Category Archives: Peugeot

electric, Motoring, Peugeot, SUV

Peugeot e-2008

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Electric SUV still feels like a winner

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot’s compact e-2008 SUV has continued the firm’s electric revolution, with a facelift and an increase in power. The single electric motor, mated with a 50kWh battery now and a WLTP tested range of 251 miles.

There have been other tweaks and its bold, angular styling and extended grille are finished in gloss black on Active models, while Allure, tested here, and GT trims feature a body-coloured grille design. That is flanked by smart headlight clusters and flared air scoops below.

 The rear as well has an eye-catching look with a full width light bar housing the ‘cat’s claw’ style rear lights. 

Key e-2008 points include:

  • Electric Powertrain: The e-2008 features a single electric motor paired with a 50kWh battery. The power output has been increased to 156hp, providing improved performance.
  • Range: It offers a WLTP-tested range of 251 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for everyday use and longer journeys.
  • Exterior Styling: The SUV has bold, angular styling with an extended grille. Active models have a gloss black finish on the grille, while Allure and GT trims feature a body-colored grille design. The rear also features an eye-catching full-width light bar with distinctive ‘cat’s claw’ style rear lights.
  • Interior: Inside the cabin, there is a feeling of spaciousness and ample natural light due to the generous glass surfaces. The interior is of high quality, with soft-touch finishes and a sculpted dashboard. The e-2008 i-Cockpit has been updated with a new design for the 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and GT versions offer a 3D display. The layout and color of the display can be customized to the driver’s preferences.
  • Infotainment: The central screen includes a large digital touchscreen for controlling major functions such as sound, navigation, climate control, and smartphone connectivity. It features ‘piano’ key-style toggle switches and the familiar smaller multi-function steering wheel. Voice recognition is available for various functions, and there’s a smartphone charging plate.
  • Comfort and Space: The e-2008 is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four adults with reasonable head and legroom. It offers ambient lighting, automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and a high-quality sound system.
  • Performance: While electric motors usually provide instant acceleration, the Peugeot 2008 appears to be slightly sluggish in this regard, taking just over nine seconds to reach 60 mph.
  • Charging: Two types of onboard chargers are available, including a single-phase 7.4kW charger and an optional three-phase 11kW charger. Rapid charging from 0-80% takes 30 minutes with a 100kW charger, or 7 hours 30 minutes with a 7.4kW charger.
  • Handling and Ride: Despite its SUV stance, the e-2008 is described as nimble, with good stability thanks to the underfloor battery position. The ride is slightly firm but comfortable, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.
  • Boot Space: The SUV boasts one of the largest boots in its segment, offering 434 liters of storage space, which expands to 1467 liters when loaded to the roof. It also features a modular split floor for additional storage options.
  • Safety: Peugeot vehicles come equipped with various safety features, including airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Braking Assistance, an exterior temperature indicator with ice warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

The e-2008 still offers a compelling package with a blend of style, practicality, and pretty efficient electric power, making it a competitive choice in the SUV market. The claimed electric range was almost achieved in perfect dry, sunny conditions and driving sensibly. but like all electric vehicles at the moment, when lights, wipers and heater are needed, it becomes more of a problem

Factfile

Peugeot e-2008 Allure

Price: £38,350

Mechanical: 156bhp, electric motor driving front wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 93mph

0-62mph: 9.1 seconds

Range (WLTP): 250 miles

Insurance group: 25E

CO2 emissions: 0

BIK rating: 2%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Family hatchback, Motoring, Peugeot, Saloon

Peugeot 408

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The striking profile of the Peugeot 408 attracted plenty of attention

Striking looks and road presence

By Bill McCarthy

Finding a stylish and technologically advanced car that turns heads is a challenge. Many cars lack the features and designs that make a true statement on the road. 

Peugeot’s dramatically styled 408 had the very unusual event of someone following me into a car park after seeing it drive past.

Convinced by the dark livery and fusion of SUV and fastback that it was the Lamborghini Urus.

You could see his point . . . to a point!

It is a dramatic makeover, sleeker and more aerodynamic.

Plus, the longer and lower dimensions of the car give it a dynamic and aerodynamic shape that exudes confidence on the road. 

Its blend of SUV and fastback elements, combined with its sleek and aerodynamic makeover, certainly contribute to its eye-catching presence on the road.

It offers a balance of stylish design, advanced technology, and decent performance. Its combination of SUV and fastback elements, along with the upgraded interior and safety features, definitely turns heads and makes a statement on the road.

Exterior

  • Dramatic and aerodynamic design with a fusion of SUV and fastback styling.
  • Long and low dimensions for a dynamic appearance.
  • Deep front grille and daytime running lights integrated into the front light clusters.
  • Impressive rear design with cat’s claw style LED rear lamps.
  • Lower bumper gloss black trim and twin chrome exhaust surrounds.
  • Tinted rear glass and smart new alloys enhancing its appearance.

Interior

  • Next-generation i-Cockpit interior with a compact multi-function steering wheel.
  • High-quality fixtures and fittings with logically placed controls and switchgear.
  • Standard features like a 180-degree Colour Reversing Camera, rear parking sensors, Advanced Emergency Braking, and Extended Traffic Sign Recognition.
  • Latest 10-inch touchscreen with the i-Connect infotainment system, activated by voice commands.
  • Navigation with TomTom Live updates, speed camera alerts, and i-Toggle feature for personalized shortcuts.

Performance and Handling:

  • 130bhp three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
  • 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds, max speed of 130mph.
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission with seamless shifts.
  • Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes for different driving preferences.
  • Good handling and comfortable ride with effective suspension.

Practicality:

  • Competitive boot space of 536 litres, expanding to 1,611 litres with rear seats folded.
  • Safety features include stability control, airbags, active safety brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, programmable cruise control, and driver attention alert.

Factfile

  • Peugeot 408 Allure Premium 1.2L PureTechPrice: £32,200
  • Engine: 130PS, 1199cc three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
  • Max Speed: 130mph
  • 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
  • Combined MPG: 41-48
  • Insurance Group: 19E
  • CO2 emissions: 129g/km
  • BIK rating: 30%
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles