The French manufacturers are back with the heat. 2021 seems to be the year where automakers are all competing to make the best not only the best looking but, the best driving and best-equipped cars In almost every segment.
I had the opportunity to spend some time bonding with the range-topping model the 2008 GTline to see what it has to offer, and here are my thoughts.
Quick facts
Model : Peugeot 2008 GTline
Engine: 1.2- Litre 3-cylinder Turbocharged petrol
Power & Torque : 96 kW & 230 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption: 6.5L /100km (claimed)
Price: R479 900.00
Exterior
Right of the bat, its presence is definitely something you would not miss, at first sight, some even say that it looks like a prototype car straight out of the design room. The bold and catchy front-end stands out from its imposing 3D grille with diamond effect, a distinctive and unique-looking set of lights, three claws, and sabre tooth design LED lamps and DRLs integrated into the bumper.
to even look cooler the GT Line comes in stylish two-tone body colour with black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and along the body of the car with contrasting silver trims on the doors, black roof with black roof rail, and back electric fold-in side mirrors with integrated turn signal. The high-end GT Line comes fitted with 17-inch diamond alloy wheels
Interior
The Peugeot 2008 interior offers a very refined and premium experience, a well-insulated cabin filled with high-quality materials, and many modern tech features. Boasting a small Flat top and bottom leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel that gives a bit of a sporty feel. I found it to be quite tricky as it sometimes blocks the view from the 3D I Cockpit digital instrument cluster that sits just on top which displays the driving modes, trip computer, and even the 3D Map with a customizable cluster. On the side a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Just below it, a set of non-haptic feedback shortcut toggle switches in piano black for entertainment, vehicle settings, navigation, heated seats control, AirCon,(it can only be set through the infotainment screen ) which is quite a hustle while driving.
Spacious and practical, the 2008 is fitted with comfortable and supportive leather seats which are heated at the front (winter essential). the back seats are also comfortable with enough legroom and headroom even for adult passengers which can be folded to a 60:40 Split to extend the 434L luggage capacity even further.
To top things off, the interior features a customizable mood lighting system with 8 colours, a wireless charging pad, 4 USB ports, 2 at the back and 2 at the front ( one being USB C), contrasting fluorescent-Green stitching along with the steering, seats, dashboard cover and door trims. the 2008 GT Line can also be fitted with an optional panoramic sunroof, for those who enjoy stargazing.
Tech and Safety
Not cutting any corners, the Peugeot boasts a number of passive and active safety features that are not often fitted as standard in most cars of its segment such as, Lane keep assist, emergency braking, front collision detection, blind-spot monitoring and distraction, ABS, EBD, ESP as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor both at the front and back.
The drive
Does it drive just as pretty as it looks?
Oh yes, it does. offering a very smooth ride quality. The Peugeot 2008 GT is well sprung, absorbing bumps and road imperfection with ease. featuring 4 driving modes (Normal. Mud, Sand, and Snow) you will mostly find yourself in Normal mode for most of the time but I am sure that a light gravel or mud road wouldn’t hurt.
The 2008 GTline being the range-topping model comes powered by a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which develops 96kW and 230Nm of torque. The numbers may look a bit shy but trust me it feels just enough for this car. the transmission shifts smoothly but is a bit slow to downshift the addition of paddle shifters would have been really handy here. as for the engine, a slight turbo lag is noticeable but it’s nothing too serious to worry about, the 2008 engine feels very responsive and takes off decently when overtaking.
After driving in mixed conditions and being stuck in slow moving traffic. i managed an average fuel consumption of 8.9L / 100km over the 6.5L claimed by Peugeot.
Verdict
After a wonderful time spent driving the 2008 GT Line, it was quite hard to let it go. it offers an excellent driving experience and is hard to fault as an overall package. competitively priced and offering a ton of features as standard, I believe that the Peugeot 2008 GT Line is the bang for your buck in its segment. it should be worth considering high up on the purchase list.
Pricing
The new Peugeot 2008 range is priced as follows
2008 ACTIVE 1.2T 74kW MT6 – R359 900.00
2008 ACTIVE 1.2T 96kW AT6 – R399 900.00
2008 ALLURE 1.2T 96kW AT6 – R429 900.00
2008 GT 1.2T 96kW AT6 – R479 900.00 (Test-unit)
All prices include a a 5-year /100 000km Warranty and 3-year/60 000 km service plan.
To know more or get o experience the Peugeot 2008, click here to book at test drive
