Displaying items by tag: Peugeot

Friday, 21 January 2022 07:35

Used Peugeot 5008 (Mk1, 2008-2017) review

 

Verdict

When we first drove the Peugeot in 2009, we reported: “The 5008 is a surprise. Mature styling, a compliant ride and sweet handling are matched by a punchy yet frugal range of petrol and diesel powerplants... But it’s the interior that matters on a car like this, and Peugeot has done a superb job.” We still like the car’s handling, ride comfort and cabin, but reliability and build quality can be an issue. Scrutinise any potential purchase carefully before buying.

If you do lots of short journeys, it’s worth buying a 1.6 THP to avoid diesel particulate filter issues (the VTi is best avoided as it has little zest), but petrol 5008s are rare.

The 1.6 HDi engine is strong enough, but the 2.0 HDi unit adds Dynamic Ride Control, which helps the ride and handling balance. Lots of 5008s are autos; the 2.0 HDi 163 gets a conventional auto, but the 1.6 HDi features Peugeot’s EGC (Electronic Gearbox Control) robotised manual, which isn’t especially slick. Entry-level models (Active, Access) get air-con and ESP, while mid-range models (Sport, Active) add 17-inch alloys, sportier trim, cruise control and improved cabin storage. Top-spec editions (Exclusive, Allure) come with a glass roof, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and climate control.

A 2014 facelift included a styling makeover to bring the 5008 in line with the rest of the range and featured new headlights with LED daytime running lights. Buyers could also select from new colours and alloy wheels, while Bluetooth became standard across the range. There was even a colour head-up display on the top-spec model.

What are the alternatives?

One of our favourite used MPVs is the multi-talented SEAT Alhambra, which features car-like handling, a cavernous interior and very good build quality.

However, we’re also fans of the Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic Mk3, thanks to its versatility, space, economy and value. Plus it’s proving to be well built and reliable, too. The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is worth a look because of its versatile seven-seat layout; our Driver Power satisfaction surveys suggest owners love it less, though.

Other MPVs worth a look include the Ford S-MAX, Mazda 5, Toyota Verso, Vauxhall Zafira and VW Touran, all of which offer versatility and space with ease of driving. Don’t rule out one of the modern breed of seven-seat SUVs, including the current Peugeot 5008 and the excellent Skoda Kodiaq.

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso vs Volkswagen Touran vs Peugeot 5008

Peugeot 5008 vs Citroen vs VW

Having taken the title of Best MPV at the Auto Express New Car Awards for three years in a row, we were keen to see how the updated version of the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso performed against the Volkswagen Touran and Peugeot 5008. It won again, leaving the Touran and 5008 to fight for second place. 

Peugeot 5008 vs Ford Grand C-Max vs Volkswagen Touran

Ford Grand C-MAX vs. rivals

Back in 2010, the Peugeot 5008 had to be content with another third position, as the Ford Grand C-MAX raced to victory in this battle of seven-seaters. The fresh-to-the-market 5008 couldn’t offer the interior space and practicality to topple the Ford and Volkswagen.

Peugeot 5008 vs Renault Grand Scenic

Peugeot 5008 vs. Grand Scenic

Another test from 2010, this time involving two cars that will be familiar to anyone who has driven in France. Back then, MPVs were still the seven-seaters of choice for many families, before the market switched to SUVs. This was a victory for Renault, with Peugeot forced to accept another runner-up medal.

Peugeot 5008 vs. Grand Scenic

Peugeot hopes its stylish, versatile new 5008 will shake up the seven-seater MPV market. But can it beat the established Grand Scenic from Renault?

Peugeot 5008 vs. Grand Scenic

Peugeot has got the family car bit between its teeth! The RCZ coupe is busy stealing headlines, but the firm isn’t neglecting more practical matters. First came the 3008 crossover, while the latest double-0 model provides seven seats. The 5008 is a full-sized MPV, putting it up against some serious rivals.

They don’t come much tougher than the Renault Grand Scenic. Only last week, its little brother, the five-seat Scenic, saw off the challenge of the new Vauxhall Meriva in diesel guise and range-topping Exclusive trim.

 

That puts it on a level footing with the Grand Scenic Dynamique dCi 160 TomTom on price. Both are packed with safety equipment, loaded with family-friendly features and have similar power outputs and seating layouts. 

It’s likely to be a closely fought contest – but which seven-seater will come out on top?

