Urban SUVs are currently the third most popular segment in Europe, and the trend suggests their market share will continue to grow — with a real possibility of becoming the best-selling type of car altogether. Naturally, manufacturers are taking full advantage, and today there are around 40 different models competing in this space.
Peugeot entered the segment back in 2013 with the original 2008 — a model that achieved solid commercial success, but one that, to me, always felt more like a van than a proper SUV. It never really won me over. The French brand retired it relatively quickly, after just six years, and introduced a completely new generation.
Having been impressed by Peugeot’s recent design direction with models like the 208 and 508, I was genuinely curious to get behind the wheel of the new 2008. The question is — did it live up to expectations?
Design
I would go as far as calling the design of the new 2008 iconic — and coming from me (not a fan of the SUV trend), that says a lot. I genuinely believe this design could turn the model into a symbol of its era, much like the 205 was in its time.
The 2008 adopts the latest interpretation of Peugeot’s design language. The front end is instantly recognisable, with sharp LED headlights and distinctive vertical daytime running lights, which in this case are separated from the main headlamp units — unlike in the 208 and 508.
The front grille is enlarged, but not to the exaggerated extent we often see today. The overall impression is bold, confident, and very appealing.
From the side, the 2008 combines a typical SUV silhouette with sharp lines and numerous details that add a dynamic edge. It’s worth noting that the test car is in the top GT trim, featuring a black roof and optional 18-inch black wheels, which enhance the overall visual impact.
I particularly like the relatively long bonnet, while an interesting detail is the gloss-black C-pillar with a grey graphic element.
At the rear, it’s worth highlighting the exhausts — yes, they are real. Something that is becoming increasingly rare these days, although in this case it also depends on the specific engine.
The rear design follows Peugeot’s signature style, with triple LED elements, transparent covers, and a black strip connecting the lights. It’s a very distinctive and, in my opinion, stylish solution.
Overall, the 2008 successfully combines Peugeot’s modern design trends, and I personally find it very appealing — especially in GT and GT Line trims.
Interior
Inside, the 2008 continues with Peugeot’s bold approach — most notably the small steering wheel positioned below the instrument cluster. This is a defining feature of the brand, and while I’m still not entirely convinced by the concept, I’ve gradually become accustomed to it with each new model.
The result, however, is something I do appreciate — the high-mounted instrument cluster, which is easier to monitor. In today’s world, with speed cameras and various road hazards, having key information in your direct line of sight is genuinely useful.
That said, a simple head-up display could arguably achieve the same — or even better — effect.
The digital instrument cluster itself is the familiar 3D setup from the Peugeot 208, displaying information on two levels. I liked it in the 208, but after spending more time with the 2008, I’ve come to appreciate it even more. Not only does it look premium, but it also helps prioritise important information by bringing it visually forward.
The infotainment system features a 10-inch touchscreen, with most functions controlled through it and a set of shortcuts. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a big fan of this system due to its less intuitive operation.
That said, there is something worth praising. The centre console features a two-layer shortcut layout. The upper row consists of physical “piano key” buttons for essential functions like climate control and hazard lights. Beneath them is a second row of capacitive shortcuts for the infotainment system.
These are among the best capacitive controls I’ve encountered, for two key reasons:
First, each button sits within a shaped recess, making it easier to locate by touch.
Second, they are pressed from above rather than straight ahead, resulting in a more natural hand movement — simply put, they are easy to use.
So, to manufacturers — if you insist on capacitive controls, this is how it should be done.н.
In terms of practicality, the front offers large door pockets and a convenient phone storage area, although the wireless charging surface could use better grip — my phone tended to slide during cornering and stop charging.
In the rear, storage options are more limited, with smaller door pockets. The seat itself is relatively low and has a shorter base, but legroom is good.
What impressed me most is the choice of materials and overall quality. While there are still some hard plastics, the general impression — especially in the front — is close to premium. Interestingly, I find it subjectively more refined than the interior of its more “luxury-positioned” sibling, the DS 3 Crossback.
On the road
The Peugeot 2008 is offered with three types of powertrains: a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 100, 130, or 155 hp; a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with 102 or 130 hp; and a fully electric version producing 136 hp.
