Middling small crossover now offers economy-enhancing electrification – is it the pick of the compact crossover class?
If you want high sales volumes in the car industry today, the best thing to do is think compact, as in ‘compact crossovers’. These machines cater to buyers who like their hatchback to masquerade as a jacked-up soft-roader, without sacrificing on practicality and low running costs – and the Peugeot 2008 was one of the first to jump into this burgeoning sector back in 2013. Now in its second-generation, the latest 2008 rides on Peugeot’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) small car architecture, which you may know means it can be had with a choice of internal combustion, hybrid or battery electric power, with the latter called the e-2008. Plug-in hybridisation is saved for bigger Peugeots and Citroëns, DSs and Vauxhalls that with Peugeot form the Stellantis automotive super group.The 2008 might have been one of the original models to make its mark on this burgeoning sector when it first launched, but it now has a whole range of competitors in its crosshairs, such as the UK best-selling Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Toyota Yaris Cross. So, then, in a class that is hardly short of underachievers, how does the Peugeot 2008 stack up against its rivals? Let’s find out. The Peugeot 2008 range at a glancePeugeot’s smallest SUV is available in either Allure, GT and GT Premium trim, all of which can be had in petrol, hybrid or electric form. The entry-level Allure trim arrives with 17in diamond cut alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a 10in infotainment screen. Mid-rung GT models get full LED headlights, a HD reversing camera and leather touches inside, while range-topping GT Premium adds 18in alloys, Alcantara upholstery and adaptive cruise control. Prices for the most basic petrol model start from just under £29,000, while the most expensive version, the fully electric GT Premium, can be had for £39,000.