Verdict

Buyers really are spoiled for choice here. Both of our contenders are practical family models, and with a revised Ford S-MAX on the horizon, this segment has never been stronger. The new 5008 proves that Peugeot is on the comeback trail, following up the success of the excellent RCZ coupe. But is the seven-seater good enough to beat the godfather of the compact MPV sector? Nearly. With plenty of equipment, a competitive price and strong engine, it’s a fine choice. Lower running costs and superior predicted residual values add to the appeal, but the Renault clinches a narrow victory. Setting the Grand Scenic apart is its sharper handling, spacious and user-friendly seating in the second and third rows, plus a versatile load area. The firm that invented the MPV concept remains at the top of the game.

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/peugeot/5008/63930/used-peugeot-5008-mk1-2008-2017-review

Published in Peugeot
Tagged under
Saturday, 23 October 2021 05:15

Peugeot 308 hatchback review

"The Peugeot 308 is a comfortable, stylish family hatchback with a great interior but it’s not the most practical”

The Peugeot 308 is a family hatchback that’s had a complete makeover; its eye-catching looks are a big selling point but there are plenty of other reasons to consider buying one. The 308 is an alternative to the Ford Focus, SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Golf, and it shares parts with other similar models, including the Citroen C4 and the latest Vauxhall Astra.

There are petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engine options but there’s no choice of gearbox; the only option is an automatic, which means there’s no low-cost entry-level model to compete with basic versions of the Focus or Golf. It’s all part of a plan to make Peugeot into a more upmarket brand within Stellantis' wide range of brands, which is also the reason for the redesigned badge on the nose of the car.

Best hatchbacks

The petrol version uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with 128bhp, while the diesel is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit with the same amount of power. The two plug-in hybrid options use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine, and have a total of 178bhp in standard guise, or 222bhp with an upgraded electric motor. These models offer low emissions and are cheap for company-car drivers to tax, plus they can travel up to 37 miles on electric power alone.

Most people will charge up the battery at home overnight at a standard rate of 3.8kW, but unlike some plug-in hybrids, the 308 is available with faster charging as an option. Equipped with a 7.4kW charger (for around £300), you can use a home wallbox or public charger to fill the battery in about two hours.

The new 308 is good to drive, striking a nice balance between handling and comfort. The Ford Focus is often considered to be the benchmark in the class for handling and the Skoda Octavia is the same for comfort. The 308 sits somewhere in between the two.

Yet one of the best aspects of the 308 is the interior. It feels well made and the materials are good quality, much like you’d find in a more expensive car like an Audi A3. There are some areas that look a little drab but its design is mostly excellent.

There’s also a 10-inch display with a second touch-sensitive panel below it. This looks very modern and is easier to use than the screens in other Peugeots (such as the 3008 SUV). It’s very responsive too, in a big improvement over the previous model.

The new 308 is available in Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium trim levels. All are well equipped; you get a 10-inch digital dial display, smartphone connectivity, LED headlights, climate control, 16-inch alloys and plenty of safety kit even on entry-level versions. As you move up the range, luxuries such as wireless phone charging, sat-nav, keyless entry, larger alloys and a 360-degree parking camera are added.

The 308 isn’t the most spacious family car around but it’s a great all-rounder that brings together comfort, efficiency, smart looks inside and out, enjoyable handling and plenty of hi-tech equipment. It’s not the best value for money but if you want an automatic or hybrid car, it’s well worth considering. There’s also a 308 SW estate version with more boot space, should you need it.

Peugeot 3008 SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2

Like many modern SUVs, the Peugeot 3008 is almost as cheap to run as a family hatchback

 

The Peugeot 3008 takes full advantage of the latest manufacturing techniques, using strong yet light steel, aluminium and plastics. This means it can be fitted with relatively small engines that offer excellent economy, catering to the thousands of buyers who covet an SUV but don’t want high running costs. It's a shame, though, that more electrified versions weren't introduced for the facelift, to plug the gap between the petrol and diesel 3008 and the plug-in hybrid.

The smaller 128bhp 1.5-litre diesel officially returns up to 60.8mpg and emits 122-157g/km of CO2. This is also available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox without affecting running costs too severely.

Going for a 2.0-litre diesel used to get you more power, but this has now been discontinued. The top-of-the-range 175bhp engine officially returned up to 47.3mpg and emits 162-178g/km of CO2.

Despite traditional SUV trends, petrol power will be an economically viable option for many buyers, especially if most of your driving is done over short distances or in town, purely because you’ll pay less for an equivalent engine, and little more for its fuel. The entry-level 128bhp 1.2-litre returns up to 48mpg and emits 133-165g/km. The 1.6-litre petrol was discontinued in mid-2021 but officially managed around 43mpg with emissions of 148-177g/km of CO2.

