Peugeot 2008 1.6 e-HDi EGC Active Crossover Review: Grown up Pug

What we like:

Chic looks both inside and out. Extremely economical.

What we dislike:

The steering wheel completely obstructs the view to the digital speedometer. Ride can get quite uncomfortable over poor paved roads.

At just 92bhp, the 2008’s 1.6-litre four cylinder diesel slips itself nicely into the lower premiums of the Cat A COE. Not only does the car enjoy lower COE premiums, the strong torque that’s typical of turbo diesels also make this mini-SUV an appropriately sized and priced hauler. With 230Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm, the 2008 shouldn’t have any trouble hauling loads around at a reasonable pace.

While it won’t win any races with its leisurely 11.8 seconds century sprint, it will however get you round corners and tight spaces pretty quickly with its small steering wheel paired with a decently quick rack. Even though it has grown in length and breath, it continues to drive like the 208 albeit at a marginally slower pace. However, although the steering input is accurate, it lacks communication with the driver.

Though the taut suspension works well in keeping the 2008 flat in corners, the ride comfort suffers considerably and has quite an edge to it when going over bumps.

Fitted with the EGC gearbox that’s essentially a manual transmission with a robotized clutch, gear changes are met with a lurch in every gear. A trick to overcome this would be to drive the car manually and letting off the gas just before every gear change.

But with the compromises associated with this type of gearbox, one would prefer either a full manual or full auto option.

Despite the gearbox, the Peugeot still has a lot going for it. With an incredible 26.3km/L, it can go on forever. And with its 50 litre tank, a trip across the causeway to Kuala Lumpur would be well within its ability. Furthermore the French manufacturers are the only ones who claim their diesels can accept diesel fuel across the causeway with no issues thanks to their particulate filters.

The Peugeot really is a very good car considering it's price and economy figures but its weak point is in its gearbox. Few will be able to accept the idiosyncracies of it but once you do, you'll find a decent pug underneath.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline