The Peugeot 2008 has gone through the restyling box with a facelift that gives it a new face, increased autonomy in its electric version that we were able to test in Spain at the end of June, and new equipment. We go around the news with the test of the e-2008 and the first images of this restyled SUV.
[Updated on June 29, 2023 at 12:08 p.m.] Leader in the hyper-competitive small SUV market, the second generation of the Peugeot 2008, which appeared in 2019, offered itself a mid-career restyling, four years after its release. Presented on May 4, 2023, the flagship model of the lion brand represents a major challenge for the manufacturer, which has sold more than 700,000 copies in Europe.
Peugeot didn’t settle for a minor facelift, however, with the new 2008 adopting the more modern design of all its latest models. Committed, like most brands, to the race for the electrification of cars, Peugeot allowed Linternaute to try out its brand new restyled e-2008.
It was in the south of Spain, on the roads of Andalusia, that we were able to get behind the wheel of the new Peugeot e-2008 at the end of June. On a very hilly course (and under a hot sun!) designed around Malaga, we tested over more than 200 kilometers the skills of the “green” version of the best-selling SUV in France in 2022. Driving, road holding, autonomy, equipment… Linternaute.com has screened everything. Find our entire test below in pictures.
It was therefore time for Peugeot to give the 2008 a little facelift, starting with a revised look like a modernized front end that is in line with the brand’s latest creations such as the restyled 508 . We unsurprisingly discovered the insertion of the new black Peugeot logo and the famous three claws in light signature accompanied by a modernized grille like the shields. At the top of the GT range, the light signature is original.
The changes are more timid at the rear. We note the disappearance of the logo since only the mention “Peugeot” appears in the center on the black band which connects the two lights. These do not change in appearance but the light signature is undergoing a small evolution, less noticed than the arrival of LED lights for the indicators and reversing lights.
And inside? This new-look 2008 is equipped with new equipment. If the dashboard, rather successful, does not move, the 2008 sees the arrival of a revised multimedia system with direct remote updates and a 10-inch touch screen on all versions, where the entry-level versions do not only had a 7 inch screen before. Please note that the HD version is still reserved for the Allure and GT finishes at the top of the range. Digital instrumentation (which replaces the needle gauges) is standard, except for the very poorly endowed entry-level Active trim.
The restyling of the Peugeot 2008 offers new possibilities to buyers of the electric version, called e-2008. And it’s not nothing since this 2008 100% electric represents almost a fifth of 2008 sales in Europe. Peugeot is modernizing it with the arrival of a new electric block, totaling the equivalent of 156 horsepower (20 more than before) and coupled to a 54 kWh battery already seen on the new e-308. As a result, the autonomy announced by Peugeot increases to more than 400 kilometres. Charging can also be optimized with 100kW of power, useful on fast charging stations.
No hybrid at the launch of this restyled 2008 but a light hybridization version (via 48V battery) remains in the boxes. Peugeot is already announcing it for the year 2024. It is a PureTech 136 horsepower petrol engine with an unprecedented 6-speed electrified dual-clutch gearbox incorporating an electric motor. This combination reduces fuel consumption, especially in town since the brand claims more than 50% of the time in 100% zero-emission electric mode.
The 2008 is otherwise still offered in a thermal version with three engines to choose from:
Peugeot is taking advantage of this restyling to review its range and simplify it by reducing the number of finishes available to 3, compared to 4 previously since the GT Line is disappearing. Active represents the entry level, followed by Allure and GT.
Note: this new 2008 will be available in six body colors (Selenium Grey, Artense Grey, Okenite White, Perla Nera Black, Elixir Red and Vertigo Blue). Two are new: Selenium Gray chosen as the launch color and White Okenite with “gray-bluish” reflections, announces Peugeot. The GT version will be the only one to benefit from a two-tone color with a black roof.
Still produced in Peugeot’s Vigo plant in northern Spain, the restyled Peugeot 2008 SUV is announced for the summer of 2023. Regarding its price list, it is offered in its entry-level Active version, equipped with a PureTech 100 horsepower petrol engine, from 26,400 euros, or 1,150 euros more expensive than the old version. For the Allure finish, with the same engine, you will have to pay at least 28,200 euros while the high-end GT finish, equipped only with the 130 horsepower engine, is available from 33,400 euros. The electric version will cost 41,600, 43,400 and 45,100 euros respectively depending on the finish with the 156 horsepower engine, deduct 1,450 euros for each model for the 136 horsepower version. Finally, the Peugeot 2008 with the BlueHDI 130 diesel engine, available only in Allure and GT, has a price of 33,400 and 35,100 euros respectively.
Obviously no change in terms of dimensions compared to the phase 1 version unveiled in 2019. The restyled Peugeot 2008 retains the same proportions: 4.30 meters long, 1.98 meters wide and 1.55m high. The trunk volume remains unchanged and totals 434 litres.
With this new 2008, Peugeot intended to pass the Captur in the ranking of the best-selling cars in France. Mission accomplished even if the new Captur resists. The 2008 stands out for its sporty and robust design and has also made progress in terms of habitability compared to the first generation, where Renault engineers preferred to develop the Captur’s trunk. So how is the 2008 better than the Captur? Where does the Captur beat it? While waiting for the release of the restyled versions in 2023 (Peugeot 2008 in the summer, Renault Captur in the fall), here is the first comparison between the Peugeot 2008 released in 2019 and the new generation of the Renault Captur which appeared a few weeks later.
