2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport Full Review

I loved this car when we previewed it last year, and I love it even more now, 2008 is Peugeot’s best kept secret. 2008 comes in 2 models, the Allure, and range topping GT Sport.

People buy SUVs with the idea of heading off into the yonder for some shootin, fishin, ‘n huntin. They never get farther afield than the gravel carpark at a country pub. Why then, is there such an obsession with AWD? Simply put, AWD gives grip on gorgeous roads as easily as it does on the filthiest mud track. If you want to go further, you’ll need proper 4WD. The trouble is Peugeot has none of it. Now it is part of Stellantis, there is an AWD system somewhere in the group to be had surely.

More Stellantis and other GayCarBoys Stories

Does that really matter?

For most of us, no, and never will.

AWD uses slightly more fuel, fooling the frugal into thinking SUVs sans AWD are as capable, but they are not. So, if they can’t really go into the tough stuff, what good are they? Consider this: Since most SUVs live most of their lives in town, and country trips are few and far between, 2008 finds itself in a market that competes directly against hatchbacks. Now, that is a whole other argument. Suddenly, 2008 becomes a good prospect.

Above: This Week 2021 2008 GT Sport Video Review

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ABOVE: 2021 

Does Peugeot 2008 Look Good?

2008 is probably the best-looking Peugeot, with the 508 coming a close second. It is possibly the best looking SUV, period.

For the sake of the story, let’s call it a high-riding-hatchback. There is that little extra ground clearance, and a slightly higher roof, which give the impression of light and space. GT Sport gets the good headlights the allure misses out on. LED cells sparkle, with cat’s claw DTRLs and indicators. Rear lights are similarly arty with 3 big cells continuing the 3-claw theme.

There are built-in roof rails which add the finishing jewellery to the jet-black paint job. Every little black dress needs something sparkly up top.

2008 GT Sport adds a stunning set of 18” wheels, also in black. While other paint themes look great, this black on black looks positively evil.

With wide, muscular shoulder, it looks fast. In fact, 2008 looks much faster than it actually is.

Is 2008’s cabin luxurious?

The cabin is utterly delicious.

There is no sign of tacky plakky bits. What you see and touch, has the feel of class. Peugeot has learnt a lesson about skimping on the good stuff. Seats are comfortable, and if you didn’t know more expensive, larger Peugeot SUVs could be had, you’d think 2008 was pretty special.

2008 scores the latest version of i-Cockpit. The 3D digital driver’s panel may not be quite as reconfigurable as some LCD dashboards, it feels cutting edge in a Star Trek kind of way. The 3D effect is created by a 2nd LCD screen at an angle, the reflects data in much the same way an HUD does. The theory is simple but the effect is stunning.

Rear space is snug, but plenty for shortish road trips. The driver gets powered adjustment, and every switch is easy to find and use.

The cargo hold can stow 1467L with the rear seats down, and there is a 44L fuel tank and 16” spare wheel under the floor.

How does 2008 drive?

Here is where I get just a wee bit cranky. The 1.2L 3 cylinder comes in a 96kw/230Nm and 114kw/240Nm version. OK, that’s not the end of the world, but why on earth would Peugeot glue a 6-speed automatic on to the 96kw car, and an 8-speed in the other? What is this madness?

As a result, the GT Sport is a much better drive, though neither is exactly a rocket. 0-100 is done in 8.7 seconds for the top model, with a combined fuel figure of 6.1l/100k. Oddly, the entry level Allure is slower, at 9.3 seconds to 100, and uses more fuel with an economy of 6.5L/100k. the lower spec engine/transmission should GET.IN.THE.BIN.

Ride is delightful, with MacPherson struts at the front. I said in the video that I thought 2008 might have had Mulitlinks at the rear, but after referring to the spec sheet, I find to my horror that it uses deformable crossmember. In other words, a torsion bar. No, this is unmitigated folly isn’t it? Normally I’d say yes, but Peugeot has a history of making silk purses from sow’s ears. Their 206 GTI 180 has a torsion bar rear end, and it went around corners like it was being sucked to the road. 2008 is the same.

Steering is sublime. There is just the right amount of force when you want it, and it varies with the drive mode you select.

There are driver aids and active safety, and full list, GET THE BROCHURE HERE

Blind Spot Monitor was a trifle moody. It simply refused to work. Despite restarting the 2008, the Blind Spot remained out of service. We checked the safety menu to find the system showed it to be in the ON position. Peugeot advised us to toggle it off then on again, like all good help desks. Sure enough it worked and the system blinked into life.

The Manufacturing Error

What was unknown at launch was that 86 2008 GT Sports had suck into the country with no lane centering or active cruise control. They will be much missed, specially the Stop and GO function which is the traffic jam function. That allows the cruise control to bring you to a stop, then set off again when the traffic moves.

There had been too much red wine at lunch that day, but it can’t be fixed after the fact. So, in addition to the 2 fully spec’d models, there is a GT Sport Launch Special.

When we asked Peugeot about this, we received this:

“Peugeot Australia has been advised of a variation in specification due to a manufacturing irregularity in relation to the Peugeot 2008 GT Sport.

 

“The impacted vehicles do not feature Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Active Lane Keeping Assistance.

 

“There are 86 vehicles that are impacted and will be known as the “Launch Special” Peugeot 2008 GT Sport. These vehicles will have a reduced Manufacturers List Price of $41,990.

 

“The factory has advised us that additional quality controls have been implemented to help minimise the occurrence of variations in specification occurring.”

 

You could get cranky about such incompetence, or, you could grab a bargain.

Is it Value for money?

There are cheaper SUVs of this size. They may have more power, and might even be better equipped. However, none will be as classy or as nice to drive.

Conclusion:

I adore the 2008. I love everything about it. I love the looks, the cabin, and I even love the modest performance. What surprised me the most is that I have even gotten used to the i-Cockpit, something I thought I would never do.

Price: $41.990 as tested (launch Special)

Engine: 1.2L 3 cylinder

Trans: 8-speed auto

Econ: 6.1l/100k

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