Peugeot 2008 SUV - Interior & comfort

If buyers are drawn in by the 2008's striking looks, the interior could well seal the deal. Its sharp design and quality make most rivals feel dated, especially the i-Cockpit instruments. These create a 3D effect by using two screens, with the speed appearing to float above the other information. Quality is class-leading, with only the Mazda CX-30 offering a similar quality and finish for the money.

Refinement is strong overall, except for a small amount of whistling from the door mirrors at high speeds, while the suspension does a good job of coping with bumps, even if it's a notch firmer than the Renault Captur.

Peugeot 2008 dashboard

As before, the quirky interior of the 2008 sees the instruments sit above the dashboard, with a small steering wheel beneath them. Some drivers may find their seating and steering wheel position partially blocks this display or makes getting in and out difficult, so it's a good idea to take a test drive and see if it suits you.

Elsewhere, the interior impresses with neat touches like the piano key buttons for frequently used features, contrasting stitching (depending on trim) and plenty of soft materials instead of hard, scratchy plastics. The graphics for the central infotainment screen aren't bad, but it's a shame functions are hidden in occasionally bewildering menus and that the sat-nav is somewhat confusing. Even normally straightforward tasks like adjusting the climate control can seem a bit fiddly, especially when pressing the temperatures on the screen doesn’t give you all the same air con functions as using the piano key button.

Equipment

The 2008 is offered in Active Premium, Allure Premium and GT trim levels at the time of writing; an Allure trim previously sat between the first two, and the GT Premium range-topper isn’t currently on sale. Equipment is very generous, with even the basic version getting 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, folding door mirrors, LED headlights and a basic version of i-Cockpit including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Allure Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels and gloss black exterior trim, the full i-Cockpit display, part leather-effect seats, rear privacy glass, a height adjustable passenger seat, a reversing camera, and automatic emergency braking (AEB). Buyers looking at the now-discontinued Allure version will find it gets a traditional set of dials rather than the fancy digital display.

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GT trim cars get several style upgrades including more aggressive bodywork and a black roof. Lime green stitching contrasts with the rest of the interior, which features a lot of carbon-effect trim, while ambient lighting with eight colours illuminates the interior at night. There's also some impressive technology, including a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen display, sat nav, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, full-LED headlights and wireless smartphone charging.

The range-topping GT Premium trim was exclusive to the top petrol and electric versions and adds a choice of 18-inch alloy wheel designs, twin-exhaust tailpipes, a panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, Alcantara trimmed seats and extra safety features. As they cost quite a lot of money, GT Premium models are likely to be a rare sight.