2023 Facelift: LED Claws and Grille Redesign
Peugeot made big changes to the 2008's front end in 2023. The brand's latest design language shines through, especially in the new LED headlight setup. The three-claw daytime running lights replace the single claw from earlier models. These lights give the car a toothy, lion-like look that cleverly nods to Peugeot's mascot.
The grille got a complete makeover with a new "lateral" pattern. A large, black 3D design now dominates the front. The bonnet sports bolder sculpting with strong lines flowing forward. The front bumper now extends out to give more character.
The back end keeps the three-claw LED signature but looks more modern thanks to subtle updates. Peugeot lettering now runs across the bootlid - a trendy touch that many car makers are using.
These updates work together to create something special. Higher-end models look more premium with body-coloured grille elements. New wheel options like the 17-inch 'Karakoy' rims on Allure models add to the appeal.
Peugeot 2008 Interior: i-Cockpit and Dashboard Layout
The 2008's interior showcases Peugeot's unique i-Cockpit philosophy. This design changes how drivers connect with their car. The compact steering wheel stands out - it's much smaller than what you'd find in similar cars. Drivers look over this smaller wheel instead of through it. First-time users need time to get used to this setup.
Since the 2023 update, every 2008 comes with a 10-inch touchscreen that faces the driver. The dashboard uses multiple layers to create depth. Base models pair the main screen with regular dials, but other versions get another 10-inch display behind the wheel.
Piano-key shortcuts sit below the main screen for quick access to key features. The climate controls live in the touchscreen rather than having physical buttons. This choice gets mixed reactions in peugeot 2008 reviews.
The digital display lets drivers choose different layouts, from classic dials to navigation maps. Fancier models add a 3D effect that makes important info appear closer to you.
Material Quality and Cabin Ambience
The cabin's build quality impresses everyone who reviews the peugeot 2008. It outshines many competitors. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces you touch. The layered dashboard feels great up top, though materials get simpler lower down.
GT models take luxury up a notch. They offer Alcantara seats with lime green stitching, self-dimming mirrors, wireless charging, and options for massage and heated seats. Allure Premium versions feature glossy black roof rails and rear bumper trim.
Light plays a big role in the cabin's feel. Top models let you pick from eight ambient light colours. These lights follow the dashboard's stitching pattern and look stunning at night.
The new peugeot 2008's interior feels grown-up and well-made. Some might find it dark inside, and bigger drivers might feel tight with the small wheel and pedals. But the quality and unique design make this car stand out in its class.
Driving Experience: City, Motorway and Country Roads
The Peugeot 2008 shows three different personalities based on where you drive it. This compact SUV adapts well to city streets, relaxed highway cruising, and country adventures. Each environment brings out unique characteristics that make it stand out.
Urban Driving: Light Steering and Visibility
The Peugeot 2008 really comes into its own on city streets. Its light steering and tight turning circle make it easy to direct through busy streets and squeeze into parking spots. You get a great view of the road from the high driving position, though the thick windscreen pillars create some blind spots you'll need to watch out for.
Every model comes with parking help as standard. Base models have rear parking sensors, and fancier versions add a reversing camera. If parking gives you anxiety, you can opt for semi-automatic park assist that handles the steering when backing into spaces.
The compact multi-function steering wheel is one of the 2008's best features in the city. It lets you see the instruments better and makes parking much easier. The brakes need a gentle touch at low speeds since they can be a bit too sharp.
Stop-start traffic shows one small annoyance. The car's stop-start system cuts the engine too quickly and takes its time to restart. Many drivers end up turning this feature off because it makes driving through roundabouts jerky.
Motorway Comfort: Noise Levels and Stability
The Peugeot 2008 turns into a great highway companion on open roads. Its soft suspension helps the car glide smoothly along A-roads and motorways, making it more relaxing than many of its competitors. You'll notice some bounce over bigger bumps, but long trips stay comfortable.
The car keeps things quiet inside with minimal road noise and hushed engines. You'll hear some wind noise from the door mirrors at higher speeds, but it never gets annoying enough to spoil the ride. This quietness makes long drives much more pleasant.
That small steering wheel that works so well in town can make the 2008 feel twitchy on the highway. The car stays stable all the same, and cruise control comes standard to help fight fatigue on long drives.
Even the basic 1.2-litre engine packs enough punch to pass other cars confidently. The Driver Attention Alert system kicks in above 40mph to check your alertness—a great safety feature for those long, boring stretches.
Handling on B-Roads: Suspension and Body Roll
Country roads show both the good and bad sides of the Peugeot 2008. Quick steering and the small wheel size add to its agility and make it fun to drive. The car grips the road well and feels safe and secure.
The soft suspension that works so well on highways leads to some body lean in corners. You won't feel as confident pushing it hard as you would in a Ford Puma or Audi Q2. The car leans more than these rivals when cornering.
Road quality plays a big part in how the car behaves. Mid-corner bumps can push the car off line as the suspension struggles with the first hit. The car handles most road problems well, but rough patches can toss passengers from side to side.
The electric e-2008's low-mounted battery helps reduce some body lean compared to regular models. Still, it's not the most nimble car in its class.
