2019 Peugeot 1.5L BlueHDI 130 8AT FWD (130 HP)

Vehicle Overview

While the first generation of the 2008 was perceived more or less as a jacked-up 208 SW, the second generation of this moniker came as a fully-fledged independent vehicle that shared nothing with its smaller sibling except for the platform.

Peugeot unveiled the second generation of the 2008 during the world pandemic, and that hurt the car’s sales. Still, the French automaker considered that the market would bounce back and its small-sized crossover would become famous. That happened, indeed, mostly in Europe. Moreover, Peugeot placed its bets on the design and poured a big enough sum to have its artists dream nicer and create a vehicle with a bold look despite its small size.

The second generation of the 2008 came with a front fascia that showed a broad grille with a 3D pattern. It was flanked by the headlights, which were available either with halogen or LED technology. Moreover, vehicles fitted with the newer technology looked even bolder thanks to the extended, vertical DRLs that breached into the lower bumper area, looking like a lion’s fangs. From its profile, the crossover stance was more obvious, and the car didn’t create the same impression of a small-sized station wagon on stilts. To create the idea of higher ground clearance, Peugeot added black plastic cladding on the side sills and chromed trims on the doors, depending on the option. At the back, the automaker took inspiration from the 3008 crossovers when it penned the taillights, which featured three oblique lines.

Inside, the digital instrument cluster was standard for most markets, and drivers could personalize it depending on their moods or tastes. In addition, Peugeot added a touchscreen atop the center stack, in a free-floating position, for the infotainment system. With a dashboard arranged in two levels, the automaker tried to create the image of a taller vehicle, and in a way, it did it. Moreover, Peugeot offered various expensive materials for the 2008’s interior, including carbon fiber trims, leather, and Alcantara. In addition, the contrast stitching was on the list. Besides the front bucket seats, the automaker installed a 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat in the rear, suitable for three passengers but only for short jaunts. Since the vehicle’s width was not that generous, the automaker couldn’t create enough elbow room. Behind them, the trunk featured a completely flat floor.

The 2008 was built on top of the newly developed eCMP platform made by the French automaker. It was used for several models, including for the newly-acquired brands Opel/Vauxhall for the Mokka. This new base allowed the automaker to install internal combustion engines and electric versions. As a result, the 2008 was available with a wide range of gasoline, diesel, or electric motors that sent the power to the front wheels only.