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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

Nissan, SUV

Even more X-Factor from classy SUV

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Nissan X-Trail

By Bill McCarthy

There are some vehicles you take a shine to, only for them to disappoint when upgrades come along. The X-Trail certainly does not fit into the category for me. One of my favourite cars, this SUV continues to improve and now in its fourth generation has joined the electrified revolution.

While not a full-fat off-roader, it is available in two or four-wheel drive and in that mode, more than capable of tackling all but the roughest terrain, while remaining very much a family friendly vehicle.

There is the full hybrid version and a mild hybrid, both operating with a 1.5 litre three-cylinder engine.

It’s a novel hybrid setup with power to the front wheels in this model coming from the electric motor, which is constantly charged by the petrol engine, ensuring electric vehicle style instant response from the accelerator and improved economy.

It delivers stunning performance for the size of vehicle. The combo delivers 213PS and whisks the vehicle to 60mph in around seven seconds. Economy is also excellent with around 43mpg comfortably achievable.

It is a large vehicle with capacity for up to seven adults, although this model was a five-seater, and it now looks better than ever, with 19-inch alloys, black V-shaped e-POWER signature front grille, combined daytime running lights and indicators, rear privacy glass, satin roof rails, and chrome trim to door handles, side mouldings and window surrounds.

The interior is smart and functional and feels solidly constructed.

It is competitively priced at just over £32k for the entry level which model is well equipped, but this Tekna model has virtually all the bells and whistles. These include a bird’s-eye view parking camera and head-up display, through to heated leather seats, heated leather steering wheel black wood dashboard trim, ambient lighting and electric sunroof. 

The centrepiece is a 12.3 display which controls smartphone connectivity, infotainment and navigation, and is supplemented by a 12.3 inch TFT screen which provides real-time information for the driver.

Dials and controls are well laid out, logical and sturdy while the whole cabin remains light and airy thanks to large glass areas, which offsets the dark interior. 

Head and legroom are good with access, while in practical terms, it ticks most of the boxes. In addition to all the drink holders, pockets and cubby holes, the boot with the third row of seats folded offers 575 litres of space.

This can be further increased with the 60-40 split second row folded down and accessed by the powered tailgate.

In addition, the second row of seats slide backwards and forwards allowing extra stowage space, or just extra legroom for taller passengers. A further clever touch is the stowage area which has various configurations to keep loads secure.

For a two-tonne lump of metal acceleration is exceptional and while this kind of vehicle will not handle like a sports car, it remains fairly stable with only a trace of wallow on sharp bends.

Safety kit is comprehensive with a full complement of airbags, traction control, automatic braking and a hosts of alerts and alarms and automatic interventions.

Factfile

Nissan X-Trail Tekna e-POWER

Price: £43,110

Mechanical: 213ps,1498cc, 3-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via automatic transmission

Max Speed: 111mph

0-62mph: 7.2 seconds

Combined MPG: 42.2

Insurance Group: 31E

C02 emissions: 152g/km

Bik rating: 34%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles