allure
allure
2017 Peugeot 2008 SUV Allure.

The 2008 with special Allure

What is it?

It’s the new small SUV from a resurgent Peugeot.

The range starts with the Active and moves to Allure and GT Line.

Our test vehicle was the mid-range Allure. All three feature a new three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with a six-speed dual clutch auto as the sole engine/transmission choice.

Overall size puts the 2008 squarely up against Holden’s Trax and Audi’s Q2 – to name a couple of competitors.

 

What’s it cost?

At the time of writing Peugeot was offering some sharp driveaway deals on 2017 plated models.

Active is $29,230, Allure slots in neatly at $32,865 driveaway and the GT Line rounds out the range at $35,420 driveaway.

All four power windows are soft touch auto up/down.

There’s dual zone climate control as standard but no rear vents.

Allure gets a touchscreen system mounted in the centre of the dash. It’s intuitive, clean looking, and provides AM/FM sounds – but no DAB.

The test car was also fitted with optional heated leather seats and panoramic full length glass roof.

 

 

What’s it go like?

There’s plenty of low end urge from the engine.

Peak torque is 205Nm at 1500 rpm. Peak power is 81kW at 5500rpm. The 2008 sips standard unleaded from the 50-litre tank at a quoted 4.8L/100km.

Our first top up after solely suburban driving came at 550km. It’s also worth mentioning that this particular engine was awarded Engine Of The Year for 2015-2016 in the 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre class.

There’s the typical delay from dual-clutch auto from standstill which can be distracting if entering a semi-blind intersection.

Occasionally it took longer to engage Drive than other times from standstill as well.

Once under way it’s typical DCT – smooth and generally quick to change.

Shifting manually via the gear selector marginally improved response and the dash from 0 to 100km/h takes a claimed 10.3 seconds.

The engine respond quickly to throttle input, but emits the typical rorty, snorty noises expected from a three pot.

It’ll also hold gears when traveling downhill and displays the current gear in a monochrome centre dash display.

There’s a switchable drive mode system, that we didn’t bother testing primarily because the 2008 will rarely, if ever, see off road action – with Standard, Snow, Gravel, Sand, and ESP off.

Ride is iffy, with a harder than expected suspension on initial response. It quickly softens up and lends body roll when pushed. On flat tarmac it’ll settle quickly after a bump or undulation, but is easily unsettled by rougher surfaces.

Steering response was good and feedback was high from the directional 205/50/17 Goodyear rubber, but will squeal from the front when punted through some tighter turns at the legal limit.

A nice touch is the ice blue LED piping around the dash binnacle. The binnacle itself houses two analogue dials and sits above the steering wheel for the eyeline view rather than “through” the wheel.

Interior room is adequate for four people. Boot space is also adequate at 410 litres, increasing to 917 litres when the comfy rear seats are folded.

All three trim levels receive a 12V socket in the cargo area however the Active dips out on a stainless steel cargo lip.

Outside it’s a good looker, with a blunt front end, smooth profile and the now traditional “cat’s claw” motif in the tail lights.

Underneath is some nifty tech, with Static Intersection Lighting, that moves the front fog lights in response to the steering wheel.

Park Assist for those shopping centre carparks is on board as is Active City Brake. This uses short range radar to track slower vehicles ahead and will brake the car to a stop at speeds under 15 km/h.

 

 

What we like?

  • Fantastic fuel economy
  • French good looks
  • Roomy enough for four

 

What we don’t?

  • Dual clutch auto’s delay in engaging from stop
  • Choppy ride at times
  • Small overall size may compromise cargo capacity
  • Not really suitable for five people

 

The bottom line?

Dual clutch auto aside, it’s an ideal family of four car and certainly wins in the around town economy stakes. Drives well enough and looks good in the drive.

Peugeot 2008 Allure, priced from $29,230
  • Looks - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Performance - 6.5/10
    6.5/10
  • Safety - 8/10
    8/10
  • Thirst - 9/10
    9/10
  • Practicality - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Comfort - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Tech - 7.5/10
    7.5/10
  • Value - 8/10
    8/10
Overall
7.7/10
7.7/10

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