A new small Peugeot 2008 SUV is due in showrooms shortly and I previewed it this week – longer and wider to the previous model, an all-new design in the mould of the larger 3008. Two new 2008 variants, both with excellent 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engines – the Allure with 96kW of power in six speed auto at $34,990 and the GT Sport with 114kW in eight-speed automatic at $43,990. These prices  well above the superseded 2008 pushing into the larger 3008’s territory. So what does it offer – very stylish with a pronounced frontal treatment and a great colour palette – typically French with some innovative features but then some that don’t seem to work so well.

The steering wheel, small with flat top and bottom makes access easy. However, the top of the wheel blocks the instrument cluster. The steering ratio also  too direct and too reactive off centre. The seats much in the Peugeot tradition absolutely top class, Napa leather in the GT Sport. Creature comforts abound, a swag of active safety elements including third generation autonomous emergency braking with night time pedestrian detection. I took a short drive in both new Peugeot 2008 models and sadly came away a little underwhelmed given their pricing. The trouble is there is now a swag of excellent small SUV ‘s on the market that offer much the same for less money.

I’m David Berthon

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