It’s finally here. The first all-new Peugeot model under new local distributors Bermaz (or BAASB, to be more accurate) is an entrant into the highly competitive B-segment SUV space, but the 2008 swings in with a few tricks up its sleeve to win over new customers.
Locally assembled in Gurun in a facility that was taken over by Peugeot parent company Stellantis in 2021, the 2008 arrives in a single Allure variant for RM126,753 (inclusive of the 100% SST exemption) on-the-road without insurance. Exterior highlights include 17-inch wheels, bi-LED headlamps, LED vertical ‘fangs’ fog lamps, LED taillights, and a body colour palette of four: Amazonite Grey, Nera Black, Pearl White, and the eye-catching Fusion Orange (pictured here).
You’ll notice this 2nd-generation 2008 wears a much more contemporary design as well that’s more athletic thanks to its use of angular lines and a front end that much more closely resembles the 3008 and 5008 facelifts.
Powering the 2008 is a revised version of the 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech 3-cylinder petrol engine that saw action, albeit briefly, in the previous-generation 2008 and 208. However, power has been bumped to 130hp and 230Nm with drive going to the front wheels via a proven 6-speed automatic sourced from Aisin.
It should be a pretty well-rounded powertrain for city and highway use that combines ample torque with fuel economy. Peugeot claims average fuel consumption of up to 4.5-litres/100km (NEDC), giving it pretty good theoretical range from its 44-litre tank.
Peugeot is steadily pushing the brand upmarket and the 2008, despite it being the smaller of their vehicles, is no exception. Much like the exterior, the interior seeks to impress with a premium look and feel. There are leather seats as standard alongside soft-touch plastic, piano black inserts, as well as faux carbon fibre trim on the various interior panels. There's even ambient lighting for front passengers but unfortunately there's no rear air conditioning vents.
The i-Cockpit dashboard layout takes centre stage here, combining an elevated instrument binnacle and a smaller steering wheel for uninterrupted visibility of the '3D' 10-inch digital cluster. Meanwhile, perched above the centre stack is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, piping audio through a 6-speaker system.
The 2008 also comes with a rather comprehensive offering of active safety features including Autonomous Emergency Braking (called Active Safety Brake), High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and even Driver Attention Warning.
All that’s missing here is a 360-degree camera system, dynamic radar cruise control, and maybe even a sunroof that’s available in some markets. However, these additions would increase the price significantly that it might no longer remain competitive among its segment rivals.
The all-new 2008 comes with a 5-year or 100,000km manufacturer's warranty and 3 years or 60,000km free maintenance, whichever comes first.
Still, there is a possibility that additional variants such as the sportier GT-Line or GT will be introduced down the road for a little more visual appeal and variety in the range.
From what we can discern about Peugeot’s growing line-up under Bermaz, the 2008 is just the tip of the iceberg. We already know that the e-2008, a fully electric version of this model, should be coming in the later stages of this year, and we have yet to see the much-rumoured 508 and Landtrek in any official capacity.
There’s more to come from Peugeot in 2022, that’s for sure.
Keyword: 2022 Peugeot 2008 Launched In Malaysia, First All-New Model Under Bermaz - RM127k