Like its smaller hatchback sibling the 208, Peugeot’s 2008 compact-SUV is moving with the times for the New Zealand market.
Back in 2022, the “e” versions of both were hero models for the brand’s pure-electric cause. But right now it seems hybrid power is the thing to have, and that’s where this pair have gone: they are both now available with electrified-petrol powertrains.
Unlike the 208, the facelifted 2008 (check out those 3-claw running lights) is still available in pure-ICE models: the $39,990 Allure and $44,990 GT.
But the GT can now also be specified with a “mild hybrid” version of the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine, which adds a 48-volt electrical system and 0.9kWh battery, the latter tiny enough to sit under the front passenger’s seat.
The challenge with hybridising what’s already an extremely efficient car is illustrated perfectly by the 2008 GT hybrid. It makes 100kW/230Nm and returns 4.9l/100km in NZ’s official 3P-WLTP test cycle. Very impressive.
Back in 2022, the 'e' version of the 2008 was a hero car for Peugeot. But now, it seems hybrid power is the thing to have.
But the non-hybrid 2008 GT makes 96kW/230Nm and returns 5.6l/100km. Which is more fuel, yes, but not that much more; the two are close enough to make you think carefully about the $5k premium for the hybrid version.
No argument that the electrified version is better in every tangible respect though, with a stronger power delivery even if the output numbers are the same. Both versions make 230Nm at a very low 1750rpm, but even though the hybrid weighs nearly 100kg more and is two ratios short with a 6-speed transmission, it sprints to 100km/h over a second quicker than the ICE-only model: 8.3sec.
This is technically a mild application of 'full' hybrid technology. Don’t sell yourself short, Peugeot.
And credit where credit’s due, while Stellantis insists on calling this type of technology “mild” hybrid (it does the same with the Alfa Romeo Tonale), the 2008’s 6-speed e-DCT gearbox does indeed contain a small electric motor, which can drive the car on its own at very low speeds, for very short distances. It does so a lot in city driving and even “sails” on the motorway quite often; you can choose to have a neat graphic on the dashboard that shows you exactly what the powertrain is doing.
Point is, this is technically a mild application of “full” hybrid technology. Don’t sell yourself short, Peugeot.
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit 3D dashboard layout doesn’t get any less wacky as the years go on.
Whatever the semantics, the 2008 is a fun little SUV to drive. The hybrid tech takes nothing away from the fizzy, rev-happy nature of the 3-cylinder engine and in fact adds a bit of shove down low, where the 1.2-litre often feels a bit thin.
It’s an everyday car with a bit of sporting flavour. The steering is direct and the chassis quite tenacious on winding roads, which is partly thanks to the GT’s upsized 18-inch wheels and low–profile tyres. The downside is a firm (but not fussy) ride.
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit 3D dashboard layout doesn’t get any less wacky as the years go on. It’s probably the most polarising aspect of the car, with the tiny steering wheel set low in your lap and the main 3D-effect instruments viewed over the top of the rim. You’ll either love it or hate it, you’ll get used to it or you won’t… all we can say is give it a try and you’ll know.
Even after all these years, French carmakers are sticking with the traditional satellite controls for adaptive cruise: in the 2008 it’s on the left-side of the steering column and right at your fingertips. We like it, and it’s good tech: simple to operate and once activated you can have “lane positioning assist”, which keeps the vehicle in the centre rather than letting it drift and then correcting.
The GT cabin is all angles and bright green detailing; it’s fun and feels quite premium, albeit in a knowing, tongue-in-cheek way; get a load of the plastic “carbon” trim, for example.
You can have eight different ambient lighting colours and some are quite bright: orange, teal and pink, for example. They don't go with green, but it works in this car.
The infotainment OS in the 10in screen (upsized for this facelift) is still a bit murky, but wireless phone projection is standard and you still get a row of physical “piano key” buttons in the centre console for climate and the like, with some semi-concealed touch-controls for the main display nestling above them. Like we said, all a bit murky, but you work it out.
The 2008 is all about design, but it remains a surprisingly practical little SUV. The rear seat is adult-sized, with deeply curvaceous front seatbacks liberating some extra legroom.
It’s also got a pretty big boot for the segment (545l to the roof), with the added versatility of a double floor, which can either line up with the folded rear seats or simply be removed for maximum volume.
The 2008 is full of design and dynamic flair; it utterly refuses to be boring, while at the same time being very sensible in its fuel use and practicality.
So yes, we’re fans. We also must acknowledge the GT hybrid is the best blend of performance and efficiency in the lineup; but whether it’s a better buy than the non-hybrid GT will depend on your priorities.
What are the key statistics for the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid?
The 2008’s mild hybrid engine makes 100kW/230Nm, or just 4kW more than the non-electrified version. It’s front-drive and matched to a 6-speed “e-DCT” gearbox, with an integrated electric motor.
Is the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid efficient?
The official figure of 4.9l/100km is impressive for a five-seat SUV. However, even the standard 2008 still achieves 5.4l/100km.
Is the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid good to drive?
It’s a lot of fun and worth noting that the hybrid is the fastest 2008 you can buy, so its balance of performance and economy is unbeatable in the lineup. Steering and handling are on the sportier side, although so is the ride; not uncomfortable, but definitely firm.
Is the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid practical?
The i-Cockpit dashboard design and driving position is still polarising, but if you’re happy with that the 2008 has a spacious cabin with adult-sized rear seats and a big boot for the class, at 435-545l (windowline or roof); it also has a double floor so you can have a flat load-through or maximum space.
What do we like about the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid?
Loads of design flair but seemingly with no compromise to practicality, the cabin feels quite premium, the hybrid engine is fizzy and the chassis is fun for a small SUV.
What don’t we like about the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid?
There’s not much fuel economy gain over the ICE model for the extra $5k, the i-Cockpit layout is not for everybody and some of the lurid design detail could be overwhelming for shrinking violets.
What kind of person would the Peugeot 2008 GT hybrid suit?
Somebody who wants a city SUV with space for the family and will not accept a car that’s boring.