We say goodbye to the Peugeot 2008 GT Sport, one of our favourite long-term cars of 2021.
- Totally charming and engaging 1.2-litre three-cylinder married to…
- … a smooth and seamless eight-speed auto
- Brilliant interior design that looks and feels premium
- Can’t get past the dinky tiny cupholders
- It’s pricey for the (mainstream) small-SUV segment
- Second-row amenities are lacking
It wasn’t without a tinge of sadness that we waved a fond au revoir to our long-term 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport. Over the months of our custodianship, we fell in love with the little French SUV, its blend of driving engagement, refinement and interior comfort irresistible.
With most of our long-term loan spent in lockdown, we had the perfect canvas for testing the Peugeot 2008’s likely best-case use scenario. Sadly, a planned road trip had to be cancelled thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, so we were unable to test its mettle on longer runs.
| Key details | 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport |
| Price (MSRP) | $43,990 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Vertigo Blue |
| Options | Panoramic roof – $1990 Premium paint – $1050 |
| Price as tested | $47,030 plus on-road costs |
| Rivals | Audi Q2 | Lexus UX200 | Volvo XC40 |
First a refresher course. Our long-term 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport serves as the $43,990 range-topper. Our car comes fitted with an optional panoramic roof ($1990) and a premium coat of paint, Vertigo Blue metallic, a $1050 option. As tested? $47,030 (plus on-roads) or around $51,500 to $52,500 drive-away give or take depending on where you live. That places the 2008 firmly in the premium small-SUV category where it does battle with the Audi Q2, Lexus UX200, Mini Countryman and Volvo XC40.
Interesting, then, that the Peugeot 2008 range is classed in the sub-$40K small-SUV segment where rivals include the best-selling Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-3, all of which undercut the 2008 on price, and by a good margin.
Even at entry-level Allure trim, which wants for $34,990 plus on-road costs, the Peugeot 2008 is priced well above its segment rivals. And in a segment where price is king, the 2008 struggles to gain traction among buyers’ consideration lists.
And that’s a shame, because in our eyes, the 2008 really belongs in the luxury small-SUV segment where its levels of refinement and equipment stack up comparably against premium rivals.
| 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 434L seats up / 1467L seats folded |
| Length | 4300mm |
| Width | 1770mm |
| Height | 1550mm |
| Wheelbase | 2605mm |
Our long-term Peugeot 2008 GT Sport certainly makes a compelling case for itself as a premium small SUV. On price alone, it undercuts similar offerings from Audi, BMW, Volvo and Lexus, all in a package that is undoubtedly drawn from the luxury car playbook.
Equipment levels are healthy and on a par with the premium players.
Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black, LED headlights and tail-lights, nappa leather seats with front-seat heating and driver’s massaging function, a 10-inch infotainment system, wireless phone charging and ambient lighting.
There’s also push-button start, smartphone integration via wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio, in-built satellite navigation, and a good suite of advanced safety technologies headlined by high-speed autonomous braking (up to 140km/h) with pedestrian (up to 60km/h) and cyclist (up to 80km/h) detection as well as low-light capability. There’s also speed sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
It’s hard to define premium, but there’s an inherent plushness to the 2008 GT Sport’s interior that speaks to the ethos. The quilted nappa leather seats look good and feel even better to sit in. Contrast stitching and carbon-weave accents add to the overall cabin ambience, while ergonomically most things are laid out intuitively and within easy reach.
The ‘piano key’ shortcut buttons that live under the 10-inch touchscreen make navigating the system easy, while we even grew accustomed to Peugeot’s signature small steering wheel.
The digital driver display featuring Peugeot’s 3D interface is a peach. The graphics are crisp and clear, while a variety of driving data and information can be toggled through the customisable screen.
The 3D display is more than just a novelty too. It looks a treat but also acts as a vital component of the 2008’s safety systems, highlighting critical information such as collision alerts and other safety warnings in the foreground. Those alerts really grab your attention. We like it.
| 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2019) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP |
Not everything is peachy inside, however. The cupholders up front are too small, while the cupholders in the second row don’t exist. In fact, back seat passengers score little in the way of amenities – no cupholders and no air vents – but it is spacious back there with enough room in all critical areas to ensure comfortable touring. There are also a couple of USB plugs in the second row helping to keep devices topped up.
