Facelifted Peugeot 2008 revealed

Stellantis has ripped the covers off a facelifted version of the Peugeot 2008 compact SUV, revealing a surprisingly aggressive new aesthetic for the French brand’s smallest high-rider as well as a series of cabin technology and electrification upgrades.

Punctuating the new design is a completely reworked front-end featuring a chunkier front bumper flanked by three ‘claw’-style daytime running lights, the French brand’s new grille and logo, a frowning new headlight arrangement for GT variants and refreshed alloy wheel designs.

This sharpened aesthetic is replicated within the cabin by the latest version of the Peugeot i-Cockpit concept and an updated i-Connect infotainment system accessed via a 10-inch infotainment interface (up from 7.0-inch on the lower grades).

Wireless smartphone mirroring is standard on all variants, and an extra USB port has been added to help keep more occupants connected while on the go.

All of these tweaks and upgrades are pretty well par for the course for a mid-life update, but the big news is the power and efficiency enhancements made to the range-topping, battery-powered e-2008 courtesy of a new battery and electric motor combination.

The new battery has an increased capacity of 54kWh (up from 50) whereas the new motor dishes out 115kW (up from 100kW), combining to yield both an increase in performance and a fresh 406km effective range, the latter marking an improvement of 61km.

The 2008’s 100kW DC and 11kW AC charging capabilities have remained steady compared to its predecessor, but the bigger battery has negatively impacted the charge times.

Leaving the pint-size Pug hooked up to a DC fast-charger for 30 minutes will take the battery from 20-80 per cent – instead of 0-80 per cent – while a 7.4kW wallbox will take a claimed four hours and 40 minutes for the same effect.

No changes have been made to the global 2008 combustion line-up as part of the update, however, there will be a new hybrid powertrain added to the range early in 2024 comprising a new-generation 101kW petrol engine and a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated motor.

Exactly when this or any other facelifted 2008 variant arrive Down Under remains to be seen for now, given Peugeot Australia is yet to confirm a local release.

“The Peugeot 2008, including the e-2008, is an important part of our ongoing range in Australia,” a company spokesperson told carsales.

“Anticipated launch details for the facelifted 2008 including timing, pricing and specification will be confirmed at a later date for the Australian market.”

That means the updated 2008 range could be a while away from Aussie roads, and early adopters of the pre-facelift e-2008, which is due to arrive in the third quarter of this year, will need to settle for the EV’s current exterior, interior and powertrain.

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