Category Archives: Vehicle type

Crossover, Porsche, SUV

Classy 2008 steps up the quality

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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

Citroen, Family hatchback

C4 quality shines through on epic drive

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Citroen C4

By Bill McCarthy

HAVING been lucky enough to drive the newest Citroen C4 at the UK launch, it was good to be able to give the French newcomer a more extended run.

That was over several hundreds of miles and if I was impressed originally, that extended run further emphasised the qualities of the this compact family car.

Already impressed by the stunning looks, the question was, is it good enough to take on the market leaders in one of the most competitive segments?

Going up against formidable rivals such as the Golf, Focus and Astra, not to mention its own stablemate the Peugeot 308 is a tough call, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the C4 is a classy alternative. It is simply one of the best looking cars of its type on the road, and with a choice of petrol, diesel and pure electric versions, it has plenty to offer.

The 1.2 litre, three cylinder engine powering this model proved itself with flying colours. Delivering 130bhp, it offers pace, flexibility and diesel-like economy, with an average of around 48mpg, unheard of in petrol cars not so very long ago.

For a smallish engine there is bags of grunt and low-down torque making it an excellent motorway cruiser with great overtaking potential while it was just a doddle to potter around town. The raspy roar from the twin exhausts also delivers a pleasing sound under acceleration. which is not too shabby either, the car hitting 60mph in a shade under nine seconds.



The styling is bold and ambitious and designers have combined hatchback practicality with the muscular styling of a crossover/SUV and swooping, coupe-like sleekness. 

The near range topping Shine model driven here, like the rest of the range, puts the emphasis on comfort with the firm’s specially padded seats with hydraulic cushions, a softish, but comfortable ride and high quality fixtures and fittings.

 Despite its sporty profile, comfort is very much a key factor from the comfortable seats, wide wraparound effect dash and soft touch finish to doors and dash and ambient lighting giving it an upmarket feel. 

There are 20 driver assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist and a level-two semi-autonomous system that incorporates adaptive cruise control and lane keeping.

 Inside, the centre point is a 10-inch touchscreen which controls the major functions of the car like infotainment, connectivity and navigation.

 Connectivity is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while a full HD camera, which can take photos or video stored on a 16GB memory card, is built into the rear-view mirror.

As a hatchback it is practical with a 380 litre boot, where capacity can be increased to 1,250 litres by folding the rear seats. It is also packed with equipment from creature comforts to comprehensive safety kit and neat touches like the head-up display on this model.

Factfile

Citroen C4 Shine

Price: 24,010

Mechanical: 307bhp, 1199cc, 3-cylinder, petrol engine driving front wheels via six speed manual gearbox

Max Speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 8.9 seconds

Combined MPG: 47.3 – 54.7

Insurance Group: TBC

C02 emissions: 120-135g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles