Plug into an electric dream

IF YOU’RE thinking of going electric, like crossovers and have an appreciation of fine design, then read on. I’m an unashamed fan of Peugeot’s current styling, with the 508 estate one of my favourite cars. Their 208 hatchback, launched last year, is better looking than any other supermini rival.

And now we have the e2008, the electrified version of Peugeot’s smallest crossover model. It’s based on the same platform as the 208 (and that car’s close relative the Vauxhall Corsa) but is bigger.

In our test car’s GT Line trim and Vertigo metallic blue paint it looks terrific and I’m not the world’s biggest fan of crossovers.

Peugeot’s philosophy is that it is offering a choice of powertrains: you don’t have to compromise if you want electric power because you’re getting the same car as you would with a diesel or petrol-powered one, but without the oily bits.

Going electric adds about 350kg to the kerb weight of the car but you don’t lose any space or luggage area.

The e2008 uses the same 50kwh battery and 100kw electric motor as both the e208 and the Corsa-e but because the 2008 is a slightly bigger car you lose about five per cent of the range. That means an official 206-mile range from a fully-charged battery. Peugeot is currently running a deal in which it throws in a 7kw wall charger which allows you to charge it in 7.5 hours.

If the deal has expired before you sign on the dotted line for a new e2008 then have a crack at getting a wall charger included in the deal anyway.

There’s nothing worse than a stylish-looking exterior and then an interior that proves to be a huge disappointment. No such worries with the 2008, as it’s as cool on the inside as it is on the outside.

THE HERO feature is Peugeot’s new 3D digital instrument pack that’s standard in all but the cheapest trim level. The company claims it reduces driver reaction times by half a second. Who knows? It certainly looks cool. I’ve pretty much got used to Peugeot’s tiny steering wheel; it compromises your driving position but without it you couldn’t properly see the funky instrument show.

Other stand-out features that you get in all 2008s are the tasteful and quality piano keys that give quick access to the car’s important – and often-used – systems.

Smartphone mirroring is included, as is an array of USB sockets and wireless phone charging. There’s also plenty of storage and at the back of the car a luggage space that holds 434 litres with the rear seats in place.

That’s the same as with a petrol or diesel 2008.

The boot has an underfloor compartment where you can stash your charging cables.

Our e2008 GT Line comes in at a quite fruity £32,915, which includes the government’s PICG. A couple of things have to be born in mind, though. First, the car falls in the 0 per cent BIK banding; second the first year’s VED is £0 and third, you won’t be buying petrol or diesel.

A full charge should work out at around £6.50 for a real-world range of around 160 miles. You do the maths.

You’re also getting a very pleasant driving experience for your money. If you’re new to the world of electric cars you will love the absence of engine noise, particularly if you’re used to diesels.

The only noise you’ll hear in the e2008 is a little bit of wind noise at speed on a motorway and some tyre noise.

Ride quality is good, too, so this is a very serene way of getting about.

As in the e208 you have a choice of driving modes that go from Eco in which you have 80bhp to play with, Normal and 108bhp and Sport with the full 134bhp. The car starts in Normal as default setting.

In Sport it feels quite brisk but you’ll chomp into the range if you spend too much time in this mode. Eco is for when you’re getting twitchy about range and need to find a charging point.

This new Peugeot e2008 is one of the most appealing EVS to date. It’s going to be interesting to see what Vauxhall comes up with its new Mokka, which is based on the same platform and which will also be available with an electric powertrain.

The choice of EV is constantly expanding with, as the e2008 shows, some first-class machines coming onto the market.