The Malta Independent 6 May 2024, Monday
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The New Peugeot 2008: A modern and stylish urban crossover

Malta Independent Wednesday, 15 May 2013, 12:34 Last update: about 11 years ago

 

The 2008 is the latest expression of Peugeot’s renewed brand positioning and cements Peugeot's arrival in a highly competitive sector, pushing customers’ expectations to a new level. The car oozes desirability, with an athletic design, engaging driving experience, high levels of comfort and equipment, and outstanding quality in materials and finish.

Peugeot’s stunning new compact crossover builds on the success of the popular 208 supermini and will undoubtedly be one of the stars of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With its perfect mix of contemporary styling, clean and efficient engines, plus a versatile cabin, it’s an exciting addition to Peugeot's already comprehensive line-up.
The Peugeot 2008 brings a new level of innovation to the B-segment by combining the expertise and experience of two acclaimed Peugeot vehicles; as a compact crossover, it blends the success and design of the award-winning 3008 with all the features, performance and state-of-the-art engines of the new 208 supermini.
With a characterful on-the-road presence, the 2008 is intended for young city-dwellers who love the urban environment but also enjoy escaping from it at every opportunity. In keeping with the dynamism of its profiled silhouette, power comes from the latest generation of low fuel consumption Peugeot engines. With e-HDi diesel and three-cylinder petrol technology, Peugeot's urban crossover stands out from the competition due to CO2 emissions starting at just 98g/km. Fuel economy can be as high as 61.8mpg.
"Creating the 2008 was a great challenge but we had a very precise idea of the vehicle that we wanted to offer customers. The style brought to life in an early phase did not require any major modifications up until production. The very first sketch was perfect", says Eric Dejou, 2008 Design Manager.
Measuring 4.16 metres long and 1.74 metres wide, the Peugeot 2008 brings together the robustness of an SUV with the practicality of space, comfort and modularity. The goal for the design and engineering team was to combine Peugeot’s strong reputation for styling flair with a unique driving experience while offering desirable user benefits. The result is a car that’s equally at home in town or on the open road.
The 2008 puts a new twist on the existing Peugeot family face, as seen on the 208. The floating grille is cut from a solid block and set upright to create a powerful and dominant design cue. The sculpted headlamps with LED daytime running lights blend seamlessly into the nose. From the side, the car presents a dynamic yet elegant profile enhanced by the roof bars which hint at the car’s practicality and versatility. At the rear, the wide tailgate and low loading lip – just 60cm off the ground – mean exceptional ease of use. Complimentary to the appeal of its elevated driving position, 2008 has many other attractive features; stylish matt-finished alloy wheels, black bumpers and body sills, stainless steel front and rear scuff-plates and chromed side mouldings are the perfect blend of practicality and style.
There's also a new level of interior versatility. Agnès Tesson Faget, 2008 Product Project Manager, said: "We wanted to create an exceptional on board space for our customers which takes care of all the occupants and offers them new sensations. The unique ergonomics of the instruments and controls, the careful choice of materials, the quality of assembly, the light ambience ... the 2008 stimulates the senses."
The interior of the Peugeot 2008 provides the driver and passengers with a spacious and flexible cabin, with a cockpit-style instrument panel and aircraft-type handbrake. A smart satin chrome finish to the air vents, handbrake lever, steering wheel, gear lever and touch-screen trims all add to the level of luxury and create a genuinely premium feel.
The wheelbase of 2.54 metres means generous space for every occupant of the 2008, while the ergonomically thinner seat backs mean it’s particularly roomy for rear passengers, who also benefit from a 12v power socket for the connection of a portable device and can even access the boot when the vehicle is moving.
Folding the 60:40 split rear seats boosts storage volume from 360 to 1,194 litres, of which 22 litres are under the floor. One press of the button at the top of the rear seat back is all it takes to fold the seat, as the base cushion retracts automatically.
The boot is exceptionally spacious considering the car’s compact dimensions. The floor comes with five recessed rails which run from the sill to the front seat backs. Six chromed hooks allow items to be secured safely. There is a storage area on each side, with a retaining strap and net.
One of the key benefits is the Grip Control – an optional feature -  an advanced new technology first seen on the 3008, optimises traction in low-grip conditions. It adapts to the terrain by acting on the front wheels, using the electronic components already present on the vehicle. The driver remains in control and can decide at any time to move from Standard mode using the dial located on the centre console, choosing instead Snow, Off-Road, Sand or ESP Off.
Park Assist – optional feature - first seen on the 208 Intuitive and 208 XY, makes the 2008 to make parking easier for drivers, which uses ultrasound to measure an empty space then controls the steering to position the vehicle perfectly. The driver manages the vehicle’s progress: its movement, brakes, gears and clutch, leaving the difficulty of manoeuvring the car into a space to the Park Assist system.
Safety, as you would expect, on the 2008 is at the highest level. The large seven-inch touch screen – standard from the Active Version -  is at the driver’s fingertips and by minimising commands for control of the infotainment system it allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road ahead. Cruise control with speed limiter is standard on all versions, as are all round airbags. Also on every 2008 is ESP with Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), Stability Control (CDS), Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), as is Isofix mountings for child seats in the rear.

The New Peugeot 2008 ranges from Euro 16,900 – and it will be available as from this Summer 2013.

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