Peugeot 4008 2012 review: first drive

After persevering with the Noddy-style 3008 “mum-bus'' for a long time, Peugeot now has a butt-kicker in the small SUV segment thanks to an alliance with Mitsubishi.

The “model sharing'' arrangement has already yielded the 4007 for Peugeot built on the Mitsu' Outlander platform, and from that was spawned another, smaller vehicle called the 4008 due here in July.

VALUE

Explore the 2012 Peugeot 4008 range

• Peugeot 4008 2012 review: off-road test
• Peugeot 4008 2012 review: road test
• Peugeot 4008 2012 review: first drive
• Peugeot 4008 AWD auto 2012 review
• Peugeot 4008 Allure 2012 review: snapshot
• Peugeot 4008 Active 2012 review: snapshot
• Peugeot 4008 auto and manual 2012 review
• Peugeot 4008 Allure 2012 review
• Peugeot 4008 Active manual 2012 review
• Peugeot 4008 2012 review

Peugeot Australia's pricing for the newcomer starts at $28,990 for the 2WD, manual base model. The Allure is available in 4WD with CVT only for $38,490. Generous comes instantly to mind as Peugeot Australia strives to get on buyer's shopping lists, as both models get a full size steel spare but satnav is optional in a package costing an additional $1495.

The Active model features stuff like 16-inch alloys, multiple steering wheel controls, Bluetooth phone and audio, auto wipers and headlights,  auto dim mirror, climate control, cruise, privacy glass and a full size spare. The Allure gets more including leather, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, power adjust heated front seats and more.

DESIGN

Though considered “European'' the new 4008 actually rolls off a Mitsu' factory in Japan with its own distinctive style and character. It represents the best of both worlds Euro style and flavour/Japanese build quality you can't really go wrong. The lineup is fairly simple... two grades, Active and Allure, one engine, two transmissions and 2WD or AWD. Peugeot offers a couple of optional “packages'' specific to each grade.

It has to rate right up there in the style department along with Kia's handsome Sportage and well ahead of the others. Not as macho-looking as Subaru's XV the 4008 shows a more sophisticated, elegant look to its flanks. The front looks powerful, the profile dynamic and the rear athletic. It's stands out on the road with chrome body hardware highlights and LED daytime running lights.

The interior has a typical classy European look to it with a stylish dash featuring chrome highlights and piano black fascia, soft touch panels at every point and comfortable seats. There's room inside for four, five at a pinch and a reasonable amount of luggage.

TECHNOLOGY

The engine is straight out of a Mitsubishi catalogue a 2.0-litre, twin cam, four cylinder, petrol four with variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides for efficiency gains but no direct fuel injection. Maximum outputs are 110kW/197Nm with the best fuel economy from the base 2WD manual car rated at a respectable 7.7-litres/100km.

A diesel powerplant is under consideration possibly with a six-speed auto option. The transmissions are a five-speed manual in Active only and a stepped CVT optional in Active and standard in Allure which is also only available all wheel drive. The AWD system has a four wheel lock-up mode for slippery conditions as well as 2WD and variable split torque 4WD It's all selected by a dial on the centre stack.

SAFETY

Peugeot has put safety at the top of its 4008 agenda with all variants scoring five stars and a reversing camera. This is on top of numerous other primary and secondary safety features.

DRIVING

Surprisingly good for a little petrol SUV offering decent performance and fuel economy, easy highway cruising and low interior noise levels thanks to liberally applied noise suppression material within the body. It offers a comfortable ride with a sporty edge though cornering limitations are clearly defined.

We found the CVT equipped model to be a more satisfying drive as it efficiently captures available power and is almost imperceptible in operation. You feel good driving 4008 partly because of the handsome “expensive'' appearance that puts the compact Pug ahead of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 at half the price. Can't argue with that.

VERDICT

Yummy mummies are gonna love this one and so will the dads. Low-cost fixed-price servicing is a major consideration. The 4008 is a bit of class at an affordable price.