Peugeot 2008 1.6 THP Sport (2020)

[Inkriql]

There is no doubt: the SUV segment is the one that has grown the most in recent years. There is more and more competition, more sizes and more options. In that area, Peugeot occupies a small but stable place in terms of market share, as explained in the presentation of the restyling of 2008. That market share is the one that they aim to conserve and, if possible, increase participation . I was able to cover that launch and I had the feeling that Peugeot Argentina was satisfied with little.

Days later C.C. He summoned me to take charge of the 2008 test, to finish closing the circle with this product. The tested version is the 1.6 THP Sport which, as of the date, is priced at 1,176,656 pesos, thanks to a current bonus of just over 170,000 pesos over the list price.

Then the full review.

OUT

The big change with respect to the version released in 2016 (read review) is in the front and I like it. Grill more straight, look more aggressive, decidedly the new tube likes 2008 (2020), but the rest is happy with little. The loss of chrome is something that favors it, it gives it a better appearance. Looking at the profile, this kind of "hump" is kept on the rear windows, now in black and that is merely an aesthetic detail. The rear has practically not changed, something that would have been good to accompany the front restyling. Of course, all this based on tastes.

The wheels are made of 16-inch alloy with Hydre design with 205/60 R16 tires. In the case of the unit tested were the Goodyear Efficient Grip.

The external dimensions remain the same. In my opinion, 2008 is the most rural of SUVs, but we all know that the term "rural", "family" or "break" is no longer used. Beyond nomenclatures and other herbs, the new design is much more attractive ahead than behind.

INSIDE

The i-Cockpit is what Peugeot calls the design that has been applied in the interiors of its models for a few years. It is based on the driving position, where the steering wheel is below the dashboard, so that the driver deflects his attention as little as possible from the road. Some time ago I had tried it for a hundred kilometers on the Peugeot 308 S GT (see review), courtesy of C.C. upon the return of a photo session in one of our secret spots (?). At that time it seemed fine, comfortable, although I had to get used to it.

In 2008, however, I did not find the return. I prefer to drive with the seat as low as possible and in 2008 I would have preferred that the cushion had dropped a few inches more. The steering wheel, small diameter, is comfortable, good grip, but I was low. Yes, I know that the idea is that, but measuring more than 1.80, it is not necessary the steering wheel so low to see above an instrument panel that is already located in a high position for the normality of the habitats.

I mean, I never finished being completely comfortable behind the wheel of 2008. It was not impossible to drive, but I think that on a long trip I would not have had a good time. Do I get a pedigree? Be able to regulate the steering wheel higher and lower the seat. If you want more about 2008 and the i-Cockpit you can read the review of C.C. of the 2016 model (see here).

Let's go back to the rest of the cabin. The seats are upholstered in a mix between leather and fabric. They are very nice and comfortable, although a little narrow in the upper part of the backrest in the front seats. The dashboard is easy to read and includes an on-board computer with consumption and autonomy data. One detail: the cruise speed control commands are hidden by the steering wheel, which is why we recommend learning what each button is with the car stopped, so as not to be doing weird things while the vehicle is running.

The multifunction screen is 7 inches and comes without its own GPS, but with the possibility of connecting Waze or our favorite browser through Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Personally I would have preferred a smaller screen, but more “deceived” with the car's design. They are details that make me noise in this and several other cars that, in order to offer a larger screen, leave aesthetics and harmony aside.

Under the screen controls the dual zone climate control and below a 12v socket. It only comes with a USB connector, next to the screen. Something that sounds a little in a young car and in 2019, where each car occupant needs to charge the cell phone.

The habitability of the rear seats is good, without being extremely large. The backrest can be folded to enlarge the capacity of the trunk, but in one piece, not by thirds or halves. Speaking of the trunk, it is quite wide and under the floor comes the help wheel with sheet metal rim and temporary use (185/60 R15). With it in use, it cannot be circulated at more than 80 km / h.

SECURITY

The 1.6 THP Sport version comes with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, hill start assist, ESP, Isofix fastenings in the rear seats, backup camera and rear parking sensors, five head restraints and five inertial seat belts and fog lights. Quite complete if we add the Grip Control with stability and traction control that helps to have better performances in difficult terrain.

The rest of the 2008 versions still do not offer stability control. Autoblog does not recommend the purchase of cars without ESP.

There are no crash test results performed by independent agencies for this model or the previous one.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The 1.6 THP engine (turbonaftero with intercooler) of 165 horses and 240 Nm is the best there is in the segment and its surroundings. Agile, powerful and, as if that were not enough, with limited consumption.

The six-speed manual gearbox accompanies, although the handling is not entirely straightforward. It does not bring many complications but - perhaps a detail of the unit tested - that the selector was like "run" to the right. The elasticity of the engine is very good being able to start from very low in high changes without suffering jerks or rare reactions. Just push and go.

BEHAVIOR

I had read a lot about the 2008 front train before getting into this unit and I had distrust ahead of time. The truth is that either I was suggested or this unit was not as problematic, as I read to several.

2008 is a Peugeot. Its almost null sound aboard when it is regulating and the city and highway ride make it clear. The only "weird things" I noticed on the front train were in very uneven terrain or in more demanding brakes than usual and with an irregular floor. Nothing that would make us lose control of the car, much less, but the feeling is not beautiful.

The 2008 THP is a good car for the city despite being an SUV. Agile, relatively small size, with good visibility, it helps to move in traffic and it is easy to find a place to park. The excellent turning radius and ease of maneuvering with a very assisted steering is greatly appreciated, so that the smaller radio steering wheel hurts less.

On the route, walking is everything, the engine is always available with its 165 HP and the consumption is not high: 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers at 120 km / h, they are not bad. In town you need 9 liters per 100 kilometers to get around.

The engine power is noted in the figures. Accelerates from 0 to 100 in 8.7 seconds and reaches a maximum of 208 km / h.

On dirt roads it feels good, although with the details already mentioned of the front train. The clearing, without being a pure 4 × 4, is more than good for rural roads, always looking at the floor to avoid large stones that we would avoid with any car or pickup, simply because we do not like to break anything.

We believe that an automatic transmission could not hurt this model and engine. We will have to wait until November, when that option will arrive, with the six-speed Aisin box and torque converter.

CONCLUSION

The restyling of 2008 likes the tube very well and transforms it into the transition model towards the new 2008, which has just been presented in Europe (see photos).

The engine and the trunk make the difference with respect to its competitors, which outperform it in design (some) and in price (several). During the presentation, the people of Peugeot put it above the Renault Duster ($ 1,021,100 Privilege 1.6 4 × 2), and the Ford Ecosport. On the same level as the VW T-Cross ($ 1,164,350 manual Confortline version), Citroën C4 Cactus ($ 1,146,500 the Feel Pack model), and Renault Captur ($ 1,061,000 for version 1.6). Above, the 4 × 4 versions as the Jeep Renagade.

The driving position continues to weigh heavily on who writes at the time of this final conclusion. For the rest, it is a good option within the segment of the SUV girls, that we used to know as "break", but now nobody calls them that. But as soon as we accelerate the 165HP we forget many of those things and have fun behind the wheel of an agile and powerful car. And I close stealing a phrase from C.C. two years ago: "It is as if Peugeot told us that adventures can also be enjoyed, even if they are well paved."