Boot space is commendable, too, the 2008’s 434L/1467L comparing favourably against segment leaders like the Mitsubishi ASX (393L/1143L) or, if we’re playing in the premium segment, the Audi Q2 and its 355L/1000L.
| At a glance | 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport |
| Warranty | Five years / unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months / 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $1433 (3 years) | $2466 (5 years) |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 6.1L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 8.1L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane petrol |
| Fuel tank size | 44L |
But, the 2008 GT Sport’s real charm lies under the bonnet where its 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol never fails to elicit a smile. It makes 114kW and 240Nm, and an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels.
As well as its thrummy engine note, redolent of three-cylinder engines and one that never fails to elicit a smile, the three-cylinder turbo petrol is an eager and willing mill. Acceleration is zippy, responsiveness too, while the eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and refined.
Zooming around town is not only easy, but also filled with delight as the engine gruffs along to a symphony of its own making, and one that is hard not to like.
On the highway – what limited highway running we were able to get in – the 2008 proved an accomplished tourer, settling into a nice rhythm without feeling overly stressed. Ask the question of the drivetrain combo for an overtake, say, and the 2008 GT Sport is responsive and eager to get moving, all while grumbling along like an angry hornet. It’s delightfully orchestral and an experience matched by its responsiveness.
Peugeot has done a commendable job, too, with the 2008’s suspension tune. Around town, the 2008 never felt harsh or crashy and swallowed up minor lumps and bumps with ease. So too speed humps and bigger potholes that were dispatched easily, the 2008 settling back onto its wheels quickly and without fuss or fanfare.
Peugeot claims the 2008 GT Sport will use just 6.1L/100km of premium 95-octane unleaded on the combined cycle. As we’ve already stated, our limited highway running meant our almost exclusively urban months spent with the 2008 saw an indicated 8.1L/100km. That’s a fair bit over the brand’s claim (although not too far off the claimed 7.7L/100km urban consumption claim), and we’d expect to get a little closer with extended highway running.
Peugeot covers the 2008 range with its standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Peugeot’s Service Price Promise asks for $2466 for the first five years or 75,000km of scheduled servicing, or around $500 per annum.
| Key details | 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT Sport |
| Engine | 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 114kW @ 5500rpm |
| Torque | 240Nm @ 1750rpm |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Eight-speed torque converter automatic |
| Power to weight ratio | 90.2kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 1287kg |
| Tow rating | 1200kg braked / 660kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 10.4m |
Our original review of the Peugeot 2008 GT Sport praised its drivability and character, while also commending interior comfort and design. We loved – and still do – its exterior styling and we loved – and still do – just how premium it looks and feels inside.
We lamented the 2008’s small steering wheel, and yet over the months of our long-term ‘ownership’ not only became accustomed to it, but enjoyed its feel and style. So much so that jumping into any other car would elicit a ‘what the hell is this giant round thing in front of me?’ response.
That said, the cupholders are still too small (try storing a regular-sized keep cup, as an example, or a larger takeaway cup), while the lack of second-row amenities (no armrest even? C’mon Peugeot) does grate a little.
Still, being afforded the opportunity to spend months behind the wheel of the little French SUV highlighted just how good the Peugeot 2008 GT Sport is. It became the perfect accompaniment to our extended lockdown period – a capable and willing around-town runabout that was not only a pleasure to drive, but also largely practical and comfortable.
The 2008-sized elephant in the room is its pricing, which sees it straddle the mainstream and premium brands. When viewed through the lens of mainstream brands, yes, the Peugeot 2008 is an expensive proposition, especially in this top-spec GT Sport trim.
But, view the little SUV through the premium lens and suddenly it not only makes sense, but makes a strong case for itself. Make no mistake, there’s nothing mainstream about the Peugeot 2008 GT Sport. It just might be the premium SUV segment’s best-kept secret.
À bientôt, ma petite chérie.
MORE: Long-term report one: Introduction
MORE: Long-term report two: Cabin comfort
MORE: Long-term report three: Around town
MORE: All long-term reviews
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