SUVs are the fastest growing automotive sector, so it's no wonder that many new drivers want to skip city cars and superminis and opt straight for a compact crossover like the Peugeot 2008. Slotting in below the 3008 and 5008 SUVs in Peugeot’s range, the bold 2008 offers a raised ride height, chunky styling and perceived safety benefits. Available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, there's also a 100% electric version (badged e-2008) with a range of up to 214 miles. At first sight it looks substantial, but at 4300mm x 1770mm, it has a smaller footprint than a Ford Focus hatchback.
Specification highlights
The e-2008 in Allure Premium trim is well equipped and comes with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), electric, heated and power folding door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, plus LED headlights with "lion claw" daytime running lights. There’s also lane keeping assist, cruise control and speed limiter, driver attention warning, keyless start, and 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
Comfort
Like all Peugeot cars, the e-2008 SUV is nudging premium quality with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials. Inside, it's just like a larger version of the e-208 with an "i-Cockpit" up front, which means a small, low-set steering wheel, with raised, set-back instruments and a central infotainment touchscreen with short-cut toggle switches below. The seats are a soft but supportive combination of leather effect and cloth trim with cool, coloured stitching. Both front seats are fully adjustable (including height) and the leather steering wheel also adjusts for reach and rake.
Visibility
Apart from its zero tailpipe emissions, the thing that sets the e-2008 apart from regular supermini-sized driving school cars is its size. Naturally, the raised driving position gives a commanding view of the road, although there's the usual caveat with safe, modern cars (ie the windscreen pillars are on the chunky side). Additionally, the e-2008 has a rising window line and relatively small back windows meaning that rear parking sensors and its pin-sharp reversing camera come into their own during parking manoeuvres.
Instrumentation
Allure Premium spec cars come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre console and clear 3.5-inch driver's digital instrument panel. Naturally, there’s Bluetooth connectivity, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, while “short cut” piano keys help with infotainment screen accessibility. It is, however, worth noting that the climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, so there are no separate controls.
Space
This is one of the areas where the e-2008 comes into its own. The wider cabin means there's little chance of knocking elbows up front, and there's also plenty of space for adults to sit comfortably in the back. There's significant storage space inside with decent door bins, a compartment under the central front armrest and two cupholders, to name but a few. There’s also a useful space at the bottom of the centre console, with a lidded section above that folds down to reveal a shelf. The cover itself can act as a rubberised stand for your smartphone. Like the e-208, the batteries are located under the floor, so the e-2008's boot space is the same as its petrol and diesel siblings - 434 litres or 1,467 litres with the rear seats folded. What's more, the boot floor can be lifted to reveal a slender area to store away your charging cables or other small items you want hidden from view.
On the road
The Peugeot e-2008 offers the kind of serene driving experience you'd expect from a pure electric SUV. Using the same 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 100kW electric motor combo as the smaller e-208, the e-2008 can sprint from 0-62mph in just nine seconds. As with all EVs, there's just the one forward gear, so it's simply a case of selecting 'D' via the gear shifter and you're away. You can also choose between Eco, Normal or Sport drive modes. It handles better than some petrol SUVs too, partly because the floor-mounted battery pack means its centre of gravity is low. The ride is on the firm side, but it still does a good job of soaking up most potholes and speed bumps. The e-2008's modest battery has its disadvantages (ie range), but it does mean that the e-2008 isn’t overweight, so it feels agile on the road. It's refined too, with just a distant whine from the electric motor. The steering is light and precise - perfect for low-speed manoeuvres and driving in town – and it’s a composed cruiser.. It’s also worth noting that despite its SUV looks, the e-2008 is front-wheel drive.
Charging
The Peugeot e-2008 will fully charge via a 7kW home wallbox in approximately 7.5 hours. Find a rapid 100kW chargepoint, and 80% of charge can be reached in as little as 30 minutes.
Verdict
The Peugeot e-2008 is one of the most striking compact SUVs on the market. Spacious, eco-friendly and easy to drive, it oozes quality and kerb appeal.