Peugeot 2008 2013 review: snapshot

It's not rocket science. If you want people to buy your car, it needs to look good, go well and carry a price that's hard to go past. French car maker Peugeot seems to have the bases covered with its new 2008, a well equipped, smaller than small SUV.

It comes with a five year warranty, fixed price servicing and roadside assistance all for good measure. The idea is to reassure Euro-shy buyers, to give them the confidence to try something different something that's not an Audi, Benz or BMW.

Value

Priced from a super competitive $21,990, the front wheel drive 2008 makes a strong opening statement in the emerging sub-compact SUV segment. That gets you airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, 16 inch alloys, keyless entry, trip computer, fog lights, auto dim mirror, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, cruise control with speed limiter, 6-speaker audio with steering wheel controls, AUX/USB input and Bluetooth with audio streaming (there's no CD player).

Explore the 2013 Peugeot 2008 range

• Peugeot 2008 2013 review: road test
• Peugeot 2008 petrol and diesel 2013 review
• Peugeot 2008 2013 review: snapshot
• Peugeot 2008 2013 review

There's three grades from which to chose: Active, Allure and Outdoor. The thing is if you want an auto -- and let's face it that's what most people want these days  -- then you need to stump up another three grand for the 1.6 Active at $24,990, bringing the real cost of the car closer to $30,000 once you add in on-roads and a few extras.

The more luxuriously equipped Allure starts from $27,990 for the 1.6 manual, and includes leather, climate air, satnav and a panoramic sunroof, or $29,990 with the auto. Topping the range off is the Outdoor at $31,990, with a 1.6-litre diesel, manual transmission only, auto stop/start, off-road grip control traction system, and 17 inch alloys with off-road style tyres. Any colour but white adds $750 and pearlescent white is $950.

Technology

There are three engines from which to chose, two petrol and one turbodiesel. Neither of the petrol engines feature the latest direct injection. The 1.2-litre three cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit in the base model is good for 60kW and 118Nm of torque, with fuel consumption rated at 4.9 litres/100km.

The 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine delivers 88kW/160Nm and 5.9 litres/100km while the 1.6-litre turbo diesel caps off the range with 68kW/230Nm and 4.0 litres/100km. The 1.6 is the only engine in the range available with the optional auto, albeit a dated four-speed unit. The 2008 range misses out on the terrific 1.6 turbo petrol but we understand a turbocharged version of the 1.2 is under consideration.

Design

It's the first Peugeot designed for sale around the world and one of the models that has helped put the company back on the map in financial terms. Sharing 67 per cent of components with the 208 hatch, it's 20cm longer, sits 10cm higher and is just over 70kg heavier than the hatch, but has the same wheelbase. Rear legroom is good but would be cramped with three adults and the smallish luggage area hides a temporary spare.

Safety

No rating yet, but designed to get five stars with six airbags and a full complement of electronic aids including electronic stability and traction control, and ABS with brake assist, hill start assist and electronic brake force distribution.

Driving

The big question is whether this car with a range of relatively small engines, has enough get up and go to satisfy typical Aussie tastes. It might wash in Europe, but will a 1200cc three cylinder power plant find favour here? In its defence the 1.2 goes surprisingly well and should be adequate confined to an urban environment.

But the gloss could start to fade out on the open road where it is likely to struggle on long hills, particularly with more than two aboard. The 1.6 is not overly powerful either and while it offers satisfying performance in the mid-range, like its three cylinder sibling it still lacks torque down low, and this translates to leisurely acceleration off the line.

The pick in terms of performance and fuel economy is the turbo diesel -- but it is of course also the most expensive, which means you get what you pay for. It will have plenty of competition soon too, including the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.

Verdict

The 2008 is a stylish, well equipped compact wagon that will appeal to the young and old alike, but probably not to anyone with kids.