Peugeot 2008: Sweet sexy thing

By: Brian J. Ochoa - Cebu Daily News | November 23,2015 - 09:15 PM

The Peugeot 2008 mini crossover.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

There’s a new mini-crossover in town, and it seems like this one’s going to turn heads too.

French automaker Peugeot is joining the competitive crossover segment with the arrival of the 2008, a sexy mini-crossover that combines the characteristics of a hatchback and a sports utility vehicle.

Cebu Daily News had the 2008 for a weekend date and after driving it around town, we figured that Peugeot might have a winner in the making here.

CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

The 2008 boasts of a distinct design, impressive tech features and sturdy engineering that we believe would be a perfect fit for Cebuanos who seek practicality, comfort and performance.

But if there’s one thing we really liked about the small crossover, it is the sexy exterior design that attracts attention on the road.
The 2008 boasts of finely sculpted lines, starting with the distinct bonnet design that is capped off with the patented front fascia’s floating grill, which is a current signature feature of Peugeot’s latest line of vehicles. Adding a sporty feel up front is the chiseled head lamps with LED daytime running lights.

The rear boasts of a wide tailgate framed by tail lamps that are highlighted by luminous claws lit at the base by LEDs. This unique combination makes the claws appear suspended within the taillight assembly. The rear also has a low-loading sill that makes cargo loading easy.

The cabin is highlighted by the “Cielo” panoramic glass roof.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

At the side, what caught our attention was a roof wave line that emerges just above the rear door that gives the 2008 a somewhat unique profile. Pronounced wheel arches and raised ground clearance gives the 2008 a sturdy stance from the side while lower blackened bumpers and body sills together with stainless steel protection moldings throughout the mini-crossover add a bit of attitude.

It is also inside where we found the 2008 really attractive. Highlighting the interior is the “Cielo” panoramic glass roof which is made more beautiful by the mood lights that surround it. The 2008 also boasts of comfortable body-hugging leather seats and six airbags.

Another interior highlight is the i-Cockpit, which is composed of a compact steering wheel, heads-up dials, a high-central console and a 7-inch multifunction color touch screen entertainment interface with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. This combination should make the 2008’s dashboard visually and ergonomically pleasing to its occupants.

Performance-wise, the 2008 is powered by a 1.6-liter petrol engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 120 hp of power and 160 Nm of torque and is said to provide the best emissions in its class.

With the 2008 being compact at just 4,159-mm long, the collaboration with its engine gives the crossover the same driving characteristics with that of the Peugeot 208 mini-car. Actually, the 2008 is based on the 208 and looks really just like a bigger version of the 5-door hatchback. That being said, the 2008 is really fun to drive, holding its composure even when pushed to its limits.

The 1.6-liter engine of the Peugeot 2008.
CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA

With 195/60R16 wheels at the corners and a combination of MacPherson Struts front and Torsion Beam Axle rear suspension systems, the sexy 2008 will be able to dance through corners gracefully.

So will the 2008 be fit for Cebu? We think so. With all the traffic congestion, the fuel efficiency of the 2008 will be a huge help. Parking problem around the city won’t be an issue because of the 2008’s compact size. And the best part of it is that you get to impress a lot of car enthusiasts in Cebu while driving the 2008 around. It’s a French car after all.