The stylish 2008 has already won many car loving hearts in its B-SUV segment over the last three years, and Peugeot now again improved its styling, equipment and last but not least gave it a new electric motor, bigger battery and longer range.

Reason enough for us to have a go for you behind its cute, dynamic and very pleasant small steering wheel, which gives this 2008 the extra panache and feel to brighten up your daily driving. We drove the top notch GT version here, and were spoiled indeed…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The E-2008 was already quite popular in its earlier  version, with not less than 75,000 units sold. It accounted for 17.4% of sales in 2022, placing it on the podium of European sales of electric SUVs in the B segment.

Even more style…

The 2008 had already an appealing overall design, but now after the new 508 saloon and 508 SW, the 2008 is the second model to adopt the new PEUGEOT signature light. This consists of three vertical light claws which are integrated into the gloss black inserts on the bumper. In the GT versions, the effect of the three claws is extended in the lighting of the full LED headlamps through the use of three light modules. We liked it…see the photo below.

The new LED rear lights on all versions of the new 2008 are redesigned. The emblematic three claws are made up of three superimposed horizontal double slats, giving the 2008 optically a wider stance.

The new 2008 has a new front end, which features the new PEUGEOT emblem, and we liked very much the new Selenium Grey which was chosen as the launch colour. It gives the 2008 a decidedly upmarket appeal.
The wheel design is now in line with those introduced on the PEUGEOT 408. Several models are available, in 16-inch “NOMA” (ACTIVE versions), 17-inch “KARAKOY” (ALLURE and GT) or 18-inch “EVISSA” (optional on GT). All alloy wheels feature a 4-spoke wheel centre, stamped with the PEUGEOT crest…

A pleasant cabin and a new digital instrument cluster

Ideally located at eye level, just above the steering wheel, the new 2008’s instrument cluster is digital on the ALLURE and GT versions. Its 10-inch digital display has a new design and, on GT versions, a 3D display. The colour of the display, the hierarchy and the layout of the information can be fully adjusted to suit the driver’s preferences, and indeed, is quite intuitive to use. We like the Peugeot idea of putting the instruments in your line of vision, just above the upper rim of the small steering wheel, but we would suggest that you test this out for yourself so that you feel comfortable with it.

Of course, the central display will also show your Android Auto connection…

All 2008 models now come with a 10-inch central touchscreen as standard, and on the ALLURE and GT versions, the central screen has improved readability thanks to HD technology. It is indeed a breeze to use, also thanks to the row of piano keys under the central screen, giving quick access to key functions. We also liked very much the big round audio volume control knob, it is always the most intuitive and useful tool for radio listening, no matter what…

The cabin is pleasant, the seats not only look good, but give excellent comfort and support. As icing on the cake, the GT version we tested offers ambient lighting which can be customised in eight different colours, coordinated with those of the central touch screen and even taking into account the selected driving mode (!).

If you plan to take your E-2008 to snowy alps or muddy country roads, it is good to know that the 2008 comes with Grip Control, which provides access to three driving modes: sand, mud and snow. Depending on the country, this grip control offer is combined with ‘3PMSF’ all-season tyres.

A new electric engine and longer range…

Stellantis installs now a more powerful 156 HP electric motor in the 2008, and this engine is also found in the E-208 and E-308. The same goes for the improved battery, now good for 54 kWh. All this results in a longer range – according to WLTP standards – of 406 km.
Everybody now knows that outside temperatures and driving styles greatly influence the possible range of an EV. And it must also be said that for EV driving, the slower is the better, contrary to IC engined cars, which in the top gear have a so called ”sweet” spot for economy driving at some 70-85 km/h. At this speed, an EV is already consuming a LOT MORE kWh than at say 50-60 km/h. Speeds between 30 and 40 km/h are most economic for an EV, this is the reason why it excels in urban traffic, and this is the main reason for adopting hybrid drivetrains to lower overall consumption in frequent urban use.

To achieve decent efficiency at higher speeds and more dynamic use, manufacturers of electrified cars have adopted the so-called ”drive modes” systems, as is of course also found on this E-2008. In this ”Eco” mode, the engine power is harnessed to some 109 HP, which is indeed more than sufficient for everyday driving. The excellent torque characteristics of an electric motor make up for this, and one never has the feeling that the car is underpowered.

What remains is the uncanny and brilliant smoothness of EV driving, and indeed, nothing comes close if you want pleasant (urban) mobility. On the open road, we try to achieve in the milder springtime temperatures a decent range of some 350 kilometers, and this means cruising in the ”Eco” mode at some 100 km/h, which means that you truly can enjoy the jazz or classical music coming from the very melodious sound system.
On the practical recharging level, it is good to know that you can fast charge the 2008 at up to 100 kW. This means that you can recharge this Peugeot in merely 27 minutes from 10 to 80 %.

We also appreciated here the very well dampened rolling noises, making a longer trip a very relaxing and enriching experience.
EV cruising is indeed under these circumstances a marvelous ”Zen” activity, where we are of course grateful that the distances in our rather small country are not by any means large. A word of praise also for the sound system, very important now in an EV.

French car builders have a unique “savoir faire”, when it comes to making suspensions which are both comfortable and well balanced, offering excellent road manners. The small steering wheel inspires you to adopt a more active driving style, and indeed, the 2008 doesn’t miss a beat, on any road and at (almost) any speed…Having said this, this 2008 feels however most at ease when you adopt a zesty, but a still rather relaxed driving style.

With 156 HP the E-2008 offers quite adequate performance, if not sensational. It will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 9,1 seconds, top speed being limited to 145 km/h.

Practical

The 2008 scores well in everyday life. Offering good seating comfort fore and aft, luggage space is still very much OK with 434 litres, and you can extend the luggage space by folding the 60:40 split rear seats. When it comes to equipment, there are three levels you can choose, Active, Allure and the Gt version we tested. The Allure version seems the ideal compromise in terms of value for money, as it offers most of the things you get in the GT  version, although we must admit that we liked the extra panache of the GT nevertheless…

Conclusion

The 2008 convinces in styling, above all a fantastic looking interior and dashboard. It is smooth and comfortable, seats four easily, has adequate boot space, and is reasonably e-efficient. It is very well possible to achieve an average consumption of around 15 kW/h given a relaxed driving style.

Hans Knol ten Bensel 

Photographers’ notes: this time we used an older Nikon camera from our collection: the D3000. It saw life in 2009… Is a 15 year old digital camera with a 10.2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor and an EXPEED image processor still able to hold its own? The experts then said: “Image quality overall is excellent with accurate colors, sharpness, and great exposure metering. Although cameras within this class aren’t especially known for their speed, the D3000 holds it own.” Well, judging from the photos here, taken with the 18-140 f 3,5/5.6 zoom lens we bought with it at the time, it still does! This begs the question: do we need the 20 and more millions of pixels to produce good results? Well, eh, no…