Get to grips with Pug’s crossover

FASHION can take many forms, especially when it comes to cars. Here’s one of them, the compact crossover, epitomised in this case by Peugeot’s 2008.

It goes up against cars like Nissan’s Juke and Ford’s EcoSport in one of the market’s fastest growing and trendiest segments.

This 2008 is one of the more affordable takes on this trend, there to enable a small, fashionable family to get a foothold in this growing market niche.

Based heavily on Peugeot’s 208 supermini but with extra space and flexibility, a higher-set driving position, more individual looks and the option of mild off-road ability, this car seems to offer plenty more for your money — without too much of a price premium.

Despite its beefy looks, the 2008 is still front-wheel drive only, but some off-road ability is delivered on pokier 1.6-litre petrol and diesel variants via a clever ‘Grip Control’ traction system.

This comprises an intelligent traction control set-up and special Mud & Snow ‘All Weather’ tyres, a compromise between full winter tyres and usual summer rubber.

Grip Control automatically improves the vehicle’s traction on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud, dirt tracks and wet grass, working with the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Programme to maintain the best possible traction from both front wheels. It has five selectable operating modes which can be chosen by the driver from a dedicated control mounted on the centre console, not unlike a Land Rover ‘Terrain Response’ system.

The engine line-up will be familiar fare if you’re acquainted with the 208 supermini.

Base versions get a choice of either an 82bhp 1.2 PureTech petrol or a 75bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel.

Moving up the range, there are 110 and 130bhp versions of the turbo-charged PureTech petrol unit, with the 110bhp variant optionally available with EAT6 automatic transmission.

Diesel buyers looking further up the range get 100 or 120bhp versions of the 1.6-litre BlueHDi unit.

As for practicality, well the size of the boot can vary from 410 to 1,400-litres in an instant due to the 1/3 - 2/3 modular seat backs.

Priced at £13,500 to £20,500, the 2008 range consists of five trim levels: Access A/C, Active, Allure and GT Line. All models have a three-year/60,000 mile warranty with Peugeot roadside assistance.