Choosing Peugeot’s six-speed automatic gearbox costs around £1,300 and sees economy drop by just a little bit. CO2 emissions rise fractionally if you go for the automatic.

Officially, the most economical model is the range-topping 3008 Hybrid4, which is a direct rival to the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid, and is said to return up to 235.4mpg. It’s worth pointing out that you’ll struggle to achieve close to this figure unless you religiously charge up the battery and only use the car for short, urban trips. CO2 emissions are remarkably low at 30-41g/km, which will please company-car drivers. The less powerful front-wheel-drive hybrid model is capable of up to 222.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 29-39g/km.

If you have access to a 7kW home charger, the Hybrid4 will fully replenish the battery in around one hour 45 minutes. You’ll need to wait eight hours for the battery to get to full charge if you’re using a standard three-pin socket. A dedicated smartphone app lets you choose when to charge the car (so you can charge overnight on a cheaper tariff, for example) and set the air-conditioning before you get in.

Company car drivers should find the Benefit-In-Kind (BiK) tax rates attractive, especially for the hybrid models. VED (road tax) for private buyers is charged at the standard rate for all petrol and diesel models with the hybrids liable for the discounted rate. Flagship models can cost over £40,000, and these will be subject to a surcharge until the car is six years old.

Insurance groups
The Peugeot 3008 sits in groups 20-38 for insurance. Most models are rated in group 21 and under though, with only the more powerful petrol and Hybrids punching above the group 22 mark.

Warranty
Peugeot’s three year/60,000-mile warranty used to be about average for the industry, but with Hyundai, Toyota, Kia, Mercedes and BMW also offering better protection, we’d argue it’s time for Peugeot to up its game here.

Servicing
Peugeot’s fixed-price servicing packages make budgeting for maintenance easy, and policies start from around £14 each month if you take out a three-year deal.

Peugeot 3008 SUV - Engines, drive & performance

The Peugeot 3008 is competent, comfortable and enjoyable to drive

 

What do you want your SUV to do? If the answer to that question is ‘be easy to drive while providing a high ride height for good visibility and access along with plenty of space for my family’, buy the Peugeot 3008.

If the first thing that sprang into your mind was ‘be great to drive’, you might think you’d be better off looking at the more expensive BMW X3 SUV, or a conventional hatchback like the SEAT Leon.

We've found the 3008 to be impressively composed on an open road, but it doesn't goad you to drive it harder. There’s little body lean to speak of, yet this doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, as the suspension makes a decent fist of softening pitted tarmac and soaking up potholes. The 3008 is also easy to drive around town, while it’s impressively quiet and civilised on the motorway.

The SEAT Ateca may have slightly sharper steering and stiffer suspension, but the trade off is it’s less comfortable than the 3008, which is well rounded in every aspect of its driving characteristics. It has the Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar soundly beaten in the enjoyment stakes, coming off well in comparison to the sharp-handling Volkswagen Tiguan, while the Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 steer slightly more sweetly.

There’s no four-wheel-drive option for the non-hybrid 3008, but Peugeot’s ‘Grip Control’ setup (which is essentially a sophisticated traction-control system) costs between £250 and £500, as it requires 18-inch alloy wheels, which aren’t standard on all trims. It should help you out when the going gets tough, particularly if it’s paired with the optional winter tyres.

With an electric motor on each axle, the 296bhp Hybrid4 model has four-wheel drive and it’ll tackle reasonably challenging off-road terrain without needing to start the petrol engine. Both hybrids are much heavier than the petrol models and, while they offer great straight-line acceleration, the extra weight makes them feel much more cumbersome through corners.

Peugeot 3008 petrol engines
The 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine in the 3008 uses turbocharging to help keep performance up and running costs down, and they’re familiar Peugeot fare. Our drive of the more powerful of these revealed it to provide the 3008 with pretty swift performance, taking eight seconds to go from 0-62mph. The standard automatic gearbox that comes with this engine also impressed us, as it changes gear smoothly, quickly and with minimal fuss.

The petrol engine is also a smooth operator. This will probably need to be worked hard to shift the 3008’s heft, but it’s certainly worth taking for a test drive, as it offers the cheapest route to 3008 ownership. With this engine fitted, 0-62mph takes 9.5 seconds, although that time is likely to increase if you load the 3008 with passengers and luggage. It's impressively linear in its power delivery, and feels powerful enough for cruising on the motorway and overtaking slower traffic. In mid-2021, the range-topping 179bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine was discontinued. This unit was previously the quickest regular engine in the 3008 range, getting from 0-62mph in eight seconds.

