NEW DIMENSION
PEUGEOT’S 2008 HAS GONE HIGH-TECH, INCLUDING ECO-FRIENDLY POWER AND 3D INSTRUMENTS
Peugeot’s all-new premium 2008 compact SUV arrives in New Zealand showrooms in July. Built on a new platform designed for the electric 2008 (which won’t reach NZ until next year), the petrol versions are powered by new engines that meet the latest European emission standards.
They also incorporate new-generation technology advances such as an impressive new 3D version of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard.
Driven evaluated the model’s e2008 and petrol versions at an international press test drive in the south of France last month.
A sharp, new, squarer frontal treatment gives the 2008 a bolder appearance. Most impressive is the quality of the cabin, which now has a more upmarket look and feel with softer plastics and woven carbon-like materials wrapping around the dashboard.
Though it is too early to be definitive about the 2008’s price, Peugeot NZ is aiming to have petrol models ranging from about $35,000.
The impressive e2008 will be more expensive, but the company believes the specification and fit/ finish of the new models will make it more than competitive.
The all-electric e2008 has a range of 310km in the industry agreed “real world” WLTP test.
Though diesel models are also being introduced in Europe, New Zealand will get petrol-engined variants only to begin with, with the electric version added as soon as right-hand drive models are available.
The 3D version of the i-Cockpit dashboard provides a wow moment when the new 2008 is turned on, no matter how it is powered. The speedometer reading almost leaps out of the dashboard towards the driver.
Other 3D features include the fuel gauge in petrol models, charge level and driving range indicator in the electric models, and the capacity to display alert or vehicle status messages.
Some critics have described the 3D effect as a gimmick, but Peugeot says the increased visibility means faster reactions from drivers, making the vehicles safer.
There are eco, comfort, normal and sport driving modes.
The petrol vehicles have an eight-speed gearbox, which is exceptionally smooth.
Comfort driving mode provides softer suspension and a comfortable ride, while sport driving mode provides a more dynamic drive, with adjustments to the power steering, accelerator and gear changes.
The 2008s arriving in NZ will be fitted with adaptive cruise control and other safety features such as active lane keeping assist, speed limit recognition and park assist.
The wheelbase of the 2008 is
16mm longer than the previous model, and there is 434 litres of boot space in the back with the rear seats in place. This expands to 1467 litres with the rear row of seats folded. The petrol models are powered by a three-cylinder PureTech engine which puts out
115kW/240Nm. Peugeot says it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.2 sec. Both the petrol and electric versions feel quick on the road. The e2008 has a l00kW electric motor that produces maximum torque of 260Nm, plus a 50kWh battery capacity.
Peugeot has obviously worked hard to reduce noise levels in the cabin of the electric model, and this effort shows in the petrolengined models.
While the EV doesn’t provide the “ludicrous” acceleration you would expect from a vehicle costing four times as much, it has instead been designed to provide smooth, efficient levels of performance without drama.
Driving the electric model becomes even more engaging by activating the maximum regeneration function.
The “next-generation” 2008 means that by the middle of this year Peugeot NZ will have a prime contender in the popular premium compact SUV market segment.