Peugeot 2008 (2013 – 2019) Review

Peugeot 2008 (2013 – 2019) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Peugeot 2008 scores well for its efficient engines, comfortable interior and smart styling. In other words, it’s a terrific all-rounder.

+Excellent 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, more spacious and practical than the 208, post-facelift version looks smart.

-Pre-facelift cars are best avoided, not exactly memorable to drive, unusual driving position.

Insurance Groups are between 10–23
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

The Peugeot 2008 is to the Nissan Juke what the 3008 is to the Qashqai. While the Nissan models were pioneers of the modern breed of crossovers, carmakers like Peugeot were left fighting to keep up. Launched in 2013, the 2008 is based on the 208 supermini, but a chunkier body, raised ride height and slightly roomier interior makes it a better overall package than the car it is based on.

The compact crossover is one of the world’s most popular body styles, so it will come as no surprise to discover that the Peugeot 2008 was a hugely successful car. Launched in 2013, the 2008 rode on the coat-tails of the Nissan Juke, offering a compelling blend of space, practicality, low running costs and low-rate finance.

Production stopped in 2019, when it made way for the all-new Peugeot 2008, but it makes a cracking used buy. Indeed, prices have dropped as low as £4500, while even the more desirable post-facelift model could cost as little as £7,000. There are too many rivals to mention, but the list includes the SEAT Arona, Renault Captur, Citroen C3 Aircross, Ford Ecosport and Vauxhall Mokka X.

The 2008 doesn’t really stand out in a crowded market, because it doesn’t really excel at anything. It’s certainly more spacious and practical than the 208 supermini, but the styling of the pre-facelift car hasn’t aged well, while the driving experience is nothing to write home about. So why should the Peugeot 2008 be on your shortlist?

The 1.2-litre PureTech engine is a real positive, offering an excellent blend of punchy performance and diesel-like efficiency. It’s available in a choice of outputs, including a 130PS version, which gives the 2008 a surprising turn of pace. Unfortunately, the chassis doesn’t have what it takes to harness the power, with the car feeling unsettled and unwieldy when driven with any degree of enthusiasm.

This engine was introduced as part of the 2016 facelift, which also ushered in a new look for the popular crossover. It worked well, with the new car boasting a more premium and upmarket appearance. It still looks fresh today, four years later.

Inside, the i-Cockpit uses a small steering wheel and a raised instrument panel to deliver a look and feel that’s unique to Peugeot. It’s a bit ‘Marmite’, but if you can find a good driving position, you’ll probably love it. The level of quality is good, but some parts of the interior feel hollow and plasticky.

It’s just a shame the 2008 is so uninspiring to drive. We could forgive the general feeling of detachment if the ride quality was good, but the Arona and C3 Aircross are more comfortable. It doesn’t help that the steering is so darty, which takes a while to get used to. To almost borrow a phrase from a margarine brand, we can’t believe it’s not better.

We’d recommend a car with Grip Control. It works like an all-wheel-drive system to provide greater traction in slippery conditions, with modes for snow, mud and sand. It does this without the drop in fuel economy you’d experience in cars with a ‘proper’ all-wheel-drive system.

A jack of all trades and a master of none, then? This might seem a little unfair, but it’s hard to think of a single reason why you should choose a 2008 over any of its immediate rivals. Then again, we can’t think of many reasons why you shouldn't choose it. How’s that for the least conclusive conclusion of 2020?

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Peugeot 2008 review

Ask Honest John

Have I been overcharged for an oil change?

"My Peugeot 2008 1.2 Puretech had an MoT and oil change a year ago and I have just noticed I was charged £68.47 for oil ! This seems an extraordinary amount, no quantity was listed. Can you tell me what sort of oil is recommended by Peugeot and the quantity please?"
The oil for your car will be 5W-30 and the amount for oil change will be 3.3 litres. We would normally use a recommended manufacturer such as Castrol, Shell or Mobil. Peugeot recommends Mobil 1 PSA B71 2290 and in a 4 litre can will cost around £54. You can if you wish purchase the oil yourself and give it to the garage before the service.
Answered by Alan Ross

I need a used automatic small SUV, what are my options?

"I want to buy a secondhand automatic compact SUV for my daughter. She likes the Nissan Juke but have seen bad reviews for automatic problems. Our budget is £8000. "
The Nissan Juke is good choice but the CVT automatic is known for being troublesome, so we would suggest looking elsewhere. Some alternative SUVs similar in size to the Juke are the Peugeot 2008, Mitsubishi ASX, BMW X1 and MINI Countryman, all of which are available with automatic gearboxes and can be found within your budget.
Answered by David Ross

How do I switch off my Peugeot 2008's interior alarm?

"Is there a way to lock a 2018 Peugeot 2008 with the windows open and prevent the alarm from going off?"
There should be a button below the steering wheel to the right with a picture of a car and the word 'off' on it. When you switch off the ignition you can press this button to deactivate interior monitoring. This should allow you to leave the windows open, but it will reactivate when the car is restarted.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

Should I choose winter tyres or a car with 4WD?

"I travel a snowy/icy route to work over the Pennines. I am debating between a Peugeot 2008 with Grip Control with all season tyres or winter tyres or a Dacia Duster with selectable 4WD mode I'm considering buying a petrol 2019 2008 for £15,000 or purchasing a new Duster diesel 4x4 for £20,500."
Winter tyres trump the lot and will be all you need, especially on a car with Grip Control. That said, they'll not perform well in summer so you'll need space to store another set of wheels or tyres. A 2008 with all-season tyres will still be better than a four-wheel Duster on summer rubber.
Answered by Russell Campbell
More Questions

What does a Peugeot 2008 (2013 – 2019) cost?