Peugeot has revealed the facelifted version of its most popular SUV, the new 2008.
The update brings an exterior redesign, more advanced equipment, and four powertrains including an all-new electric motor – with the selection to be expanded in 2024 with an introduction of a hybrid system.
The automaker’s South African arm confirmed to TopAuto that the updated 2008 is going on sale in the country, but that the specific launch timing is still unconfirmed at this point in time, as well as the model range and powertrains.
In the European market, the new Peugeot is launching in “the summer of 2023” – around the same time we have winter – so don’t expect it to make landfall locally before temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere start picking up again.
What’s new
Available in Active, Allure, and GT trims, the facelifted 2008 is the second model to adopt Peugeot’s “signature light” up front.
All variants now feature three vertical “light claws” integrated into gloss black inserts on the bumper, and the range-topping spec sees LED illumination in this area for the first time to lend it a distinctive look.
Moreover, the redesigned manufacturer emblem at the front is wider than before and includes a new pattern that connects to the headlamps.
Here, the Active also has horizontal bars in gloss black, whereas the Allure and GT get vertical highlights in body colour which extend to darkened inserts around the edges.
The taillights were reimagined, too, showing off three LED sections housing horizontal slats, as were the alloy wheels.
The Active now rides on 16-inch “Noma” alloys, whereas the Allure and GT boast 17-inch Karakoy rims, all featuring a four-spoke centre stamped with the Peugeot crest.
Additionally available is a new colour pallet comprising Artense Grey, Black Perla Nera, Elixir Red, Okenite White, Selenium Grey, and Vertigo Blue – with the GT as standard coming with a black bi-tone roof.
Opening the door reveals a cabin that itself has seen several changes and upgrades.
All derivatives of the new 2008 get renewed, more “upmarket” seat fabrics, and Alcantara upholstery is now offered as an option on the GT.
Moreover, the mid-range and flagship trims are treated to a 10-inch digital instrument cluster – the Allure still has analogue gauges – and a 10-inch central touchsreen is now equipped as standard across the line-up.
Once again, in the Allure and GT, this screen brings all the abilities of Peugeot’s latest i-Connect infotainment system such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, onboard TomTom navigation, natural voice recognition, over-the-air software updates, and connected services.
In the Active, it provides radio and telephone functions.
The multifunction steering wheel further shows off the automaker’s new badge, and in the centre console sits a reworked manual gearshift knob with improved ergonomics for the models that do not change their own gears.
The Grip Control programme is also new and provides access to three driving modes namely mud, sand, and snow.
Additional standard fittings on the Active include rear parking assistance and automatic air conditioning.
The Allure then sports front parking assistance, more USB sockets for a total of four, and it can now be optioned with a 15W wireless charger instead of the previous 5W.
The GT is equipped with the wireless charger as standard, on top of an HD parking camera, keyless access and start, electric mirrors with welcome lighting, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warnings with correction, driver attention alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
Depending on the market, the new 2008 has four drivetrains on offer including one 1.5-litre diesel, one electric, and two 1.2-litre petrols.
The petrol engines produce between 75-96kW and the lesser-powerful one is sold in six-speed manual guise only, while the more powerful one can also be had with an eight-speed auto-box.
The diesel makes 96kW, too, and is exclusively sold with the automatic transmission.
As for the all-new electric foundation, it takes the form of a 54kWh battery hooked up to a 115kW motor and provides a maximum driving range of 406km.
On a 100kW DC public charger, the configuration replenishes 20-80% in 30 minutes, whereas on a 7.4kW AC wallbox the same state of charge is achieved in four hours and 40 minutes. A 3.2kW plug takes this up to 11 hours and 10 minutes.
Early 2024, Peugeot also plans to introduce a new hybrid setup that matches the 96kW petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system for improved fuel consumption and more spirited acceleration.
While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, we expect to see the new 2008 with the 96kW petrol unit in South Africa as that is exclusively what’s available on the current model.
Keyword: Facelifted Peugeot 2008 coming to South Africa – What’s new