Peugeot 2008 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's B-segment SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. When choosing a car, consumers not only look for sufficient space for family use but also for mainstream configurations and sufficient power. The 2022 Peugeot 2008 Allure, as a facelifted model, is not only larger in size compared to the previous model but has also upgraded its intelligent safety features and digital cockpit. In this test drive, we focus on whether these upgrades are practically implemented and whether it can stand out in the same class.

Starting with the exterior, the 2022 2008 Allure is 141mm longer and 31mm wider than the 2018 model, with a wheelbase extended to 2605mm, giving it a more elongated visual impression. The front fascia features Peugeot’s family-style frameless grille with a lion logo embedded in the center. The LED headlights and daytime running lights on both sides are seamlessly connected, making it highly recognizable. The body side lines are sleek, with a waistline running from the front to the rear, adding a touch of dynamism to the side profile. The 17-inch wheels are paired with 215/60 R17 tires, ensuring proportional harmony. The rear LED taillights adopt a "lion claw" design, which is striking when lit at night, and the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds to the ruggedness of the SUV.

Stepping inside the car, you first notice the brand-new i-Cockpit cabin design. The fully digital instrument panel replaces the previous analog dials, offering clear information display with interchangeable interface styles for different driving modes. The high-positioned 7-inch touchscreen on the center console requires less downward gazing during operation. Below the screen, some physical buttons are retained, making it more convenient to adjust the air conditioning compared to fully touch-based controls. Regarding interior materials, the upper parts of the door panels and dashboard are wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel decent. However, the seats are manually adjustable, which is less convenient than the electric adjustment of the previous model. The rear seat space performs well; a 175cm-tall passenger can sit with two fists of legroom to spare, and their head won’t touch the roof. The floor panel in the middle is not too raised, so temporarily seating three people is fine. The trunk has a capacity of 405 liters, 45 liters more than the previous model, and can fit two 28-inch suitcases along with a few backpacks without issue. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, providing additional space and making it practical for family use.

In terms of power, the 2022 model is equipped with a 1.2T three-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 130 PS and a peak torque that outputs at 1750 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response during start-up is brisk, and pressing the accelerator immediately brings in the turbo, making city driving or overtaking relatively easy. When driving on the highway at 120km/h, there’s still some power reserve for further acceleration. There are three driving modes: Economy, Normal, and Sport. In Economy mode, the throttle response is slightly slower, making it suitable for fuel-efficient city commuting. In Sport mode, the transmission delay is reduced, and the power delivery becomes more direct, suitable for those occasional spirited drives. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson independent setup. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the jolts, delivering a softer feedback instead of feeling overly stiff. On the highway, the body remains stable, and the roll is well-controlled during cornering. The steering accuracy is also commendable, making day-to-day driving quite effortless.

In terms of fuel consumption, during our test drive of approximately 200km in mixed conditions, the displayed fuel consumption was 6.8L/100km, which is not much different from the official figure of 6.5L. In urban congested areas, it was around 7.5L, while on highways, it dropped to about 6L. For a 1.2T SUV, this fuel economy performance is considered acceptable. The safety configurations are a highlight of this car. It comes standard with 6 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. These features are not commonly found in B-segment SUVs at the same price point and provide substantial protection during daily driving. As for noise insulation, the car performs well at low speeds in urban areas. However, tire noise becomes slightly noticeable at high speeds, though it does not affect normal conversations.

To sum up, the core advantages of the 2022 Peugeot 2008 Allure are quite evident: it offers significantly more space compared to the previous model, comprehensive safety configurations, adequate power, and economical fuel consumption. Compared to its rivals like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross in the same segment, its intelligent safety features are more abundant, and its price is more competitive. However, the absence of rear air conditioning vents is a minor drawback. This car is suitable for families prioritizing balanced performance or young individuals looking for a well-equipped, easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicle. If your budget is around 130,000 MYR and you're looking for a spacious, safe B-segment SUV, the 2022 Peugeot 2008 Allure is worth considering.