Peugeot 2008 refined and enhanced

Peugeot has revamped its small SUV, the 2008, broadening the car's appeal with the highly regarded 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine now specified for all variants.

Peak power (81kW) for the new engine is just 7kW shy of the previous 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that was the sole automatic drivetrain option for the 2008. What the new engine lacks in outright power it more than makes up in torque, its 205Nm outgunning the four-cylinder engine by 45Nm.

Fuel consumption of the Euro 6-compliant engine is officially rated at 4.8L/100km, which Peugeot claims to be a 1.7-litre improvement on the 1.6. The company says too that the three-cylinder is 12kg lighter than the 1.6.

And delivering what the buying public has wanted all along, the turbo engine is matched to an Aisin six-speed automatic across the three-variant range.

The new engine replaces all three engines offered for the 2008 previously, which means there's no longer a diesel option – and manual transmission ceases to be offered as an alternative to the standard automatic. According to Peugeot Australia General Manager Kai Bruesewitz: "in that segment the petrol auto is the one to offer.

Already available through local dealers, the revised 2008 has also been facelifted and comes with additional equipment for 2017. Initially, the revised model will only be offered in entry-level Active and mid-range Allure levels of trim, but the flagship GT-Line, which replaces the previous 2008 Outdoor, will join the range late in March.

All models are now fitted with a reversing camera and 'Mirror Screen' infotainment technology, incorporating MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay. The Allure and GT-Line grades gain standard satellite navigation, Active City Brake (autonomous emergency braking) and Grip Control – a multi-mode traction control system.

As measured against the previous 1.6-litre variant with automatic transmission, the new 2008 Active ($26,490) has risen in price by $1000 – largely offset by the 'PureTech' engine, the standard automatic and the extra equipment. Peugeot's local distributor claims the upgraded 2008 represents a hike in value worth $2000 retail. Prices are unchanged for the 2008 Allure ($30,990) and GT-Line ($32,990).

The 2008 Active comes equipped as standard with 7.0-inch infotainment screen, trip computer, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, Digital Sound Processing, MirrorLink/Apple CarPlay, black cloth upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, reverse-parking sensors, reversing camera and electric mirrors with fold-in function. Additionally, the base model is fitted with front/rear fog lights, cruise control/speed limiter, leather-bound multi-function steering wheel and a chilled centre console.

Moving up one grade, the 2008 Allure adds the following items: Park Assist (self-parking), satellite navigation, Active City Brake (autonomous emergency braking up to 30km/h), 17-inch alloy wheels, Grip Control (a multi-mode traction control system), static cornering lights, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, electrochromatic mirror, rear privacy glass, dual-zone climate control and premium fabric upholstery.

And when the 2008 GT-Line lobs in March, it will additional feature the following kit: GT-Line-specific fabric upholstery with red stitching, red highlights for interior door handles, seat belts and handbrake, leather-bound steering wheel with red stitching, 'Redline' theme for infotainment screen, alloy door sill plates, alloy sports pedals, red LED-lit instruments, black highlights for roof rails/rear door trim/spoiler/mirror shells, chrome exhaust, exclusive rear bumper and gloss black grille surround.

Peugeot distributor Sime Darby is understood to be considering the Active City Brake system for the base-grade 2008 Active.

Optional features include satellite navigation (for 2008 Active) $1500, panoramic roof $1000, leather seats $2200, and metallic paint ranging from $990 to $1050.

Peugeot is marketing the 2008 in Australia with a five-year warranty. Bruesewitz says that the distributor expects to build local sales of the 2008 from well above the 60 units a month sold during the car's first year on sale. For much of last year the small SUV was selling between 30 and 50 units a month.

"The 2008 SUV was always highly regarded for its smart packaging and stylish looks. Now, with new technology, a new model line-up and an all-new powertrain the 2008 becomes the complete package for Australian customers, says Bruesewitz.

"We have already proven with our 208 and 308 model lines that Peugeot’s award winning PureTech, turbo-petrol 1.2-litre engine can compete with the larger capacity engines of our competitors and there is no reason why this segment shouldn’t benefit from Peugeot’s advanced drivetrain.

"We are very excited about the introduction of the new-look 2008 range as it signals a significant year for the Peugeot SUV stable with the all-new 3008 and 5008 following hot on the 2008’s heels, Bruesewitz concluded.