Diesel engines
Many buyers after an SUV still want a diesel engine, so Peugeot offers one with either a manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. Again, they’re staple Peugeot products, and we’ve driven the 128bhp 1.5-litre version, which is likely to be a big seller. It’s a little raucous when being revved, but once in a high-gear cruise it’s admirably quiet. It takes 10.8 seconds to go from 0-62mph, or 11.5 seconds if you choose the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The 99bhp diesel is no longer available, and it was the only model to come with a five-speed rather than six-speed manual gearbox, with no automatic option. We'd recommend avoiding this engine if you're looking on the used market.

The more powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine was also discontinued with the arrival of the facelifted 3008. The 175bhp engine was automatic-only and had some extra grunt, which was useful for towing. However, it was only offered in the top trim with a hefty price tag. For that reason, it was a rare choice. This engine manages 0-62mph in 9 seconds.

Hybrid engines
Not every family car is offered with a plug-in hybrid version but Peugeot has offered 3008 buyers two to choose from. Both combine a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 13.2kWh battery and an electric motor, and both use Peugeot’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

The front-wheel-drive ‘Hybrid’ is the less expensive and less powerful of the two, with one electric motor, 222bhp and a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds. Above that is the ‘Hybrid4’ with two electric motors (one on each axle), four-wheel drive and a peak power output of 296bhp. Zero to 62mph takes just 6.1 seconds - quicker than the Peugeot 308 GTi hot hatchback - although the Hybrid4 is expensive.

Peugeot 3008 SUV - Interior & comfort

The Peugeot 3008 has one of the best interiors we’ve come across in recent years

The Peugeot 3008 deserves to be heaped with praise for its interior design and represents the best in class. Peugeot is really spoiling us with the quality of interior materials, which range from excellent soft-touch plastics on top of the dashboard to attractively textured cloth running along the inside edge of the doors.

It’s also pleasing to report that while Peugeot fits the 3008 with a small steering wheel that’s designed to be looked over (rather than through) when viewing the dials, the ergonomics of this now look to have been resolved. Taller and shorter drivers who find the steering wheel obscures the gauges, shouldn’t have the same problem in the 3008.

Thanks to its great interior and ride quality, the 3008 is one of the most comfortable cars in its class.

Peugeot’s decision to fit all 3008s with its i-Cockpit is welcome and generous. This 12.3-inch digital display replaces the speedometer, fuel gauge and other dashboard dials and can be configured to show sat-nav guidance, media playlists or information about fuel economy and journey times. Audi has offered a similar setup for some time, but usually as a pricey option. Peugeot’s decision to make it standard may cause other carmakers to follow suit in an effort to keep up. For the facelift the screen has been upgraded for improved contrast, making it easier to read.

Another nice touch is the row of seven silvered toggle switches below the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, which has grown for the updated car and now has improved definition. These look almost like piano keys and work in conjunction with the touchscreen, bringing up music, ventilation and other modes. You still have to use the screen itself to adjust the temperature and other settings, though, but the screen is capacitive rather than resistive, so it’s much easier to operate than some setups.

Equipment
The 3008 range kicks off with Active Premium, and choosing this gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors, an eight-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moving up to Allure trim adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels and adds sat nav to a 10-inch infotainment system. Costing around £700 extra, Allure Premium brings keyless entry, aluminium roof rails, ambient lighting and a front passenger seat that can fold flat.

There's also a top GT trim with LED headlights, a black roof lining, adaptive cruise control and upholstery with a mixture of leather and Alcantara. This can be upgraded once more to GT Premium for the ultimate 3008 spec, bringing 19-inch wheels, a powered tailgate, enhanced stereo, 360-degree powertrain and heated seats.

Options
Just because the 3008 is well equipped, doesn’t mean there isn’t a fairly lengthy options list. Metallic paint is a near-essential for many and costs just over £500. We always recommend specifying a full-size spare wheel if possible, for which Peugeot asks around £100.

A wireless smartphone charging pad is available, along with Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.

Peugeot 3008 SUV - Practicality & boot space

The Peugeot 3008 is competitively spacious

The Peugeot 3008 is roomy enough for a family of four. The SEAT Ateca and Nissan Qashqai are ever so slightly bigger inside, but the 3008 has a larger boot than those two cars.

Peugeot 3008 interior space & storage

Front-seat passengers are able to stretch out in the 3008, but it’s not quite as commodious as its exterior dimensions might lead you to believe. Still, there’s an argument that many will like the sense of being cocooned in the 3008, especially given the plushness of its interior – and it’s by no means cramped up front.

