2016 Peugeot 2008 GT Line Review

Driven: 2016 Peugeot 2008 GT Line

We were invited on the UK launch of the 2016 Peugeot 2008 GT Line to test out this refreshed car. After a full day driving the different variants, here is what we think about this improved car.

What’s is the 2016 Peugeot 2008 GT Line all About?

The Peugeot 2008 has been a great seller for Peugeot as it is simply a small practical car. But there is always some room for improvement and Peugeot have gone to great lengths to close the gap with the latest version of the car.

Peugeot 2008 GT Line

Updates to the range include a refreshed front look with a new vertical front grille and latest design codes from the Peugeot brand; a new colour to the range Ultimate Red, a new GT Line model and 4 Best In Class engines to choose from. The 2008 party trick is the Grip Control system designed to ensure that the car gets maximum grip on all types of terrain. But let’s not forget 2008 is also equipped with MirrorScreen, based on MirrorLink and Apple Carplay, along with the reversing camera, Active City Brake and Park Assist. So it’s not a bad package at all.

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We tested the new GT Line, on the outside the 2008 GT Line has a very clean and bold look about it which makes you forget it takes up only a small footprint on the road. There is plenty of external details on the car to pay attention to. But in the GT Line model they are all dressed in black gloss, the grille, the fog light surrounds and door mirrors, they are all black. The Peugeot 2008 also comes with a roof rack and plastic cladding around the skirt of the car giving the car the off-road look it deserves.

Peugeot 2008 GT Line

The Peugeot 2008 GT Line we tested was powered by a 1.2 litre petrol engine that creates 130 hp and 230 Nm of torque. There is a 6-speed manual gearbox putting that power to the front wheels. This means that the car will get from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and will do a top speed of 124 mph; but most importantly it is able to return a combined economy rating of 58 mpg. We did test other engine variants and gearboxes and there is one to meet everyone’s requirements.

How Does it Drive?

Sitting in the car you have good visibility all round and the seating position is very natural and not too lifted from the road as you may believe you would sit in a compact SUV. The ride quality of the car is really good. The suspension used does a great job of absorbing the potholes. Although we do have a fairly large set of alloy wheels, the tyre profile is still fairly large helping to absorb the bumps nicely. This makes it a pleasurable place to be on long journeys, and it doesn’t appear to have a negative effect on body roll either.

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I became very fond of this 1.2 litre petrol engine in the GT-Line. The car feels like it has lots of power to move about comfortably, it’s a great balance of power and efficiency. Using it with the 6-speed manual gearbox was a great match and the shift was a short cross whilst feeling great in the hand. There is also an automatic gearbox that works really well if you prefer.

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The driving controls are perfectly balanced to enable the majority of people to enjoy the car on both short and long journeys with minimal effort. The overall feel of the 2008, whether you’re in town or on the motorway, is surprisingly comfortable and spacious.

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Does it Work Off-Road?

I was doubtful at first, a front wheel drive car that works well off-road? How wrong could I have been? The 2008 has a grip control system with 5 different settings; normal, snow, off-road, sand, and ESP off.  You can see below how the car worked when tested on very muddy ground and through deep sand.

What’s it Like Inside?

The inside of the 2008 is special indeed; for me, there are 3 big highlights inside the compact crossover. Firstly, the massive panoramic glass roof that makes the car feel twice the size it actually is inside. This is the feature that Peugeot will tell you lets you see the city in a new light; they aren’t lying, make sure you keep your eyes on the road whilst your passengers make good use of the glass top on the 2008. Secondly, the nicely integrated 7 inch multi-function touch screen that controls everything you need to from one pane and really lights up the interior. Thirdly are the LEDs that come on automatically when the side lights are switched on. They light up the dials on the dash, the foot wells, and the guides on the glass roof, giving the 2008 Crossover unique mood lighting after dark, perfect.

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The Experience

The 2016 Peugeot 2008 GT Line experience completely took me by surprise. In the past the 2008, in my opinion, has not been a good-looking car, but I’m happy to say that Peugeot have taken great steps towards improving this with both the face lift and the GT Line model. The car is very practical and very economical which really makes it easier to use the car on a day-to-day basis.

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Verdict

After driving it for a while I recognised where it fits in, it is a good balance of size and practicality, the mpg is great in all engine variants, and the level of tech and comfort is good. For me the biggest reason the Peugeot 2008 will be a success is that it will take on 98% of rough roads and steep gradients that you would ever encounter in your life, and you will still fit in that last skinny space at the local multi-storey car park where all the other full blown SUV’s wouldn’t stand a chance.

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It’s surprisingly capable, reasonably priced and very practical. Again, Peugeot are getting their cars right.

Video Highlights

*Video of another variant testing on the test day.

Specification

2016 Peugeot 2008 GT Line

  • Price:£19,215
  • Engine: 1.2-LitrePureTech
  • Power: 130 hp
  • Torque: 230Nm
  • Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
  • 0-62mph: 9.3 seconds
  • Top speed: 124 mph
  • Economy:  58 mpg
  • CO2:  110 g/km

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Author: Paul Hadley