2021 Peugeot 2008: Can it match Toyota Corolla Cross?
The 2021 Peugeot 2008 looks like a good fit for the Philippines
Peugeot has been rather quiet these past couple of years in Southeast Asia. But this time around, the French automaker is making up for that with the regional debut of the all-new 2008 crossover. Making its ASEAN premiere at the 2021 Bangkok International Motor Show, the Peugeot wants their redesigned 2008 to make a dent in the subcompact crossover class.
According to Peugeot Thailand, they want to price the 2008 below THB 1 million, or under PHP 1.57 million at current exchange rates. While it's priced out of the budget subcompact crossover class, it's close to the SRP of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. So, is this French crossover a good match to the Toyota?
The Peugeot's size puts it squarely within the subcompact crossover class. The 2008 is 4,300 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,530 mm tall. However, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is one of the larger offerings in its segment. The Toyota measures 4,460 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall. When it comes to size, the Corolla Cross offers a clear advantage.
But just because the Corolla Cross is longer, it doesn't mean it has makes the most of its size. Despite being 160 mm shorter and 55 mm slimmer, the Peugeot still offers 434 liters of cargo space behind the back seats. For comparison, the Corolla Cross has 440 liters of cargo volume, but it's just six liters more than the shorter and narrower 2008.
As for the powertrain, the 2008 uses a 1.2-liter turbo-gas mill while the Corolla Cross Hybrid has a 1.8-liter paired to an electric motor. The Toyota hybrid has a combined output of 122 PS, while the turbocharged Peugeot squeezes out 130 PS from its three-cylinder engine. The two also differ greatly when it comes to transmissions. Toyota installs a continuously variable transmission in the Corolla Cross Hybrid, while Peugeot uses an eight-speed automatic for the 2008. The only thing they have in common is the driven wheels. Both these crossovers are front-wheel-drive only.
Looking at the numbers, the Peugeot can match the Toyota in some aspects. That said, numbers only tell half the story of these two models. It will boil down to how the 2008 compares to the Corolla Cross Hybrid in real-world conditions. Of course, the only way we will get to know that is if Peugeot Philippines brings it in with a competitive price tag. Production will also have to be in the NAZA-PSA facility in Malaysia where Peugeot PH currently sources its gas-fed 3008 and 5008 offerings to take advantage of AFTA (ASEAN Free-Trade Agreement).