The new Peugeot 2008 comes close to matching the Ford Puma and Mazda CX-30's overall performance. It favours comfort over sporty handling—perfect for buyers who want a practical daily driver rather than a corner-carving machine.
Engine Performance and Gearbox Options
The Peugeot 2008 comes with a simple yet capable range of engines. Each engine has its own performance traits that match different driving styles. These powertrains strike a good balance between daily use and efficiency, making them suitable for many driving situations.
1.2 PureTech 100 vs 130: Ground Acceleration
The basic 1.2-litre PureTech 100 engine delivers 100hp through a six-speed manual gearbox. This engine works well for city driving but doesn't match its stronger counterpart's acceleration.
The 129hp PureTech 130 steps up the game with better performance. This popular engine choice delivers flexible power and packs plenty of punch from low revs. Tests show it can reach 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, which helps drivers overtake with confidence on country roads.
Both engines stay quiet and refined across their rev range until pushed hard. The PureTech 130 achieves about 47mpg in normal driving conditions, which makes it economical despite its better performance. The 100hp version proves even more efficient, with official figures reaching 53.2mpg.
Manual vs Automatic: Gearbox Responsiveness
The six-speed manual gearbox comes standard with the PureTech 100 and as an option with the 130hp engine in Allure trim. It gives drivers better control and fuel economy. The manual PureTech 130 reaches up to 52.7mpg in official tests compared to 48.9mpg for the automatic version.
The eight-speed automatic transmission (standard with GT models) offers mixed results. It ranks among the best self-shifters in its class, with quick shifts and rare gear selection errors. The automatic's ultra-long top gear keeps the engine running at just 2,000rpm on motorways.
The automatic box has its drawbacks. Drivers notice delays when pulling out from junctions or needing quick acceleration. The gearbox can feel jerky during slow-speed moves or when starting off. The new Peugeot 2008's engine stop-start system adds to these quirks with its sudden nature.
Hybrid 136: Dual-Clutch and Electric Assist
The Hybrid 136 brings new tech to the Peugeot 2008 lineup. This system pairs a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It includes a 28hp electric motor and a 0.9kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
This smart setup boosts performance. The Hybrid 136 hits 0-62mph in just 8.3 seconds, making it the quickest in the range. The system also delivers great efficiency, reaching between 51.1-62.1mpg in official testing.
The Hybrid 136 can cover 0.6 miles on electric power alone at speeds under 18mph. This feature works great in traffic jams and while parking. The electric motor charges the 48V battery by acting as a generator when the car slows down.
The hybrid system works naturally in most cases, and the electric motor helps with acceleration. The Hybrid 136 beats conventional engines with:
- Quick starts thanks to instant torque
- Better fuel economy and fewer fuel stops
- Lower CO2 emissions (up to 26g/km less than the PureTech 130)
- Smoother operation in stop-start traffic
Each engine in the Peugeot 2008 range has its strengths. The PureTech 100 saves fuel and money, the 130 mixes performance with efficiency, and the Hybrid 136 offers the most advanced and economical package for buyers with extra budget.
Infotainment and Digital Features
The Peugeot 2008's cockpit puts technology front and centre. Digital displays and connectivity features are vital parts of the driving experience. The infotainment system has gotten upgrades to boost both its functionality and looks in all trim levels.
10-inch Touchscreen and 3D Digital Dials
The 2025 Peugeot 2008 lineup comes with a 10-inch colour touchscreen built into the dashboard. You won't notice much delay between tapping an icon and getting a response from the system. The touchscreen in mid-range Allure models and above shows sharper graphics for a more premium look.
Different trim levels get different digital instrument displays. The basic Active models stick with traditional analogue dials and a small digital screen in the middle. Moving up to Allure trim gets you a 2D digital instrument panel, while the top GT models feature an impressive 3D electronic display. The 3D system cleverly shows important information closer to your line of sight, with less critical data appearing further back.
The system lets you choose from six different display layouts, from navigation views to digital dials and driver assistance info. This setup can help drivers react up to half a second faster, giving both tech and safety benefits.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration
Every model includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. The Mirror Screen feature works with both systems if you have a mobile data plan. It's worth mentioning that only approved apps work while driving, and some features are limited for safety reasons.
The system works with all iPhones from iPhone 5 to iPhone 14, and Android devices running version 5.0 Lollipop up to Android 12. Connected phones let you use navigation, stream music, and handle calls while keeping your eyes on the road.
Many drivers skip the optional built-in navigation system. They prefer using familiar navigation apps through their phones - it's cheaper and updates come more often.
Touch Controls vs Physical Buttons
A panel with touch-sensitive shortcuts sits below the main touchscreen. These "i-Toggles" let you quickly access navigation, radio, climate control, phone functions and mobile apps. Physical buttons remain for defrosting the windscreen and hazard lights.
Reviews often point out that climate controls only work through the central touchscreen. Drivers find this distracting since changing temperature means going through menus instead of turning a simple dial. Many say they look away from the road too long just to make basic adjustments.
The system becomes easier to use with time as you learn where everything is. New users need time to get familiar with the interface before it feels natural. This learning period might affect your driving experience until muscle memory kicks in.