Those in the rear do pretty well for space. The back doors open nice and wide, while head and legroom are good in the outer two seats. The front centre console extends a long way into the back, and we reckon middle-seat passengers may feel hard done by, as they’ll have to contort their limbs around a not-insignificant chunk of automotive furniture.

Boot space
At 520 litres, the Peugeot 3008 has the Nissan Qashqai (430 litres) roundly beaten when it comes to luggage space and even manages to edge the spacious SEAT Ateca by 10 litres for total load volume. Drop the rear seats using the levers in the boot and the boot grows to an impressive 1,482 litres. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats lie nice and flat, while the back of the front passenger seat can be folded for lugging longer loads.

Because of the space taken up by the batteries, the 3008 plug-in hybrid models aren’t quite so generous. With the seats up, there are 395 litres to fill, and this increases to 1,357 litres if you fold the rear seats. The Hybrid versions also get a 43-litre fuel tank, while regular petrol and diesel models have a tank that’s 10 litres larger.

Towing
If you plan on using the 3008 as a tow car, go for the 1.5-litre diesel, as this can haul up to 1,500kg. The other engines are rated at 1,200kg to 1,400kg, with the Hybrid versions able to tow up to 1,250kg.

Peugeot 3008 SUV - Reliability & safety

Peugeot 3008 is very safe and scored highly in our Driver Power survey

The Peugeot 3008 achieved an impressive ranking in the 2021 Driver Power survey and scored well in Euro NCAP crash testing.

Modern car-building techniques mean a manufacturer or group of manufacturers can get more than one model out of a single platform – the mechanical skeleton that underpins the bodywork. The Peugeot 3008 is no exception to this trend, and it shares many hidden parts with the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso MPV, as well as the Peugeot 308 family hatchback.

After a mightily impressive second place out of 75 cars in our 2020 survey, the 3008 finished in 50th place in our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. It still scored strongly in every category with a decent rating for reliability indicating how pleased 3008 owners are with the car as an ownership proposition, which is obviously encouraging if you're considering buying one.

Safety
Euro NCAP – the independent body that assesses the crashworthiness of new cars – toughened up its test criteria recently, so it’s good to see the Peugeot 3008 scored the full five stars when it was assessed. It scored 86% for the protection it affords adults and 85% for that offered to children. This is impressive, as many cars do an excellent job at safeguarding larger occupants, but post a lower result (often by as much as 10%) when it comes to smaller passengers.

All 3008s get mandatory kit like electronic stability control, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, a tyre-pressure warning system and a seatbelt reminder. Peugeot also throws in a clutch of airbags and a camera that scans for road signs, relaying pertinent information to a screen on the dashboard.

A lane-departure warning system also comes with all 3008s, as does autonomous emergency braking. This latter bit of kit is one of the biggest developments in car safety to have emerged in recent years, with data indicating it helps prevent up to 38% of rear-end crashes.

(https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/peugeot/3008/155079/peugeot-3008-suv-review-pictures)

 
Published in Peugeot

 

Meet the many-hatted Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered – in one package a stylish fastback, business-class motorway cruiser, zero-tailpipe-emissions planet-pleaser and now, apparently, a powerful sports car.

That's a lot of plates to spin. So it won't surprise you to hear Peugeot's turned to a flexible plug-in hybrid powertrain to achieve it, promising more power than a regular petrol or diesel with the option to run emissions-free for a claimed 26 miles too.

Thing is, the 508 is mostly bought by company-car drivers, who usually only require a posh badge to impress clients, an M Sport bodykit to impress colleagues, and a small diesel engine to impress the fleet manager. Does the PSE model over-complicate things?

Who cares? It's a fast Peugeot!

Well yes, there is that, but consider the £50,000 price tag – for retail customers that puts the 508 PSE in the crosshairs of the BMW M340i and Audi S5 Sportback.

That's not an inherently difficult circle to square, because this is not only a fast Peugeot, but a very fast, very good Peugeot.

508 pse side pan

It's actually the most powerful roadgoing car the French maker has ever sold, in fact, with as much power in its electric motors as the 405 T16 we all so desperately want it to be.

Why doesn't it have a GTi badge?

Peugeot says that's a question only British journalists ask, such is our love of the marque's heritage hot hatchbacks. But the 508 is something entirely different, offering a broader spread of talents than an out-and-out sports saloon.

The Sport Engineered name means it's a 508 first and foremost, with the benefit of being breathed on by Peugeot's go-faster division. It's WandaVision to The Avengers or The Mandalorian to Star Wars.

What's it like to drive?

