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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, Peugeot

Peugeot raises the bar with 308

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Peugeot 308 Allure

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot has always been able to deliver when it comes stylish-looking vehicles. The 308 has always been a strong performer in its hugely competitive segment. It has evolved since it was launched in 2007 and remained one of the better looking cars in its segment.

The latest version however is a dramatic leap forward in terms of style and road presence with some stunning new colours to boot. Trim levels include Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium.

It is a dramatic makeover, and now features a new lion’s head badge to front and rear, (which house the radar sensors used by the autonomous driving aids) for a sleeker look.

It is also packed with state-of-the-art communications and safety kit which flashes up warnings to drivers of impending possible dangers.

Now 55mm longer, it sits 20mm lower than the previous model, which delivers that dynamic and aerodynamic shape. 

The front features a deep grille at the end of a longer, dramatically swooping bonnet, with a clever configuration of daytime running lights among the front light clusters.

The rear is just as impressive with LEDs retaining the familiar cat’s claw style for the rear lamps.

In addition, there is a lower bumper gloss black trim, while the exhaust has twin chrome surrounds

Overall, the lower profile means the vehicle now has a more slippery shape, while tinted rear glass and smart new alloys add a touch of class to the all round appearance.

The interior has also had a major upgrade with the firm’s next-generation i-Cockpit interior with the now familiar compact multi function steering wheel.

Fixtures and fittings are high quality with controls and switchgear logically placed.

Front and centre is the 10-inch touchscreen that houses the i-Connect infotainment system which can be activated by voice commands and controls radio, navigation smartphone connectivity. Navigation includes TomTom Live updates and speed camera alerts and a clever feature is the i-Toggle feature that allows owners to set personalised shortcut keys for functions such as climate, navigation or music favourites.

There are a range of engine options including two plug in hybrids, a diesel, yes diesel, and the 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine powering this test car.

The 130bhp available provides plenty of urge and delivers the familiar raspy sound from the three pot engine under acceleration.

 Is lively enough, hitting 60mph in under 10 seconds and, mated with an eight speed auto box, delivers seamless shifts and decent economy of up to 50mpg, depending on how it is driven.

Drive modes Eco, Normal and Sport can be selected, depending on whether you’re looking for economy or performance.

Handling and ride are good. The 308 has always had good handling manners and the newcomer is no different, feeling well planted on corners, while the ride keeps occupants comfortable while  the suspension works hard to soak up the worst lumps and potholes.

Boot space is competitive within its segment offering 412 litres of space, opening up with the rear seats folded to a substantial 1,323 litres. As ever the split  rear seats open up at the touch of a button.

Safety is key with all models and the new model delivers plenty with  a number of key safety and driver assistance technologies, including stability control, full set of airbags, active safety brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, programmable cruise control and speed limiter and those driver attention alert.

FAST FACTS

Peugeot 308 Allure Premium 1.2L PureTech

Price: £28,825

Mechanical: 265PS, 1199cc, three-cylinder, turbo charged petrol engine driving front wheels via eight speed auto box

Max Speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 43-52

Insurance Group: 19E

C02 emissions: 129g/km

Bik rating: 30%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles