The world of cars is moving upwards,literally, with buyers picking SUVs over estate cars.
Hence, Peugeot’s replacement for the 207 SW – its mini estate car – is a baby SUV.
The 2008 has a raised ride height and a modicum of off road ability. Launched in 2013, it has now been through a mid-life refresh.
Its goes up against the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. What it is not is as adventurously styled as those rivals: Peugeot haven’t been daring or dangerous.
It has safe but pleasant styling, though, and that’s perhaps no bad thing. For every person I’ve met who thinks the Nissan Juke is bold and visionary there’s someone who reckons it’s a bug-eyed monstrosity.
With prices starting at just under £14,000 and running costs impressively low it scores highly on value.
Another strong suit is practicality. Peugeot has managed to cram a wealth of space into the 2008’s little footprint.
The boot is 360 litres: that’s 20% bigger than the 208 hatchback and almost a third bigger than a Nissan Juke’s.
Rear legroom is slightly greater than in a Juke and headroom is much better. What it lacks, however, is the rear sliding seat the Renault Captur comes with that enables you to expand passenger room at the expense of boot space or vice versa.
Engine options are a 1.2 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel in a wide range of power outputs – 75-130bhp. I drove the 120bhp 1.6 diesel in top spec GT Line trim, priced at £20,920.
It has plenty of power, with 0-62mph coming up in 9.6 seconds, and official economy is more than 76mpg. In the real world I got just shy of 60mpg but that’s still pretty admirable.
Such a price tag takes you into Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tuscon territory, however, so more modest versions are probably the way to go.
Peugeot doesn’t offer the 2008 with four-wheel drive, correctly assuming it would sell only a handful of such models.
Instead, pricier versions come with a Grip Control system that can direct more power to one or other of the front wheels and employs various other pieces of electronic trickery to boost traction. These models also come with “mud and snow” tyres designed to give additional grip.
It’s no substitute for four-wheel drive, obviously, but it does make the 2008 much more sure footed than your average front-wheel drive car.
On the road, the Peugeot is comfortable if uninspired. The additional ride height over a 208 hatchback gives greater suspension play and a much more cosseting ride.
Handling’s nothing to write home about most owners would pick better refinement over race-car grip anyway.
Another ace in the deck is the cabin. Peugeot’s designers have put a lot of effort into the 2008’s interior and it shows.
There’s a seven-inch colour touchscreen that features Apple’s CarPlay and Mirrorlink so you can get your phone’s apps on it. Nice touches like copper-coloured vent surrounds elevate the cabin above that of its rivals.
The 2008 is a likeable car that doesn’t cost the earth to buy or run.
Although far from the most inspiring car I’ve had, I enjoyed spending a week in its company.
It’s practical, comfortable and refined. If it’s not the last word in excitement, so what?
Were I buying one myself I’d save money by going for a lower spec level paired with the petrol engine, which still offers impressive economy.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk
Price:
£20,920
0-62mph:
9.6 seconds
Top speed:
119mph
Economy:
76.3mpg
CO2 emissions:
96g/km