Peugeot 2008
Credible performance on the road makes 2008 a contender
There’s less than £200 difference in list price between the Peugeot and Renault, but the 2008 feels a far higher-quality product. Rugged looks are backed up by a better balance between performance, handling, comfort and economy, and it can handle modest off-road work thanks to the mud and snow tyres and Grip Control system.
On its test debut, the top- spec Peugeot 2008 Feline was beaten by the Skoda Yeti. So how will the mid- spec Allure compare to the Captur? Unlike the Captur, it’s clear that Peugeot made a more concerted effort to make the 2008 look like an SUV. The squared-off nose, more upright styling and roof rails give it a chunky look, and it seems more grown-up than the Captur.
However, what looks like a raised roofline above the back doors is merely for effect as there’s no extra rear headroom. Step inside, and the 2008 has a better-quality feel than its rivals, with gloss black trim on the centre console and decent switchgear lifted straight from the 208. The blue-ringed dials are a neat touch, but you have to drop the steering wheel into your lap to see them properly. There’s more room in the 2008 than in the Captur.
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The car in our pictures is in Feline spec with leather trim, but Allure models can be had with similarly coloured fabric trim, while the panoramic roof is a £400 option. The 2008 has more passenger space, but there aren’t as many storage cubbies and the door bins are shallow. The boot is slightly smaller, too, and the plastic runners set into the carpet mean items are more likely to slide about, especially as there aren’t any bag hooks.
On the road, the 2008 has a distinct power advantage over both rivals here, and it was the quickest at the track. This was helped by the closer ratios of the six-speed gearbox, although the clunky shift action was similar to the Renault’s, and doesn’t feel great.
On the whole, though, the 2008 proved to be more capable than either rival here, as it strikes a better balance between comfort and handling. Direct steering and minimal body roll mean the 2008 is stable in corners, yet the suspension still soaks up bumps reasonably well. It’s not quite as comfortable as the Captur when cruising on the motorway, but it runs it close.
Plus, our car came with £300 optional 17-inch alloys, so the Allure’s usual 16-inch rims should be even more comfortable. The standard Grip Control system is designed to give the front-drive Peugeot some light off-road ability, but while it was better than the Captur, this is more down to the Grip Control-equipped car’s standard-fit mud and snow tyres.
In terms of costs, the 2008 and Captur are fairly evenly matched. There’s only £150 between them on price, although sat-nav is a £400 option on the Peugeot, yet it gets a DAB radio as standard. Fuel economy of 48.9mpg on test was excellent, but residuals are poorer and tax costs are slightly higher. And while Peugeot can’t match Renault’s 4+ warranty and servicing scheme, you can buy a 2008 via its Just Add Fuel personal lease plan. It’s a decent package, but is it a winning one?
