Peugeot 2008 arrives from $34,990 + ORC

PEUGEOT Australia has at long last detailed and priced its new 2008 compact SUV with the sharply styled little crossover due to arrive in local showrooms as of December carrying an entry-price of $34,990 plus on-road costs.

Dubbed by Peugeot as a “small urban adventure vehicle”, the 2008 is underpinned by the French brand’s Common Modular Platform (CMP) and powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine good for two different outputs depending on the variant.

In the base-spec Allure, the little mill churns out 96kW/230Nm, all of which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission courtesy of Aisin while fuel economy is rated at 6.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

Stepping up to the GT Sport ($43,990) ups the power to 114kW/240Nm and adds another two ratios to the transmission while simultaneously dropping fuel economy to 6.1L/100km.

Being an SUV, Peugeot has been sure to design the 2008 with space and practicality in mind and claims that its newest small offering will still fit five people comfortably with “room for 180cm-tall adults on the back seat”.

Boost space is rated at 434 litres with the rear seats in place, a number which expands to 1467L when the seats are folded flat.

On the outside, the 2008 measures 4300mm long, 1770mm wide, 1550mm tall and rides on a 2605mm-long wheelbase with the wheels themselves being either 17-inch (Allure) or 18-inch (GT Sport) alloys.

Standard equipment on the Allure includes the latest version of Peugeot’s 3D i-Cockpit, 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, reversing camera, climate control, push-button start, leather steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Stepping up to the GT Sport meanwhile adds leather upholstery, a bigger 10.0-inch infotainment screen, illuminated vanity mirrors, Park Assist and front parking sensors, keyless entry, paddle shifters, eight-colour LED ambient lighting, black roof-lining, wireless smartphone charging, power-adjustable front seats with massage and heating function, LED headlights, automatic high beam, automatic cruise control and a few extra exterior trim bits.

Standard safety tech across the range consists of six airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, child locking functionality on rear doors, driver fatigue warning, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking assistance, forward collision warning, speed limiter function and tyre pressure monitoring.

According to Peugeot Australia general manager Kate Gillis, the new 2008 represents a major leap forward in “every aspect” of design and engineering.

“Peugeot wanted to redefine the light SUV class with all-new 2008 SUV and did exactly that by embracing three important areas that resonate with buyers – engineering, comfort and technology,” she said.

“The end result is a new and exciting vehicle bringing a fresh perspective in its approach to the segment, an outstandingly stylish car delivering innovative design and engineering features, impressive equipment levels and great drivetrain combinations.

“At Peugeot we know the strength and competitiveness of Australia’s SUV market and we have complete confidence that our all-new 2008 range will quickly become a vehicle highly sought-after by buyers.”

It remains to be seen yet whether or not the all-electric e-2008 makes it Down Under with Peugeot Citroen Australia telling GoAuto its introduction here would be dependent on the outcome of the group’s PHEV rollout starting next year.

Should stage one of the two-step electrification process succeed, stage two will go ahead with the e-2008 and the related e-208 hatchback set to be the first BEV models to arrive.

For reference, the electric version is powered by a 100kW/260Nm electric motor and 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a claimed range of up to 310km.

Peugeot has sold 1555 new vehicles so far this year ending September, 252 units less than it managed over the same period last year.

2021 Peugeot 2008 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs