Peugeot launches updated 2008 with new face, mild hybrid option

Peugeot hit the ground running when they launched their smallest crossover, the 2008. It was constantly one of the best-selling B-segment crossovers in Europe, and in the Philippines the 2008 is showing a lot of promise with its distinct curb appeal, spacious cabin and its sporty driving characteristics.

After four years and 700,000 units sold globally, Peugeot has refreshed the 2008 with an updated face and in-car entertainment, plus the introduction of a mild-hybrid engine option to bridge the gap between the pure ICE 2008 and the fully-electric e-2008.

For starters, the refreshed 2008 now sports the new Peugeot corporate logo in its front fascia. Following the design cues of the 508 saloon and 508 SW, the 2008 also gets a new LED headlight. Along with a wider front grille, the three cat claw DRLs have been moved to the lower bumper where the single fang used to be.

At the back, there's also a new design for the LED taillights with horizontal slats in the cluster. As expected, the old Peugeot logo has been removed at the back of the 2008, while the “PEUGEOT” emblem gets a more modern font design.

Peugeot has kept the 2008's 3D i-Cockpit design. Most of the things in the cabin were unchanged, but new for 2023 is the 10-inch touchscreen head unit that's ready for the i-Connect Advanced connectivity system.

As mentioned earlier, there's a new mild hybrid engine option for the 2008. The 1.2-liter, three-cylinder PureTech turbo engine with 136 PS and 230 Nm of torque gets a 48-volt hybrid system, adding a 28 PS electric motor on the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Peugeot says the mild hybrid versions will arrive in global markets by 2024.

Meanwhile, the fully-electric e-2008 gets a larger 54 kWh battery and a new electric motor. The result is more power at 156 PS and longer estimated range; from 345 km, the e-2008 can travel up to 406 km using the WLTP cycle. In terms of EV charging, estimated recharge times from 20% to 80% are 30 minutes, using 100 kW DC charging. For AC charging, it takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes from a 7.4 kW wall box charger. Lastly, when using a 3.2 kW standard reinforced socket, it takes 11 hours and 10 minutes to charge the e-2008's batteries.

Along with the mild-hybrid and full EV variants, pure ICE engines like the PureTech 100, PureTech 130, and Blue Hdi 130 EAT8 are still being offered by Peugeot.

In terms of safety, the 2008 gets new front and rear parking cameras with high-definition video quality. Also, it gets a comprehensive range of driving aids such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, active lane departure warning with lane correction plus blind spot monitoring.

As for the Philippines, we may have to wait for the ASEAN market reveal of the refreshed 2008 before expecting its arrival in the country. With Peugeot Philippines intent on entering the EV market with the e-2008, let's hope we won't have to wait for a long time.