Peugeot say 2008 is a world car

PEUGEOT say they are moving upmarket with their new 2008, which they describe as their first

‘world car.’

This compact crossover has already sold over 32,000 units in Europe. More and more people are switching to smart SUVs and Peugeot expect to sell over 300 units in Ireland next year.

The 2008 is based on the award-winning 208, which was voted Irish Small Car of the Year for 2013.

Peugeot has been in the winners’ enclosure at the annual November awards day regularly in recent years with various different models and this new car could see them pick up another prize in two months time.

It’s a stylish motor with a high driving position and is Peugeot’s response to peers such as the Nissan Juke, Skoda Yeti, Renault Captur and Opel Mokka; all those cars could be described as cute MPVs.

Externally you will be struck by the LED lights at the front. There is a choice of ten different colours, including Cumulus Grey, which I drove and Dakota Brown, which are both specific colours for the 2008 range.

The high driving position and roof rails give the car the MPV look. Inside the first thing that will grab your attention is the small steering wheel. The wheel is really sporty-looking and has two settings. I found that if the wheel was locked in the top position my view of the top of the speedometer was slightly hindered. However, the view of the instruments might be better for a taller person than me. Locked in the lower position the wheel is almost in your lap. There is also a digital speedometer which should help you stay within the speed limits.

The dash is dominated by a seven-inch screen which will obviously accommodate the Sat Nav if you opt for that extra. I used it for the radio display which was ideal. Other extras available include Park Assist and Grip Control.

On the road this is a lively motor to travel in. I had no complaints from my passengers, who said they enjoyed the ride. The aviation-style handbrake is very unusual in that it fits perfectly into the palm of your hand when you engage or release it. The boot is a decent size and you get a

‘mini’ spare wheel.

Apart from the problem with the view over the steering wheel there was only one other gripe which in effect was a grip. My wife said she missed a grip to hold on to over the passenger’s door and there was no grip on the driver’s side either. Overall it’s a very neat motor and the side mirrors fold in when you engage the central locking.

The 2008 comes in three trims: Access, Active and Allure. Prices start at e18,595 for the 1.2 litre petrol and it’s also available in 1.4 and 1.6 diesel.