Without having tested all of them, I suspect the 130 hp versions would suit the car well. However, I’m glad I got to drive the top petrol variant with 155 hp. Interestingly, deliveries of this version were temporarily suspended at the time, but are expected to resume. On paper, it’s more than convincing — paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and has an official fuel consumption between 4.5 and 5.8 l/100 km.
I began my test drive through the city centre — a place where, this summer, I spent more time than I would have liked. Perhaps it’s subjective, but contrary to expectations, the 2008 feels different from the DS 3 Crossback in urban driving. The steering is lighter, and the suspension is noticeably more comfort-oriented. In fact, the car is very pleasant in the city, thanks to good visibility, compact dimensions, and a composed driving feel. Compared to the previous generation, this is a significant step forward — you simply get much more for your money.
The sense of refinement is slightly disturbed by the engine. The three-cylinder unit runs somewhat rough at idle and sounds more like a diesel. It also becomes quite vocal at higher revs. In some cars, this character can be appealing — here, it feels slightly out of place. Fuel consumption in the city was 7.7 l/100 km — not bad, but noticeably higher than the official figures.
Another element that doesn’t quite match the otherwise high-quality impression is the parking camera system. It uses two cameras and software to create a 360-degree view, but the image quality itself is rather poor.
For the more enjoyable part of the test, I headed towards the Sub-Balkan road, planning to eventually connect to the Trakia motorway. On a hot summer day, I drove towards Dolno Kamarci. At around 80–90 km/h, aerodynamic noise becomes more noticeable — likely due to the relatively upright windscreen and the SUV body shape. It’s not intrusive, but enough to remind you that the 2008 belongs to the small SUV segment… even though at times it feels like a car from a higher class. Performance is sufficient for relaxed driving and easy overtaking — although slightly noisy when the engine is pushed. The gearbox, on the other hand, works well and shifts smoothly. Overall, the 2008 feels mature and well-suited for longer journeys, returning a fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 km.
After Dolno Kamarci, I approached a series of corners, selected Sport mode and… started to sway. Yes, the 2008 has no real sporting ambitions. The suspension is soft, leading to noticeable body roll. That said, the car remains stable and the steering is pleasantly quick, even if not particularly informative. The conclusion is simple — Sport mode feels unnecessary here.
A bit further on, I spotted some hills and a dirt road leading towards them. Naturally, I turned off the main road. The 2008 has a ground clearance of 160 mm — not much more than the smaller 208 — and is front-wheel drive only. Even so, it handled the terrain surprisingly well. I eventually reached its limits when traction ran out, but those limits are far enough to allow for light off-road adventures or countryside drives. As I’ve said before — for most “normal” drivers with non-extreme needs, all-wheel drive is an unnecessary expense, and its absence here is not an issue.
The day ended with a return via the Trakia motorway, where the car once again demonstrated calm and composed behaviour. I also tested the Drive Assist Plus semi-autonomous system, which struggled to keep the car centred in the lane and disengaged several times, even where road markings were clear. Personally, I would avoid this option.
Conclusion
I’m not usually a fan of SUVs — especially small, urban ones (with the exception of the Range Rover). But then the 2008 came along. It’s the first car of this type I can realistically see myself driving. Yes, I liked it.
What impressed me most is the bold and well-balanced design, the quality of the interior, and the mature on-road behaviour. Good visibility combined with compact dimensions is another strong advantage.
I believe the car is best suited for people who split their time between city driving and longer journeys, and who prefer a relaxed rather than sporty driving style. Space is also a factor — the 2008 works very well for two people with luggage, but for frequent trips with more passengers, it may feel a bit small.
To a large extent, I think the appeal of the 2008 is emotional, driven by its design. The good news is that this attractive exterior is backed up by a quality interior, capable engines, and a pleasant driving experience.
Prices start at around €17,900, but for a well-equipped version with adequate performance, you should budget between €20,500 and €28,000 for Allure or GT Line trims with the 130 hp engines. The electric version ranges between approximately €35,500 and €41,000, depending on specification.
Overall, the pricing is quite competitive and even hints at internal competition within the brand — the more expensive DS 3 Crossback doesn’t necessarily offer more, and unless you specifically need extra space, the 2008 could even steal customers from the larger 3008.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
