I would have to start this rehearsal of Peugeot 2008 for its interior in general and for the i-Cockpit in particular, because even after all these years (introduced in 2012, with the first 208), it remains one of the biggest points of discussion in the models of the French brand.
Something I was able to see first hand when I showed the second generation of the B-SUV to some family and friends, with the i-Cockpit having concentrated most of the attention. Opinions were divided, like left and right in a political debate…
On the side of those who could not "go the ball" with the i-Cockpit, criticism was aimed not only at the small steering wheel, but when it was adjusted to the usual height of those who tried it, it partially covered the attractive 3D digital instrument panel.
Unique interior, with above-average build quality, although most materials are hard to touch.
It has to be accepted that the idiosyncrasies of this design solution mean that not everyone will be able to find a driving position that is completely satisfactory to the controls of the 2008 and other Peugeots.
About me? I have to admit... it fit like a glove. As I usually drive with the steering wheel in a low position, the small and oblong steering wheel never interfered with viewing the instrument panel. Admittedly, I still prefer perfectly round steering wheels, but after a while the oblong shape of the little steering wheel didn't bother me at all.
As a matter of fact, the peculiar arrangement of the i-Cockpit turned out to be one of several ingredients for the very good driving pleasantness that the Gallic B-SUV provided me, but I understand that others will say otherwise.
Lion looking…
The rest of the interior design isn't consensual either, but everything about it seems to point towards a very… GRRRRR driving experience. It's not just the small, oblong steering wheel that looks straight out of a bold sports car concept; the entire dashboard as well, whether for its layered organization or for the extensive areas with texture to imitate carbon fiber.
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And it's not just the interior, the exterior of the second generation Peugeot 2008 is also much more expressive, daring and… aggressive — just like the second generation of the 208. brand), especially when viewed from the front, thanks to the graphic combination of the XL grille with the very characteristic and feline luminous signature.
The 2008 stage presence even takes on a touch of grandeur when we bump into it on the road, thanks to its SUV format and its very vertical and aggressive front, easily setting it apart from the competition.
…, but lion character
However, as I've seen in many of the cars I've tested, there's a certain disconnect between the vehicle's appearance and character when you drive it — the 2008 Peugeot is no different. Looking at the expressive Gallic B-SUV, and even more with the more showy and dynamic clothes of the GT Line version, it generates a certain expectation before you even drive it.
But once we got under way we quickly realized that 2008 is not that kind of… creature. In regular use or even on a longer trip, its comfort and refinement stand out above average — mechanical, aerodynamic and rolling noises are effectively contained.
Add the engine-box assembly of the unit under test — 1.5 BlueHDI 130 hp and eight-speed automatic transmission (EAT8) — and the Peugeot 2008 becomes one of the most pleasant B-SUVs to drive.
When we decided to explore its dynamic potential more fully, we realized that it is not a type of driving that you feel very comfortable with. The small steering wheel even invites a more agile drive and the front axle responds competently to our orders, but the smoothness of the suspension (and the also soft Michelin Primacy), together with a setting that bets more on stability than on agility, means that you don't derive great satisfaction from a more committed drive.
It may not roar, but the truth is that on a daily basis your purr is much more useful and appetizing.
happy combination
Admittedly, the combination of the 130hp 1.5 BlueHDI with the EAT8 couldn't be happier, being one of the main factors for the 2008's driving pleasure.
Even the automatic gear selector, common to other PSA models, has a somewhat… futuristic shape. It has no sequential mode, so its shape does not detract from its use.
The EAT8 seems to have been made for this engine. Quick and smooth in her action, she never seemed to hesitate and always “guessing” the ideal relationship for any situation. Such is its effectiveness that we quickly forgot the manual mode — largely because of the tabs, which are small in size.
Personally I've never been a fan of small diesel engines, but you have to give credit when credit is due. This Peugeot unit is among the nicest I've experienced, offering a kind of responsiveness and range of use that someone more inattentive would mistake for a gasoline unit.
This perception is only betrayed by the sound, which does not deceive anyone. That said, surprisingly, it's not at all unpleasant, which in combination with the very good mechanical soundproofing makes the action of the tetra-cylinder unobtrusive in most situations.
In addition to being pleasant, it allows for very reasonable performances — I never felt a lack of “lung” — and it's even spared. I managed to record less than 4.5 l/100 km at a steady speed of 90 km/h and 5.5 l/100 km was normal on a highway. In cities, it rises above six liters, but it is not an exaggerated value.
Is the car right for me?
The Peugeot 2008 1.5 BlueHDi 130hp EAT8 GT Line left very good impressions, but when you look at the price — more than 30,000 euros, not counting the options — we have to consider other options.
Do you really need Diesel? Unless you do many, many kilometers, the 1.2 PureTech 130 hp petrol, also with the EAT8, seems to us better option. You'll spend more, that's for sure, but the nearly 3500 euros difference in your favor gives you a lot of gasoline.
Imposing and aggressive front, a combination of the front grille and the elements that make up its luminous signature.
There's also a more affordable Diesel option on the 2008 — still slightly more expensive than the aforementioned 1.2 PureTech — but it only has 100 hp and is only available with the manual gearbox.
Do you have arguments for the Renault Captur?
Fate would have tested 2008 shortly after arch-rivals Captur, and comparisons were unavoidable. There's no doubt that 2008 is perhaps Captur's most serious rival and one of the most serious threats to its reign as segment leader.
The front seats are approved. Attractive, comfortable, yet supportive enough.
The new generation of Captur, however, also has arguments, especially for those looking for a family vehicle, surpassing the 2008 (marginally) in terms of habitability, versatility and even visibility.
Interestingly, despite the focus on digital inside 2008, with most functions concentrated on the infotainment system, Captur has the best system, surpassing 2008 in usability and responsiveness.
Personally, Peugeot 2008 is my favourite, above all for its driving experience — more pleasant, refined and also for being differentiated (i-Cockpit). The Captur, interestingly, contrasts with a more convincing chassis in a more committed drive. In the end, both end up being equal, albeit for different reasons.