Fast! But that shouldn't be a surprise, considering the 335bhp and 384lb ft of torque on offer from a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, and an all-wheel drive system to help deliver it all cleanly to the tarmac.

It's not as fast as a pure-petrol M340i or S5 with those numbers, because it's heavier than a pure-petrol car. But it's not as heavy as you might imagine – the 1850kg kerbweight is actually pretty good for a PHEV.

The gearbox likes to shuffle up the cogs to save fuel (as is the way these days), but in Sport mode it seems to hang onto them for too long. The best solution is to use the column-mounted manual shift paddles, but these are too short and set too high – more suited to a ten-to-two driver than a quarter-to-three. Plus the left paddle is sandwiched between the left indicator stalk and cruise controls, and this is annoying.

Things are better in the handling department where the 508 PSE is quite neutral in a corner and can be persuaded into a bit of lift-off oversteer as you'd expect in a car fettled by Peugeot Sport. This car is lower and wider than the standard model, and has its own springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

The suspension is adaptive and offers a broad spread of settings, from comfy to firm, although there's always an edge to the ride that reminds you you're in the sportiest version. Otherwise it's typical Peugeot Sport – more hot hatch than a saloon, with light controls, a little bit of bodyroll, and agility and compliance to the ride, which adds huge fun on UK roads.

Only one thing stands out (and being a plug-in hybrid this won't surprise you): the brake pedal is spongy and hard to get dialled into. The 508 PSE is equipped with Alcon calipers and bi-material discs, which offer plenty of stopping power, but without mechanical pedal feel it can be hard to meter out.

How long does it take to charge?

The 11.5kWh battery takes about three to four hours to fill at the standard 3.7kW rate – a 7.4kW charger is an option, dropping the time to one hour and 45 minutes. Either way you only get a Type 2 cable, with no three-pin unless you pay for it.

You need a full battery to get all 355hp, although with no charge the 508 will run as a sort-of hybrid in town, and on the whole it's pretty smooth and unobtrusive.

Pick up the pace, though, and you'll be greeted by the slightly reedy and over-synthesised tone of the petrol engine, which is alright when you want to cruise around in peace, but not very soul-stirring when you crack on. Still, that's another good reason to keep it charged.

Is it any different inside and out?

It's a pretty subtle change in exterior styling – from a distance – but as you get closer you'll notice all sorts of enhancements.

The most stand-out are the Kryptonite green additions, including the new claw logo, and the aggressive diffuser and aero ducting on the front bumper. Small vertical blades stick up on the edges of both and are probably more useful for tucking the cable into while the car's on charge than actually channelling air, but they're quite cool nonetheless.

Inside, you still get Peugeot's divisive i-Cockpit layout with its tiny steering wheel set below the dials, but with more carbonfibre effect material. Overall it's a nice interior, very futuristic-looking, but the hard plastic used for the door bins and under the armrest stick out on a £50,000 car.

Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered: verdict

The 508 has been twice compromised in becoming this Peugeot Sport Engineered model – firstly by adding batteries and electric motors, and then again by giving it a performance focus.

What makes this car stand out against rival performance PHEVs is the fact it gives away very little in terms of outright practicality. The boot capacity is the same as a non-plug-in Pug at 487 litres, and despite being way more fun and accomplished to drive than the standard 508, it's barely any less comfortable day-to-day.

Yes, an old-school straight-six would be a more evocative powerplant, but the ability to drive emissions-free and the overall improvement in fuel economy in this 508 goes a long way to addressing that balance. It's an odd niche, but one that deserves plugging.

(carmagazine.co.uk)

Published in Peugeot

After last year's drastic decline caused by the pandemic, this year we are witnessing great changes in the European market. First of all, we mean that the eternal European bestseller VW Golf is now only in third place. In front of it are, no less you niches, than two models from Peugeot.

As reported by JATO Dynamics, in a market that is down 20%, there has been a sharp rise in the popularity of electrified cars. During February, 115,000 electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) were sold, which is a share of an excellent 13.6%, reports Index. Recall, a year earlier, in the run-up to the pandemic, the share of electrified vehicles was only 6.5%.

Several companies are above the industry average, including Hyundai (16%), BMW (24%), Daimler (27%), Jaguar Land Rover (31%) and Geely (45%). Of course, Tesla Motors is at the top with a 100% share of electrified vehicles in sales. It can be seen from the report that Jaguar Land Rover came the furthest from the traditional brands in the electrification of the range.

The best-selling electric model in Europe is the Tesla Model 3, with 5,400 units sold and a 55% share. Second is VW ID.3 with 3,557 registrations, and third is Renault Zoe with only 10 copies less, but also a drop of 45%.

