2021 Peugeot 2008 arrives in Australia with French flair intact

Peugeot has confirmed Australian price and specifications for the all-new 2008 SUV. The new SUV brings some French flair to the hotly contested and style-focused segment.

With prices starting from $34,990, the 2008 won’t be the most affordable option but even compared to the funky Nissan Juke and Toyota Yaris Cross; the quirky Peugeot ought to stand out. 

That’s thanks to distinctive Peugeot styling which is difficult to miss, but it’s inside that the French marque takes a different approach to most.

Love it or hate it, Peugeot promises the 2008 will “fit the modern landscape”. The signature ‘Sabre Tooth’ DRLs that adorn the front of the 2008 are reminiscent of the wound from a Lion’s claw and that stubby snout is undoubtedly distinctive. Around the rear, the 2008’s surfaces are broken up by creases and exciting surfacing. It won’t suit everyone’s tastes, but we reckon the exterior of the 2008 is distinctive and far better than the bloated previous-gen car.

Cabin design is where the Peugeot departs from the norm with that tiny steering wheel designed to sit below the digital instrument binnacle. There are lots of squared-off surfaces, too. Again, it’s unlikely the 2008 will exude the mass appeal of vehicles like the Mitsubishi ASX, but at least the wacky design mirrors the quirky exterior.

As for size, Peugeot’s little crossover measures in at 4,300mm, short but not as compact as Renault’s direct rival, the Captur. With an overall height of 1,550mm Peugeot claims that a 180cm adult will fit comfortably in the second row, while there’s a generous (for the class) 434 litres of cargo space. 

Underneath the 2008 is Peugeot’s Common Modular Platform which first debuted under the 208 city car. The platform is very contemporary and promises to give the 2008 a solid base to work from as well as offering a raft of safety features and EV capability. Unfortunately, the 100kW battery-powered e-2008 won’t be coming to Australian shores just yet.

Peugeot’s Australian line-up comprises two grades starting with the $34,990 Allure. Powering the entry grade is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with outputs of 96kW and 230Nm sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Adorning the Allure’s exterior are a set of 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, while the cabin features a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, fully digital driver’s display, cloth-appointed seating and a smart modular boot system. Standard safety features are somewhat lacking, the Allure getting AEB with daytime pedestrian and cyclist detection but no lane-keep assist or other systems.

The range-topping GT Sport does get night time pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The premium-grade boasts a larger ten-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting and quilted Nappa leather-upholstered heated seats with massage function for the driver, how luxurious!

Moving up to the GT Sport isn’t cheap, with the more powerful grade starting at $43,990. The same 1.2-litre three-cylinder runs in a higher state of tune for outputs of 114kW and 240Nm. An eight-speed gearbox is fitted for greater efficiency, resulting in a WLTP consumption figure of 6.1L/100km. There is also a sportier set of 18-inch alloy wheels and contrasting black roof.

A choice of seven exterior colours is available, and a sunroof is optional on the GT Sport – though the interior only comes in black. The 2008 is certainly a funky looking vehicle, with some funky tech inside, and we will have a full road test to see if the driving experience stacks up shortly.

2021 Peugeot 2008 Pricing

All prices are before on-road costs.

Peugeot 2008 Allure Auto – $34,990
Peugeot 2008 GT Sport Auto – $43,990