Peugeot 2008 SUV - Engines, drive & performance

Most buyers won't expect their small SUV crossover to be really great to drive, but an experience on a par with a well-sorted hatchback is appealing, and the 2008 delivers on this front. There are no nasty surprises in corners, it's precise and there's plenty of grip on offer. As with most small, supermini-based SUVs, the 2008 is front-wheel drive only, but Peugeot can add a system called Advanced Grip Control with Sand, Mud and Snow settings to help improve traction in slippery conditions. It can also help control the 2008's speed down steep slopes using Hill Descent Control.

Peugeot 2008 petrol engines

Depending on your budget and needs, Peugeot will sell you a 1.2-litre petrol 2008 with either 99bhp or 128bhp. A 153bhp version used to be offered as well. Every 2008 is front-wheel drive, and while the entry-level version is manual-only, the middle petrol is also available with an eight-speed automatic that's standard for the top engine.

All three are excellent, offering smooth power and decent refinement, although it can get slightly louder at higher revs. If you go for the base 99bhp petrol engine, performance is decent enough, with 0-62mph covered in 12.2 seconds.

We've tried the 128bhp and 153bhp versions so far, and the former is our pick of the range, offering plenty of performance for most buyers and getting from 0-62mph in a brisk 10.7 seconds. The top version reduces this sprint to 8.2 seconds, which is quite a bit faster, but the 2008 never truly feels sporty to drive.

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Diesel engines

With 109bhp, the discontinued 1.5-litre diesel has less power than most of the petrol range, but its 250Nm of torque is higher than all but the electric model. It comes fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and is one of the slower engines available in the 2008, taking 10.5 seconds to get from 0-62mph and topping out at 112mph.

Electric motor

The all-electric e-2008 has 134bhp and instant torque, making for lively performance of 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds, which is more than sufficient for urban driving. It's heavier, though - you can read more about how an extra 300kg affects its handing in our in-depth Peugeot e-2008 review.