The compact SUV with an exhilarating design (Photo: Lakshmi Sekhar/The Edge Malaysia)
There is no denying that the new Peugeot 2008 is a good-looking car. Launched earlier this year, this subcompact SUV was unveiled at the new Peugeot Glenmarie 3S Flagship centre by Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd. Options took the chance to test drive this new model on a recent road trip to Kuantan.
The vehicle we were assigned came in the exclusive shade of Orange Fusion — the other colour options are a sleek Amazonite Grey, a pristine Pearl White and the classic Nera Black. The bright orange hue really makes it stand out; not only does it look stylish, but it also made the car easy to find in a crowded parking lot. For a compact model, the Peugeot 2008 has quite a presence, thanks to its strong design. The distinctive front grille and artfully crafted bonnet give the car personality, followed through with the brand’s signature three-claw design of the full-LED lighting technology in the front and rear.
The body of this car is painstakingly sculpted, and elements such as the characteristic arrow lines on the back and front doors produce a dynamic feel. Its assertive nature is emphasised by the unique rear design that includes a twin chrome exhaust system and a rear bumper diffuser finished in glossy black. The sporty aesthetic is complete with 17in Black Onyx and Diamond Cut rims and handy roof rails.
peugeot_2008_2019_319_fr.jpg
With the advanced keyless entry, one need only walk towards the driver’s door with the key in one’s pocket to activate the auto unlock while walking away secures the car automatically. It is a hands-free system that is especially useful when you are carrying too many things and your key is deep in your handbag or pocket.
Despite being a more compact SUV, the 2008 has a rather spacious boot with enough room for four to pile in luggage for a two-night getaway. Should you need more, the 60:40 rear folding seats will give you that little extra. There is ample storage too — from the usual suspects like door pockets and glovebox to the space under the centre armrest and in front of the gear stick. The only drawback is that the cup holders are between the gear shift and armrest. So, if your water bottle is in place, it can get in the way of the gear shift should you be resting your arm.
On the first entry, it took a good while getting the driver’s seat to the position desired, as well as the right height of the steering wheel to perfectly see the 10in Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D instrument cluster display, which has several modes to choose from and can be customised to individual preferences. The hologram feature on the instrument cluster makes it easier to see warnings and your speed as it prioritises information according to importance.
Cruising on the winding turns of the Karak Expressway, the Peugeot 2008 handled beautifully. Fitted with the award-winning 1.2L three-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engine, this car has a strong 130hp and 230Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a quick-shifting, six-speed automatic transmission for a smooth ride. No matter the mode — Eco to increase driving range, Normal for everyday comfort or Sport, which has maximum power and torque — the 2008 is easy to manoeuvre.
peugeot_2008_my2022_int.jpg
Besides the smaller towns and large plantations, the journey to Kuantan was dotted with interesting stops for food, such as in Bukit Tinggi and Bentong, or nature-filled adventures, including the Sungai Pandan waterfall, a majestic and multi-tiered spectacle that can get quite crowded on weekends.
Unfortunately, on the way to this scenic sight, we passed some invasive work that was hacking away at the natural landscape of the area, with tall mountains of gravel and felled trees tossed to one side. Saddened, we pushed on to the waterfall, which made us appreciate the beauty of the environment all the more.
The car handled the gravelly and uneven roads well, and we carefully manoeuvred through the crowded areas. With the assistance of parking sensors and a 180° rear camera, there was absolutely no issue finding the perfect spot.
The highlight feature of this vehicle has to be the Peugeot i-Cockpit which, other than the instrument cluster, has a large HD touchscreen infotainment system that can easily be connected to your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Playing our favourite tunes on Spotify and having the screen project directions from Waze made the journey all the more seamless.
On Normal mode, it took a half tank of fuel to reach our destination in Kuantan. As the sun beat down on us, we made full use of the Single-Zone Auto Climate Control; however, it took quite a while for the backseat passengers to enjoy a cooler environment. The piano-style gloss black painted toggle switches were easy to use even while driving.
peugeot_2008_2019_365_fr.jpg
Apart from the sensors and compact steering wheel — which was comfortable to handle and grip — numerous other safety features make the Peugeot 2008 stand out. These include Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Active Safety Brake — as well as the Electronic Stability Programme, which includes the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.
The new Peugeot 2008 offers a pleasant drive, and the exterior design makes it quite an imposing and distinctive vehicle. This model is locally assembled at the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah, where it has undergone extensive endurance and quality tests. It has also successfully passed 200,000km of testing in our tropical climate, so what more can we say in its favour?
The Peugeot 2008 is available for RM126,753, without insurance.
This article first appeared on June 6, 2022 in The Edge Malaysia.
