Peugeot 2008

Ever since both the Peugeot 208 and the Renault Clio IV came last year, it seems that these two really knows how to outdo themselves by showing off some of their additions. For high-performance versions, Renault launched a new generation Clio RS 200 with some EDC rubbishness according to hardcore Renault fans, which later got alienated by a 3-door only Peugeot 208 GTi. Now, for the FWD crossovers Peugeot wants to outdo the Clio-based Captur crossover with this car...

2014 Peugeot 2008

It's this; it's called the 2008 and the name is somewhat misleading to historians because even though this car is an all new model, the name of the car kinda feels like it was made in 2008. (Pun intended, whatever)

While the name is pun intended because it's the name which is somewhat a year in gesture, the 2008 was made to answer against the Renault Captur but I was wondering, is there something redeeming that the Renault Captur doesn't have?

Let's start on the outside because while the Captur is pretty much like a Clio on steroids, the 2008 is a nippy little crossover that has the looks of a chubby little girl who has her own TV show on the telly. Sorry about that but never mind about that because it doesn't look so bad though. It's not as bad as last year's 208 compact hatch but if you let that little hamster out of the window, chances are that he'll mock about the 2008's front view. Yeah, right. You'll be laughing at hamster mocking about its face, that's for sure.

2014 Peugeot 2008

The 2008 can be powered in either a 1.2L VTi, a 1.6L VTi, or a 1.6L e-HDi engine with three different configurations. Whatever floats your boat with either of these engines, there's nothing wrong with either of those but there are some few issues with those engine types. First of all, the 1.6L petrol engine that powers it is nothing more of a less powerful version of the engine found on the hot 208 GTi but despite that, it feels a bit well relaxed. It's like the La Salette Shrine in Silang, Cavite. Anyway, enough about that, another issue was its diesel engine because it adds a hundred kilograms to the weight, therefore it wasn't quite as agile as a hot hatch but if you're focusing on the carbon malarkey, it's not half bad.

As a crossover hatchback like the Captur, the 2008 is available only in front-wheel drive but for those who want to take it out for a bit of "adventure time" with you and me (obviously), more expensive versions come with Peugeot's Grip Control which works similar to the one I found on the Renault Scenic XMOD. It has four different modes; Snow, Off-Road, Sand, and ESP Off, and it can be switchable at the turn of the dial. It's like a Range Rover in so many ways and it's not quite bad for the adventurous type of person but because this is FF-only, it lacks the ruggedness of a normal SUV but let's just forget it.

2014 Peugeot 2008

So, those engine types were okay for the 2008 but as for the ride, it's not quite bad if you're careful and its Grip Control system is somewhat more of a traction control switch rather than being a terrain response you get in the Range Rover but what's it like to be on the inside? Well, this is just like the 208 compact, just, then there's room for five passengers, there's an extra rear space for passengers at the back, very practical boot space for luggage purposes, and the one thing that will redeem itself, the touch screen as seen on the 208. Yep, that addictive feature as seen on the 208 can be found on the more expensive versions and that's more like it for those who are up in the beat for music and anything else such as telematics and vice versa.

As for the pricing, the intro price for the 2008 is 15,200 Euros so that is well cheaper than the Renault Captur rival but you need to spend some extras for some optional extras on it. But still, it's a bargain for those who can't afford a Captur.

Available colors; Blanc Banquise, Noir Perla Nera, Gris Artense, Spirit Grey, Bleu Virtuel, Brun Makaha, Gris Platinum, and Blanc Nacre.

So, there we have it folks, the Peugeot 2008 can be an alternative for the Renault Captur because of its pricing but for adventurous use, it takes a man and a woman to be wise enough to use it on the urban jungle but not for any ridiculous purposes such as taking it to the extremes because this is not a worthy offroader thanks to the fact that it's available only in FWD, which is much like the Captur or the Scenic XMOD.

With Peugeot back in the Philippines, expect the 2008 to come here very very soon...

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen