The French SUV has made it as a top 10 New Zealand Car of the year finalist

Peugeot’s New Zealand distributor has a smart plan when it comes to selling the 2008 compact SUV here; you a car that has all the features of the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz for under $50,000.

Technically French brand Peugeot is a European marque but it’s not classed a premium vehicle here compared to such brands as Mercedes, Audi, and BMW.  But that’s not stopping New Zealand distributor Auto Distributors from having a crack at taking on the top three.

It launched the new Peugeot 2008 compact SUV in August, starting with the Active at $33,990, the Allure $6000 more, the GT at $45,990, and our test model, the GT Launch Edition at $47,990.

All models are powered by a 1.2-litre PureTech engine, with the two entry 2008s producing 96kW of power and 230Nm of torque, plus have a six-speed auto. The two GT models have been tuned to 114kW/240Nm with an eight-speed auto.

All variants have Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, and Active Emergency Braking as standard – while the GT and Launch model get cyclist detection.

The Launch Edition is then loaded with an opening panoramic sunroof, 18in alloys FOCAL Hifi system, and an alarm.

If you look at the top three price-wise with compact SUVs, you could get an Audi Q2 for $56,900, a BMW X1 for $59,900 or a Mercedes-Benz GLA for $60,900.

The 2008 is the first Peugeot to have three-dimensional-effect instruments, thanks to the company’s new “3D i-cockpit”.

The configurable10-inch screen projects the instrument cluster “like a hologram” says Peugeot, with a variety of display modes. The most important information, including emergency notifications, is presented closer to the driver. The company claims it improves reaction times by around half a second.

There’s also good news for Auto Distributors, the 2008 is a top 10 finalist for the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild annual Car of the Year award, of which I am a judge.

The Guild first awarded a car of the year in 1988, and the 2020 winner will be announced early next month.

“In addition to the award’s longevity, many people in the automotive industry consider the Guild title as being the most prestigious of all competitions to win, as it is voted on by more than 25 independent members from around the nation,” said the CEO of Auto Distributors New Zealand, Chris Brown.

“We certainly appreciate and value the opinions of these experts as they have hands-on experience of almost every new car in the country, so are well qualified when it comes to determining which vehicles are worthy of a finals nomination as well as winning the overall title.”

“The 2008 SUV is the first Peugeot model available in New Zealand to feature the new 3D i-Cockpit, a 10-inch configurable 3D head-up display instrument panel, while a semi-autonomous driving experience is available courtesy of Peugeot Drive Assist systems,” said Brown.

The arrival of the all-new 2008 SUV is a precursor to what can be expected from the brand later next year, when a dedicated 100 per cent electric version of the Car of the Year nominated Peugeot will go on sale in New Zealand.

“It’s still far too early to announce many details, but I can confirm the 2008 EV will be available in top-of-the-line GT-specification with 100kW of power, will launch in Q3 of 2021 and have a range in excess of 300km,” said Brown.

“The arrival of the EV will build on the success of the 2008 and illustrate our commitment to Kiwi motorists to bring them the very latest in terms of advancements in technology from the Peugeot new-car portfolio.”

So, what makes the 2008 a car of the year contender? It starts at the front with the dominating grille, the lion’s claw LED lights, and ‘fang’ light. It’s head-turning so if you’re a shy type then be prepared for the attention. 

I also liked the diamond style side panels that were highlighted thanks to the exterior paint Orange Fusion.

The new 2008 is 142mm longer, 31mm wider, and just 6mm taller than the outgoing car with the wheelbase grown by 67mm, to improve cabin space. It gives is a bigger look on the road too.

Inside, the cabin is a luxurious place with stitched Nappa leather seats make their debut, front seat heating, and a driver's side massage function (that I had turned on permanently when I drove it) plus customisable ambient lighting. The Infotainment is upgraded to a 10.0in unit and wireless cellphone charging.

But there’s one awkward design feature with the gauge cluster above the steering wheel that is small and squared-off. So, to see the gauge clearly you either have to have the steering wheel on your lap, or lift the seat to a higher position. And if you’re short like me, that means the wheel on your lap!

But kudos to Peugeot for having the 2008 with semi-autonomous driving as the car keeps at a set speed and distance from the vehicles in front when driving on the motorway.

And that 1.2-litre engine in the GT performs very well on the motorway, with plenty of grunt for overtaking, and around town, the upright stance gives it a compact fee.l

The 2008 handles well thought the small steering wheel can mean some tight turning and heavy steering, but switch between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes and the car will vary the way it performs. 

Keep it in Normal mode and you’re set for city driving, but Sport mode is the best for motorway travel when you need to overtake at speed.

For weekends away, or if you are looking at this as a family car, the 2008 provides function and form. The boot space is big enough for suitcases and paraphernalia needed for little kids, while the rear seat has room for two adults with a third squeezed in the middle. 

It’s also appealing as a vehicle for someone wanting to downsize from a large SUV, as it looks like a medium SUV but has the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle.