Porsche | On the road

Peugeot 2008 GT Line

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot is on something of a roll at the moment. Traditionally it has taken on mainstream producers like Ford, VW, Vauxhall, Renault etc, but now the firm seems to have loftier ambitions with quality more usually found in the executive market.

Their designs are pretty stunning, from the 208 right up to the 508 and all the double 00s in between, with the latest 2008 being something of a showstopper. It features some of the high-quality finish you would normally expect in a premium model.

The latest compact SUV features bold, angular styling with a large grille 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. There is also tinted glass to the side and rear.

The interior has the kind of upmarket feel you would associate more with German executive motors, offering plenty of space, high levels of equipment and fixtures and finishes to match anything in its class.

It comes in three trim levels, Active, Allure GT Line and GT and various powertrains including PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesels, as well as an all-electric version.

The car driven here featured the surprisingly gutsy, but economical 1.2 litre three cycling Pure Tech engine, mated to an eight speed auto box.

The interior is high quality, with soft touch finish to dash and door and sculpted dash and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit that includes a large digital touchscreen which controls major functions such as sound, sat nav, climate and connectivity for smartphones. It also features ‘piano’ key-style toggle switches for main functions and the now familiar smaller multi-function steering wheel.

It also offers voice recognition for various functions and a smartphone charging plate. All are well equipped with this model offering ambient lighting auto air con, powered door mirrors, heated front seats, chromatic mirror, automatic headlights and wipers and plenty more including a high quality sound system.

The interior is light and roomy with plenty of glass areas and can accommodate four adults who all have reasonable head and legroom.

On the road, the tested 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine proved a lively performer, hitting 60mph in under 10 seconds. The throaty rasp of the three pot unit adds a sporty dimension.

Economy is good too, with real world consumption of around 47 mpg. Despite sitting higher off the road, the car feels nimble enough while the ride is slightly firm, but not uncomfortable. It proved a good long-distance cruiser, sitting comfortably at higher motorway speeds, with road and wind noise at a minimum.

The boot is one of the biggest in the sect with 434 litres. It also has a modular split floor and for extra storage space the rear seat fold to offer a maximum space of 1,467 litres. The boot level is at a good height to allow for easier loading.

Peugeots are also packed with safety kit, which includes a full complement of airbags, assisted braking and stability control, enhanced braking features, exterior temperature indicator with ice warning, blind spot monitoring.

Quite a package which has taken a good product and made it even better. It still looks and feels like a winner.

Factfile

Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech GT Line

Price: £27,730

Mechanical: 130bhp, 1,199cc, 3 cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 122mph

0-62mph: 9.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 43-48

Insurance group: 19

CO2 emissions: 132-148g/km

The predatory look of the latest Porsche Cayenne

It came as a bit of a surprise when the Cayenne first burst on the scene some 17 years ago.

But it was an SUV with attitude and soon proved its worth with sales, not to mention performance associated with the brand and became a best seller.

A complete departure, a bulky SUV where sleek sports had previously driven sales.

Performance however, was, and is, still startling. Not only that, with its complex four wheel drive system, it proved itself more than capable of the rough stuff and no doubt still does.

The first one I drove was around Brands Hatch racetrack with a professional driver, so any doubt about the vehicles sporting pedigree was dispelled in seconds.

Revamped for 2019, the latest version is sleeker, slippier through the air and altogether more aerodynamic. The original curved profile has been replaced with sharper lines and angles and a new grille and light clusters, giving the car a more predatory look.

The rear has been completely redesigned. with rear light clusters using use state-of-the-art LED technology.

The interior is typically luxurious with full electrically operated and heated leather seats and soft touch finish throughoutwith new features including the Porsche Advanced Cockpit control concept.

The centre console glass surface gently slopes upwards and featuring touch-sensitive buttons for direct access to the most important functions. like suspension settings.

Above that is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), with 12-inch touchscreen display and includes an online navigation module. Behind the multifunction Sports steering wheel is the instrument cluster.

There are also two high-resolution display screens that display virtual instruments, maps and other information functions like infotainment, smart phone connectivity and navigation. Voice controls are also available while the central analogue clock remains.

The other buttons and switches are too numerous to mention, the car is a riot of hi tech gizmos and wizardry.

There are a number of versions, including a hybrid and all pack an exceptional punch.

This S model with its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 enginedelivers a stonking 440bhp and pins you back in the seat as it powers what is a heavy vehicle to 60mph in just over five seconds and on to, well a speed you will never reach, maybe even not at Brands Hatch.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox slips seamlessly through the gears, although you can switch to manual with the steering wheel paddles.

It also packs 550NM of torque, which will pull just about anything and making it great for towing. A really versatile motor.

On the road the cars handles beautifully, especially when you slip it into sport mode, one of three options available, and adjust the suspension. There’s surprisingly little wallowing on corners and occupants as well protected from road, wind and engine noise intrusion.

Off the road, it is more than capable. Not tried out this time but past experience shows its four wheel drive capability canmore than handle the rough stuff, not that many are likely to.

Sports performance and SUV practicality. A full five seater, the rear seats fold 40/20/40, to increase a generous 745 litres capacity 1,710 litres. The boot opening is wide and reasonably low for easy of loading.

Despite seeming to have just about every driver accessory, this model still managed to pack in an extra £13,000 of goodies, Well, I suppose if you can afford the initial £68,000 outlay, the extra won’t break the bank.