What's the difference?
Looks are subjective but Peugeot’s updated 2008 small SUV is good looking from every angle.
The update brings a raft of design tweaks and some tech upgrades, but mechanically there isn’t anything new.
It’s not a cheap car and its diminutive size might scare off some buyers who can cross-shop cheaper and more value focused alternatives from mainstream Japanese and Korean brands.
We are driving the range-topping 2008 GT variant to find out if it’s more than just a pretty face.
Now that the original Mitsubishi ASX is finally gone, the oldest small SUVs still on sale in Australia today are the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.
Both released in 2015, their longevity is due to a combination of good design, strong engineering, sound driving dynamics and an undefinable charm.
Given their high number of rotations around the sun, it’s also surprising that neither has received a major facelift in all this time. Clearly, their creators got it largely right early on.
Until now. The Vitara steps up with the Series III makeover, ushering in a fresh nose, larger central touchscreen and a hybrid tech upgrade for the (now-sole) turbo powertrain, among other more-minor changes.
Are these enough to keep the venerable Vitara from vulnerability?
The Peugeot 2008 is a handsome and accomplished little SUV that’s fun to drive and has a cabin that feels a little bit special.
In reality the 2008 is too expensive and isn’t as practical as most of the mainstream compact SUVs.
This is the car you buy with your heart, not with your head.
In car years, 11 is ancient.
Back when it was first released, this-generation Vitara’s competitive pricing, progressive yet pretty design, pleasant interior packaging, sporty dynamics and general driving ease helped establish the emerging small SUV segment into the powerhouse it is today.
In some ways, today’s Turbo Hybrid still impresses, especially with its punchy performance, promising economy and no-nonsense packaging. Objectively, it is still a decent proposition, with few actual vices.
But the 2026 Vitara’s high pricing, embarrassingly outdated interior, underwhelming specification and noisy ride leave it feeling too expensive, too old and too exposed against newer and more-sophisticated rivals.
Even the brightest stars eventually need to retire.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.