When Nissan created the compact crossover with its Juke in 2010, few people would have guessed just how popular the format would become. Although the brand stole a march, rivals soon realised there was huge demand for small SUVs and within just a few years a raft of new cars was on sale. Among them was the Peugeot 2008, based on the same platform as the 208 supermini.
As was the case with most of the cars in this new market, the 2008 proved a smash hit thanks to keen pricing, great engines, a spacious cabin and lots of equipment. But three years on, how well has it stood the test of time? And what’s it like as a used buy?
Models covered
- • Peugeot 2008 (2013-date) - Spacious, well equipped crossover is a tempting buy used, especially at these prices
History
The 2008 debuted in July 2013. There were four engines: 1.2 VTi or 1.6 VTi petrols, and 1.4 HDi or 1.6 e-HDi diesels. The 1.6 e-HDi came in 92bhp or 115bhp forms; the latter is the only engine offered with an auto box.
In March 2014 the 1.2 VTi engine was rebadged PureTech and offered in 110bhp or 130bhp turbocharged forms, while the e-HDi diesel was rebranded BlueHDi.
September 2015’s Urban Cross was an Allure with smarter trim details and 17-inch wheels in place of the usual 16-inch rims.
A facelift in July 2016 led to the 2008 being repositioned as an SUV. It brought overhauled engines, a significant exterior redesign and extra tech; there are already plenty of pre-registered examples available.
Peugeot 2008 reviews
Peugeot 2008 in-depth review
Peugeot 2008 facelift 1.2 PureTech GT Line review
Peugeot 2008 facelift 1.2 PureTech Allure review
Peugeot 2008 1.6 e-HDi review
Peugeot 2008 1.6 VTi
Which one should I buy?
Entry-level petrol and diesel engines are hard work on long journeys, so if you’re a high-mileage driver we’d opt for one of the 1.6-litre units, although the 110bhp or 130bhp 1.2-litre models cope pretty well.
Base Access+ 2008s get remote central locking, electric front windows, electrically adjusted and heated door mirrors and air-con, including a refrigerated glovebox. The Active adds 16-inch alloys, touchscreen multimedia, Bluetooth and a DAB radio.
Buy an Allure and you also get rear parking sensors, privacy glass, automatic lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and power-folding door mirrors. Dual-zone climate control and a height-adjustable passenger seat feature as well. The top-spec Feline comes with 17-inch alloys, navigation plus a panoramic roof with an electric blind.
Alternatives to the Peugeot 2008
The small SUV market has mushroomed in recent years, so you’re spoiled for choice. The Nissan Juke was the pioneer in this class; it still looks distinctive and there are lots about, although it’s now getting dated.
Launched around the same time as the 2008 is the Captur, which has been a big success for Renault with its sharp looks, smart cabin and great value for money.
The Vauxhall Mokka and Ford EcoSport are both underwhelming but reasonably priced on the second-hand market; there are also lots of them to choose from.
If your budget is flexible you could take a closer look at the MINI Countryman and Skoda Yeti; the latter is especially easy to recommend as it’s a brilliant all-rounder.
What to look for:
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth music streaming function can be fraught with issues. Owners have reported that it doesn’t connect and has refused to access playlists.
Bulb upgrades
Various bulbs on the 2008 can be upgraded to LEDs. For instructions on how to carry out this switch, there’s a really handy guide at http://ift.tt/2gjW2BO
Bumper scuffs
The colour-coded rear bumper is easily bashed by owners loading and unloading the boot, so be sure to check for paint damage on potential buys.
Tyre wear
Uneven tyre wear can be an issue on the 2008. Some owners have found that rigorously maintaining exactly the right pressure is critical to prevent this.
Interior
Inside, the 2008 is a class act with lots of kit and high-quality materials. Plus, once you get used to it, the small steering wheel set below the instruments works well. There’s plenty of head and legroom for four, but five is tight. Boot space is only average, though, at 350 litres.
Running costs
All 2008s need to be serviced annually or every 20,000 miles for petrol-engined cars and 12,500 miles for diesels. The first two checks are priced at £160 and £170 for diesels; both are set at £150 for petrol models.
From three years on services alternate between minor and major at £115 or £195 for petrol cars; £140 and £250 for diesels. Dealers offer OE or pattern parts to cut costs.
All diesels have a cambelt; this needs replacing at 10 years or 112,500 miles, at £345 (or £295 if the car is over three years old). Fresh brake fluid is required every two years (£49) and fresh coolant after four years or 80,000 miles, then every 12 months or 20,000 miles (£70).
Recalls
Despite its youth the 2008 has been recalled five times, all in 2014. The first came in February, because of fuel leaks in some cars built in January. Two recalls followed in April over a possible loss of control: one concerned potential steering problems; the other suspension faults.
A similar problem brought a fourth recall, in July. This time it was because of potential subframe damage during the manufacturing process. The most recent recall came in December 2014; the handbrake mechanism wasn’t set up correctly in some examples in the factory.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The 2008 came a brilliant 11th on its debut in our Driver Power satisfaction survey, in 2014; last year it dropped to 33rd and this year to 48th. Strong suits in 2016 were running costs (25th), ride quality (26th) and reliability (34th); not so good were performance (98th) and in-car tech (92nd).