it is expected to attract new customers to the brand,
taking people out of compact and medium segment cars.
Once
you’re inside, the Peugeot 2008 starts to shine as it has one of the nicest,
user-friendly cabins in its class
The 2008 replicates the unique design
feature of the 208, its high-rise instruments, viewed above the small wheel
rather than through it. The vehicle itself looks sleek, with bonnet and screen
set virtually at the same angle, and up to date too, with a fresh floating
grille, and LED daytime running lights. The headlights resemble cat's eyes, and
the taillights appear to have claw scratch markings.
On the inside, there's more modernity with
an aviation-themed handbrake. LED-accented gauges remind of the 208's. Being a
crossover practical aspects abound, like the 360L luggage area - 75L up on the
208's - and the provision of split folding which produces a completely flat
floor and 1,160L of load space.
There's
an airy feel to the back of the cabin but the space isn't particularly generous
Powering 2008 is a 1.6-litre 88kW / 160Nm
petrol-powered four cylinder engine which propels the vehicle from standstill
to motorway speed in a claimed 11.9sec. Output is processed by a four-speed
automatic and drive goes to the front wheels. Peugeot staff assured us that
half in the 'sector' have a four-speed auto or a CVT. We'd query that, as 2008
is the lone trooper with a four-speed anything. Juke, ASX, Compass, and SX4
have CVTs while Yeti, Trax, EcoSport, Korando, and Cross Polo have six speeders
of auto or DSG types. Does that matter? Possibly not where performance is
concerned but four gears means higher revs at cruising speeds. In the case of
the 2008, we found it was doing 2,700rpm at 100km/h, which seems busy but
Peugeot claims overall fuel economy of 6.5L/ 100km, so light overall weight of
1,080kg might well be assisting here. Handling and ride both seemed assured and
composed on the day. Certainly better than many in the sector. Quite an agile,
fun thing on the go.
Peugeot expects to sell upwards of 400-600
in 2014. And with an entry price of $31,990 for the Active (which comes with
16-inch alloys, Bluetooth and manual air con) and $33,990 for the Allure (which
adds tints, extra chrome, a glass roof, rear parking sensors, and cornering
lights) it might well achieve its targets.
