Peugeot 4008 2012 Review - International

Peugeot 4008

What we liked
>> Suspension compliance
>> Front styling treatment
>> Offroad capabilities

Not so much
>> Engine and wind noise
>> Rear styling treatment
>> Still some body roll

OVERVIEW

It's not the first time the pair has worked together, either. See the Peugeot 4007, which shares its DNA with the Mitsubishi Outlander -- ditto the Peugeot ion and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. And there's more to come...

In the instance of Peugeot's latest compact crossover, the 4008, we find underpinnings familiar to those beneath Mitsubishi's ASX. The platform is essentially unaltered from the CJ series Lancer chassis on which the ASX is based and the drivetrain, at least on those models coming to Australia, is also shared.

But in the case of the 4008 there are several differences, such as minor suspension tweaks, decor alterations and a new body. As panels go, the rear window is interchangeable, and the windshield, A-pillar and doors are also the same, though the doors get more sound insulation materials.

Distinctively styled by Cristian Gudima, the Peugeot 4008 adopts many of the design cues seen in the Peugeot 208 including the feline-inspired fascia and floating grille. Add to that cat-claw-inspired tail lamps and a distinctive offroad character (note the body sill protectors and flared wheel arches) and it's easy to appreciate the breadth of 4008's appeal -- not bad considering the model's gestation period was a little over two years.

And we'll get to drive before most other countries, as it's slated to arrive locally mid-2012. Indeed, the 4008's Australian debut will occur ahead of its home market, and eventually 50 other markets, which is a nifty result of the model's Japanese-based production.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
>> Competitive kitty
Locally, Peugeot will offer the 4008 in two grades: Active (mid-spec) and Allure (high-spec). Much of the detail of just what equipment will be offered in each is still a closely guarded secret, though early indications are that the list will be quite generous.

In Europe, 4008 models feature a choice of 16- and 18-inch alloy wheels depending on spec, plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls, front fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, auto wipers, auto headlamps, cruise control, cloth heated seats and a full-size spare wheel.

Up-spec models add a Rockford Fosgate premium audio package, leather upholstery, touchscreen navigation, xenon headlamps, Bluetooth telephony, parking beepers, reversing camera, keyless entry and a panoramic glass roof.

Local pricing and specification will be announced closer to the 4008's local launch in early June, but as a guide, Mitsubishi ASX is priced from $25,990 to $36,990 (MRLP). The car's sub $30K entry price, coupled with the high demand of the segment, should, according to Peugeot, be enough to help bolster local sales somewhere in the vicinity of 20 per cent.

MECHANICAL
>> Not so spoilt for choice
Globally, Peugeot 4008 will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive variants. There will be a choice of two petrol and two diesel four-cylinder engines. CVT and manual transmission options are also available, as is idle stop-start on selected models.

In Australia the choice will be limited to a solitary 2.0-litre petrol married to a CVT transmission, and choice of 2WD or 4WD formats.

Despite the option of 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre diesel (and 1.6-litre petrol engines) in overseas markets, the lack of an automatic transmission was cited by Peugeot as reason enough to offer just one drivetrain option locally.

That option is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, again shared with the ASX.It is married to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) split into two- and four-wheel drive variants. In the latter, 4008 is offered with an on-demand (electronic controlled) all-wheel drive arrangement split into three modes: 2WD, 4WD and LOCK. Respectively, these split the drive between the front and rear wheels by 100:0, 85:15 and 60:40 per cent.

Two-wheel drive models return a combined average fuel consumption figure of 7.9L/100km while emitting 185g/km of CO2. On four-wheel drive models, this increases to 8.1L/100km and 192g/km.

Peugeot says that in addition to widening the track of the 4008 the only other tweaks are stiffer suspension and steering, improved NVH attenuation, while the stability control and ABS have also been recalibrated due to different steering and suspension settings.

PACKAGING
>> From renovator's delight to urban chic
For its size, the 4008 offers a considerable wheelbase (2670mm) and broad track (1545mm front and 1540mm rear) from which to elicit decent occupant and cargo space (416 litres).