In the PHEV segment, ie plug-in hybrid vehicles, the most popular is the Volvo XC40 with 3,479 units sold, but also with a growth of an incredible 323%. They are followed by the hybrid Peugeot 3008 and Renault Captur with about a thousand copies less. The only market in Europe where electrified vehicles are more popular than traditional ones is Norway. Believe it or not, their share is as high as 79%.

At Peugeot, they are certainly pleased because the best-selling car in Europe is the Peugeot 208 with over 18,000 units sold. It is followed by the 2008 Peugeot crossover, with 17,120 sold, and only in third place is the VW Golf with 16,185 units sold and a drop of 34%.

Take a look at the table and who else was on the Top 10 list for February in Europe.

Segment sales overview - SUV models are still the most sought after.

Published in Blog/News

Stellantis has suspended plans to bring Peugeot back to the US market, saying it wants to concentrate on "existing brands" in North America after the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles gave the new concern a wider geographical reach.

The plan for Peugeot to return via the "big pond", where it was last in the early 1990s, was called into question after the finalization of the merger of PSA and FCA. Larry Dominic, the man who led the PSA's efforts to return to American soil since 2017, was appointed as the executive director of Alfa Romeo for North America on Friday, Hot Tires write.

A Stellantis spokesman said on Saturday that "the new context of the concern with a strong presence on the American market leads to a focus on existing brands."

"For that reason, they will develop Alfa Romeo in this market," the spokesman added.

Dominic has been preparing for Peugeot’s return to the U.S. for more than four years, with an emphasis on creating a distribution channel that would bypass expensive showrooms and take advantage of advanced technology as part of relieving customer service, such as scheduling and takeovers. The plan to return Peugeot to the United States was part of the "Push to Pass" medium-term plan from 2016, with a ten-year framework. Early efforts were concentrated on short-term rentals under the Free2Move brand.

The head of the conglomerate, Carlos Tavarez, wanted to reduce PSA's dependence on the stagnant European market. In recent years, that dependence has only grown, with the merger of GM's Opel / Vauxhall and a sharp drop in sales in China over the past few years. Tavarez was preparing for a possible return to the United States, ensuring that newer PSA models would be homologated for that market, using the expertise developed at Opel's engineering center in Germany.

Published in Blog/News
Saturday, 27 February 2021 10:46

This is a new sign that will adorn Peugeot cars

Peugeot is one of the oldest active car brands, which since 1850 has been adorned with a coat of arms decorated with a lava head. Now the French brand has introduced the eleventh evolution of its logo.

After a complete redesign of its vehicles over the past 10 years, Peugoet has also redesigned its logo. The new modern and elegant coat of arms was created by Peugeot Design Lab, the global design studio of this brand.

In early 2021, with the launch of the range that will introduce the new Peugoet 308 with new websites and the establishment of the Stellantis groups with Fiat-Chrysler, the stars have aligned.

During the year of business, Peugoet has experienced all the revolutions: industrial, technological, political, social, digital and, now, the environmental revolution - energy transition and carbon dioxide-free mobility in the brand's central strategy for a sustainable future.

In the last 10 years, the entire range has undergone a reversal. And this is what has been achieved: "International Van of the Year" with Peugeot e-Expert 2021 and Partner 2019 and three "Cars of the Year" (Peugeot 308, chosen in 2014, Peugeot 3008, chosen in 2017 and Peugeot 208, selected 2020). And above all, an electrified range for both passenger and light commercial vehicles.

The new logo represents what Peugeot meant yesterday, what it means today and what it will mean tomorrow.

It is synonymous with prestige, self-confidence, longevity and lineage. With it and its new visual identities, Peugeot joins history and hypermodernity. With this coat of arms, the Peugeot brand sets out to conquer new countries, accelerate international growth, perform French style and knowledge, as well as French elegance.

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Wednesday, 10 February 2021 06:01

Peugeot 2008 video review: the stylish sophisticate

 

Peugeot’s all-new 2008 is reborn with more space, improved quality and some novel technology, to re-enter a small-SUV market more crowded than Hamleys toy store on Black Friday. The big news is a pure electric version with 193 miles of range, sold alongside the sole 101bhp diesel (expected to contribute just 5 per cent of sales) and a 1.2-litre petrol engine with three power outputs.

 

Set the scene – what’s new about this 2008?
It’s still a compact family five-door which rides higher than the similarly all-new Peugeot 208 supermini. But compared with its predecessor, this 2008 is much bigger. Overall length grows by 141mm to 4300mm, and the steel between the wheels now measures 2605, which means significantly more space in the cabin and there’s a bigger boot which can stow 434 litres of luggage.

