Peugeot 2008: a well-kept secret
Before we could touch this new model in secret studios in Aubervilliers, the new place to be outside the capital's ring road, we had to wait a good time.Our invitation had been sent to us more than 6 weeks before the D-Day. Once is not custom, no noise or indiscretion had leaked until the day of its presentation. So when we arrived at the blood red gate that protected the Grail, we were clearly excited.
Will she be a leggy 208? Or a mini 3008? Julien asks me, as we walk through endless corridors. I remain silent to his questions, because it is impossible to give him a reliable answer.
Then, we are stopped in front of large, nicely pleated black curtains. And, just when we thought we were finally setting our eyes on theSUV, we were kindly offered a coffee or a thirst-quenching drink, etc. The minutes pass and, just as I thought the big moment was coming, a PowerPoint was brought out on the motivations and areas of research of the designers.
To tell the truth, we only listen with one ear, because in addition to the blah-blah marketing that assures us that it's the best of the best, we are obsessed with the opening of the canvas that hides the coveted object. Fortunately, our patience will be rewarded.
Peugeot 2008: we open the curtains!
Whaou!!! It's my first word. The orange paint of the car illuminates the studio, coated for the occasion with a gray and matte paint. The seconds pass and we see immediately that we are no longer dealing with the small and friendly urban SUV of the previous generation. The new 2008 has completely changed in size and appearance. It is wider, longer and a tad lower.I come to my senses and let my eyes roam the bodywork. His style clearly revolutionizes the genre. The new 2008 takes up the codes of sports SUVs in the upper categories with a huge grille, coupled with massive shields and large air scoops, seeming to sniff the ground. The optics take on the look of the208, but the designers have associated them with two LED strips, just like on the 508, which mimic the "lion's fangs".
The profile is marked by complex body creases in the shape of a pointed triangle. The folks at Peugeot call this styling effect “scalps”. The beltline is quite high, to offer an even greater impression of power and the roof, here in black, extends to the tailgate window.
At the stern, the rear window, or rather the loophole, leaves enough room for a bumper as imposing as an IPN. Fortunately, the designers have punctuated it with a silver band to soften this massive side. Further up, we find the black band incorporating the lights of the big sister 3008. Except that the hips appear much more enveloping here.
I enter the passenger compartment. "No surprise", it's TOP!
This new 2008 once again reaffirms the brand's know-how in interior design. We find all the ingredients that make the success of current models. First, the very small steering wheel that falls well in the hands. Just above, the digital instrumentation is configurable as desired.The dashboard is enveloping with an elaborate design on several levels. In the center, there is the traditional touch screen which controls the multimedia. Below, the piano keys serve as a shortcut. Note an ingenious location for resting your smartphone vertically or horizontally and induction charging.
Finally, the plastics are of honorable quality, like the adjustments. The seats are nicely designed and offer impeccable front support.
New Peugeot 2008: a bit of technique
To recover from this revelation, I'm getting closer engineers to talk a bit about technique. The platform is the brand new CMP. It is already used by the DS 3 Crossback, the new Peugeot 208 and the next Opel Corsa. Except that here, Peugeot uses a more massive version which has a “long” wheelbase. Long enough for the new 2008 to stretch over 4.30 meters. That is about fifteen centimeters longer than the old generation and all its competitors. In width, it takes 1.77 m and a contained height of 1.54 m to offer it this style "of controlled and very urban power" according to the product manager.Speaking of power, the engines are all part of the latest generations of the PSA group. In essence, the 2008 will offer 3 powers of its 1.2-litre PureTech 3-cylinder turbo. The offer starts at 100 horsepower,continues at 130 and ends at 155 cannons mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Fortunately, Peugeot is not abandoning the big wheels by offering diesels. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo serves as the sole base, but it offers two powers: 100 and 130 horsepower.
Peugeot e-2008: electric
While I thought my little tour finished, a second curtain opens. The radiant blue of the bodywork leaves no doubt.Peugeotoffers an electric version.Installed in the underbody, the battery pack does not encroach on the living space or the the loading volume. The selected battery can store 50 kWh of electricity. This allows a theoretical autonomy of more than 300 km according to the WLTP cycle according to the engineers.
The electric motor offers 136 horsepower and a torque of 260 Nm. Enough to provide significant benefits. As proof, the e-2008 can hit the 100 km/h mark in around 8.5 s. The maximum speed is limited to 150 km/h to save range.
Once the electrons have run out,Peugeot has provided several charging methods. A conventional household outlet can be used in the event of a breakdown. A reinforced GreenUp socket supplied by Legrand allows a full charge in 16 hours. A domestic Wall Box reduces the charging time to 5 h 15 (three-phase 11 kW) or 8 h (single-phase 7.4 kW) depending on its electrical installation.
Peugeot having opted for a system liquid cooling of its battery, the French manufacturer also plans a fast charge in 100 kW on a dedicated public terminal. On occasion, it will be possible to recover 80% charge in just 30 minutes.
