A facelifted version of Peugeot’s Ford Puma rival has been spotted testing and is expected to be unveiled in late 2023
- New look with revised Peugeot logo
- Improved range for e-2008
- Anticipated debut in late 2023
The small SUV segment is one of the hottest in the car industry right now and Peugeot has decided its entry into the ring is due for another update. The Peugeot 2008 was refreshed as recently as 2021, however, this upcoming facelift could bring even more significant changes including a new look, updated infotainment, and improved electrification across the lineup.
Due to arrive towards the end of 2023, we’ve already spied the new Peugeot 2008 out testing, which gives us a good idea of what we can expect from this new car. As before, the Peugeot 2008 will be available with petrol power and sold alongside a fully-electric e-2008 model. Combustion-engined variants will go on to compete with the likes of the Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq, while the facelifted e-2008 will renew its rivalry with the Kia Niro EV and the new Smart #1.
As you can see from our exclusive images, the front of the car will remain largely unchanged – hence the lack of camouflage. We may see some minor tweaks, though, likely in the form of a new grille stamped with Peugeot’s updated shield logo. Its headlight signature could also be changed; although, it’s almost certain it will retain the Peugeot ‘lion’s claw’ aesthetic.
The differences will be more dramatic around the back of the car; heavy camouflage signifies the rear bumper will be thoroughly redesigned. The test mule’s tail lights have been disguised, too, hinting at the fact that they are likely to undergo a transformation, too. Instead of utilising vertical strakes of light, it’s possible the 2008 could instead adopt the more horizontal tail light signature of the new Peugeot 308.
Stepping inside and we don’t expect the changes to be all too radical. The dual-screen infotainment system from the 308 hatchback could also make its debut in the 2008, with the second display replacing the set of physical shortcut buttons below the main touchscreen. The i-Cockpit digital instrument cluster will remain, however, along with the unusually small and square steering wheel that sits beneath it.
Perhaps the most significant updates will come under the bonnet, as we expect the 2008’s 1.2-litre petrol engine to gain 48-volt mild hybrid technology. This will not only benefit fuel efficiency but may even provide a small boost in power output.
The plug-in Peugeot e-2008 is also set to get a larger 54kWh battery, which first appeared in the mechanically-similar Jeep Avenger. While the current Peugeot 2008 needs to be charged after a maximum of 214 miles of driving, the Jeep Avenger can go 248 miles on the WLTP test cycle. Therefore, it’s possible Peugeot’s small electric SUV could have a range of around 250 miles – while this would be a useful improvement, it’s still around 30 miles less than a Kia Niro EV. Power is also set to be bumped from 134bhp to 154bhp, which should bring the 0-62mph time down by a couple of tenths to under eight seconds.
Keyword: Peugeot 2008 facelift to usher in new design and increased electrification