The compact SUV measures just over 4.3 metres in length (4340mm), 1800mm in width and 1635mm in height, making it 45mm longer and 30mm wider but identical in height to ASX.

For those with offroad inclinations, you'll be pleased to know the 4008 offers 200mm of ground clearance.

Staying with the offroad theme for a moment, we find 4008 offers an approach angle of 19-degrees, break-over angle of 19-degrees and a departure angle of 31-degrees.

Weight changes see 4008 record a lighter tare weight than its Japanese derivative, tipping the scales between 1305 and 1495kg depending on variant -- which is a significant 40kg lighter at the entry end and 61kg at the up-spec end when compared to the Mitsubishi.

Inside the cabin, 4008 is dimensionally identical to the ASX allowing 970mm of headroom up front and 920mm at the rear. Storage cubbies, drink holders and the seating configuration are likewise unchanged. The majority of the switchgear is identical to that of the ASX though chrome and piano black garnishes, soft-touch materials, higher grade cloth trim and a Peugeot-specific steering wheel liven things up considerably.

SAFETY
>> Five-star car
Offering seven airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes and traction control the Peugeot 4008 shares the same five-star EuroNCAP safety rating as the Mitsubishi ASX on which it is based.

Mitsubishi's RISE body structure is carried over, giving the compact SUV deformable front and rear zones and a reinforced waist line. All seat positions are equipped with three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners up front and anti-whiplash head restraints for all five occupants.

Outboard rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX child seat preparation while three top-tether mounts are also fitted.

COMPETITORS
>> To stand out in a crowd...
The compact SUV segment is bustling and Peugeot, not content with the bitumen-biased 3008, says it's pleased to offer a more adventurous challenger to the near-endless array of same-sized rivals.

Despite its proportions, Peugeot has Volkswagen's slightly larger Tiguan in its sights, citing larger cargo capacity (416-litres vs. 395-litres) as a major drawcard.

Otherwise the competition is extensive. To name a handful, Peugeot will face competition from the likes of Ford Kuga, Holden Captiva5, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Dualis and X-TRAIL, Renault Koleos, Skoda Yeti, Suzuki SX4, Toyota RAV4 and of course Mitsubishi ASX.

Whether or not the lack of a diesel option in Australia will hurt 4008's sales is not yet clear.

ON THE ROAD
>> Cool for cats
The Peugeot 4008 quickly presents a composed ride on the rough and tumble back streets surrounding the UNESCO protected town of Sintra in Portugal. Narrow lanes and cobblestone streets do little to upset 4008's ride, though we did notice some vibration intruding into the cabin that sent the odd buzz through the multitude of hard plastics in the lower dash and door trims.

Winding through the Sintra Mountains, 4008 feels collected, the steering presenting improved weight when viewed against that of the ASX, but still devoid of all-important road feel. The tiller was also slow to return to centre.

The lateral transition of weight through corners does little to upset the car's grip, even in 2WD mode, but body roll is apparent.

The CVT transmission, as if geared to favour economy, is better operated manually via the chunky steering column-mounted paddle shifters, but even then tends to let 4008 "run on" down hills.

When climbing, 4008's 2.0-litre engine struggles with the mass of the vehicle, gaining pace slowly until on the flat and level. Here, things improve, though overtaking is still a considered effort.

Both factors hurt 4008's fuel economy average, too. Our initial testing pushing fuel consumption well into the mid 10L/100km range.

On smooth, flowing roads 4008 cruises quietly with little of the coarseness from the CVT and engine experienced under the duress of the hill climbs. Wind noise, however, is always present.

A short offroad detour showed 4008 to be a capable contender, keeping its cool over varying surfaces. A steep climb and descent demonstrated ample clearance at approach, break-over and departure.

Despite its chiseled good looks and earnest efforts towards improved dynamism, the Peugeot 4008 still feels decidedly close to the origins from which it is drawn. With a diesel option still over the horizon, realistic pricing and a generous spec sheet could be the model's only salvation in this frenetically competitive segment.

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