It also changes the vehicle’s proportions, pushing the wheels closer to the extremities and the windscreen slightly backwards. Peugeot’s design department opted for a proud, horizontal bonnet rather than the original 2008’s snub, droopy nose, which gives the new model the classical SUV look of Land Rover’s Defender or Jeep’s Wrangler. But there are heaps of modern design details too: a big grille with a patchwork of chrome or body-coloured inserts, triangular patterns in the bodysides and a swept-up shoulder line meeting a rear pillar accentuated with silkscreen stripes.

Inside the dashboard is adorned with high-quality carbon-effect concave trim, and Peugeot’s i-Cockpit cabin philosophy is evolved. That means a dinky steering wheel you have to drop into your lap so as not to obscure another big innovation, a stylish, digital 3D instrument binnacle (from the Allure second trim level up, starting at £22,350). Thankfully you can adjust the driver’s seat through a pronounced arc and move the wheel in-and-out, to get a decent position. Annoyingly, my bony backside found the GT Line seat’s faux-leather central strip a tad uncomfortable (akin to tight pants giving you a wedgie), though less ornate upholstery on another seat eliminated the lump.

Too much information! What’s it like to drive?
The ride feels taut, with pronounced anti-roll measures keeping lean in check during cornering and a chassis that hugs the topography like a lycra catsuit. Body control is good, recovering its composure rapidly after a sharp deflection.

We tried the 1.2-litre petrol engine with both 17- and 18-inch wheels, and there’s a noticeable difference. The bigger diameter rims amplify every crest and dip in the road, and bumpy sections can be quite jarring as your hips shake and head tosses. Accelerating over sharp ridges can cause the front wheels to skip rather than remaining keyed into the surface.

This is also true of the 17-inch wheels, but less often. The ride remains tight but that underlying jagged edge melts away, leaving a set-up that keen drivers will appreciate. The steering adheres to the electric assisted norm: featherlight at manoeuvring speeds, deserving of more heft and urgency off the dead-ahead around town, then summoning a nice blend of weight and responsiveness for A-road carving and motorway cruises. The 2008 is one of the class’s more satisfying cars to drive.

Want to know about the all-electric e-2008? Check out our review here. If not, keep reading our test of the combustion-engined 2008.

Does that chassis set-up compromise refinement?
Not at all, the 2008 is generally very civilised. The Michelin Primacy 4s, a bespoke blend for this Peugeot designed to suppress rolling resistance but prioritise wet braking, generate little road noise.

Expansion-joint-thumps sound so muted they appear to be coming from other cars, and the three-cylinder petrol engine’s charismatic fluttering is equally down in the mix. Only some wind whistle around the chunky side mirrors penetrates the 2008’s air of mature sophistication. At 80mph it’s so pronounced I wind back to 70mph and relish the improvement: that’s good for fuel economy and will reduce carbon emissions too.

Peugeot quotes a range of 43.7–50.6mpg for the 129bhp, mid-ranking petrol engine (depending on spec and wheel size), and CO2 emissions between 102 and 109g/km. The threepot offers enough punch to occasionally fluster the front wheels, and a standstill to 62mph sprint in 8.9secs with the six-speed manual gearbox. That’s a negligible 0.2secs quicker than the eight-speed auto’s acceleration time, and you’ll be sacrificing smooth computer-controlled shifts for a less polished manual action: the oversized gearknob is baulky and the throw a bit long and indistinct.

 

Prices start at £21,150 for the base 99bhp 1.2-litre Active with analogue instruments, a 7-inch touchscreen, standard DAB radio, Mirror Screen smartphone connectivity and the handsome, concave carbon effect interior trim.

Find another £2200 for an Allure with the 3D dials and fang-like LED lights. The most popular trim will be GT Line (accounting for 40 per cent of sales), which costs from £26,100 and adds a black roof and rear spoiler, reversing camera, 10-inch touchscreen and navigation. An unusual detail is lime green stitching on upholstery and dash sections.

The flagship trim, GT, comes in at £31,575 and adds top tech such as L2 cruise control, lane positioning and active blind spot monitoring.

Verdict
The 2008 offers a great package, with its hugely spacious cabin, 434-litre boot before any rear seat origami and lovely design details: from outboard air vent pods to 3D speakers bursting out of the windscreen pillars. With an appealing engine range and decent dynamics, the polished 2008 is among the best B-SUVs. Peugeot’s renaissance continues.

Source: carmagazine.co.uk

Published in Peugeot

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