Peugeot 2008 2018 Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's B-segment SUV market has become increasingly intense. Consumers are seeking the urban flexibility offered by compact body sizes while also valuing spacious practicality and comprehensive features. The 2018 Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech, as a popular choice in this segment, features a 112PS turbocharged engine, standard safety configuration with 6 airbags, and advanced features like memory-powered seats, attracting the attention of many family users. This review will focus on its static design, dynamic driving performance, and daily practicality to provide a clear reference for potential buyers.

The exterior of the 2018 Peugeot 2008 adopts the brand's family design language, with an overall style that leans towards rounded and dynamic aesthetics. The front fascia is equipped with a large trapezoidal grille, paired with chrome accents and the brand's lion emblem, offering high recognizability. The headlights on both sides combine halogen and LED lighting, with an automatic headlight function to ensure clear visibility under varying lighting conditions, while the daytime running lights enhance driving safety. The side profile features smooth lines, 17-inch wheels paired with 205/50 R17 tires, creating a harmonious proportion. The rear design is simple, with a practical combination of LED taillights and rear fog lights that align with visual aesthetics. Overall, the design avoids excessive exaggeration, making it more suitable for users who prefer a steady and understated style.

Stepping inside, the interior uses a primarily dark color theme, with a cleanly laid-out center console. A 7-inch touchscreen is centrally positioned and offers good operational smoothness. In terms of materials, the top of the center console is covered with soft-touch materials, providing a decent tactile feel. The multifunction steering wheel supports control of commonly used functions, making it convenient to use. Regarding features, the dual-zone automatic climate control allows independent temperature adjustment for the front and rear rows, while the front seats are equipped with electric adjustment and memory functionality for quickly finding a comfortable seating position. The rear seats support a 60:40 split, and when folded, the trunk space can be expanded. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 220V/230V power outlet and keyless entry enhances daily convenience.

In terms of space, the dimensions of the vehicle are 4159mm in length, 1739mm in width, and 1556mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2538mm, placing it at an average level in the B-segment SUV class. The front row offers ample seating space, with over one fist of headroom and legroom for a passenger of 175cm. In the rear, with two adult passengers, there is around two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, meeting the needs of daily family usage. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 360L, which can accommodate two 20-inch suitcases with space to spare. After folding the rear seats, it can hold longer items. Additionally, there are plenty of storage compartments inside the car, such as door panel slots and the center armrest box, suitable for storing phones, water bottles, and other small items, adding to its practicality.

In terms of performance, the 1.2L turbocharged engine offers a maximum power of 112PS and outputs peak torque at just 1500rpm. It is paired with an AT transmission. During daily driving, the car responds quickly at start, with sufficient low-end torque, making it easy to follow traffic in congested city roads. The power remains available when accelerating up to 80km/h, and stepping hard on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back feel when overtaking. Regarding driving modes, in default mode, the transmission shifts smoothly, while in sport mode, the shifting logic becomes more aggressive, suitable for scenarios requiring bursts of power. The official combined fuel consumption is 4.8L/100km, while actual tests reveal city driving consumption of about 5.5L/100km and highway consumption of about 4.2L/100km, showcasing good fuel efficiency performance.

Handling and chassis performance are noteworthy, with the front MacPherson independent suspension tuned for comfort while maintaining a certain level of support. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters vibrations, and passengers inside the car do not feel obvious jolts; during cornering, body roll is well-controlled, the steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, giving the driver sufficient confidence. The braking system features front and rear ventilated discs, with a moderately long brake pedal travel and linear braking force output. During emergency braking, the body remains stable. Additionally, the engine start-stop technology reduces fuel consumption at red lights, and the hill assist function prevents the risk of rolling back.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the seats have good support, making long rides less tiring; noise control is commendable, with the main cabin noise below 60km/h coming from the tires. At speeds above 80km/h, wind noise becomes gradually noticeable but still within an acceptable range. The air conditioning cools quickly, with rear air vents ensuring comfort for rear-seat passengers. The panoramic sunroof enhances cabin lighting, making it particularly suitable for family outings.

Overall, the 2018 Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech's core advantages lie in its balanced product strengths: adequate power combined with fuel efficiency, rich feature set (such as 6 airbags, electric seat memory), and space that meets household needs. Compared to competitors in the same class, its safety and comfort configurations stand out, and the price of RM 100,670 offers a certain level of value for money. It is suitable for families prioritizing safety, space, and fuel economy, particularly for those seeking a vehicle for daily city commutes and short weekend trips.

In summary, the 2018 Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech is a "well-rounded" B-Segment SUV with no significant weaknesses. It does not have overly aggressive designs or performance highlights but delivers satisfactory results across every aspect that matters most to family users. If you're looking for a balanced, practical family SUV, it is worth considering for your shortlist.