The new Peugeot 2008 was launched recently in SA and we attended the launch. There is a very detailed video review on this channel that was filmed at the launch.
We received a GT model as driven on the launch for a full test. All my comments and opinions from the launch were confirmed while living with the car for a full week instead of only experiencing a launch drive, albeit a longer launch drive than often experienced.
The 1.2l 3 cylinder turbopetrol produces 96kW and 230Nm transmitted through the front wheels using a conventional 6 speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, the only manual option in the range has the 74kW version of the engine and is only available in base Active spec.
The car impressed with it's typical French ride comfort yet still retaining good handling ability and is quite capable of pushing on a bit when required.
The 3D I-Cockpit dashboard is highly impressive and novel, as is the little steering wheel that takes a bit of getting used to when driving. Once you are accustomed to this, it becomes very comfortable and easy although it is very difficult to set the wheel at a height that doesn't block some of the instrumentation from view while driving.
Fuel economy for general mixed driving for the week was 8.1l/100km. Personally, I think this is about the worst that I would expect from this engine. On the launch, I managed 6.5l/100km while cruising on the open road.
This was a great example of a car that provides almost too much in terms of specification which pushes up the purchase price. At the end of the test, I couldn't help feeling that instead of paying R479 900 for the GT model, I would rather opt for base Active spec with the same engine and gearbox and pay R399 900. Of course, that choice is always up to the buyer, and it's great to have options.
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