Peugeot 2008 Allure PureTech 130

The Peugeot 2008 represents the French brand’s small crossover model, of which there have been many in what can only be described as an exploding sector within the motor trade

Launching the 2008 could be seen as a knee-jerk response to their rival Renault’s Captur and the C4 Cactus fro Citroën. All of which have followed the Juke from Nissan and all aim to offer SUV styling and a higher driving position but with the price and efficiency of a regular hatchback.

First impressions of the 2008 Allure is that it’s quite a laid-back car. It does give good practicality and a plush interior, but you could be forgiven for felling that overall, it’s quite sedate.

The 2008 is based on the brand’s 208 super-mini. Comfortable, refined and it comes with proven mechanics and technology but unlike some of its rivals, the 2008 doesn’t offer a four-wheel drive option. Peugeot’s Grip Control system is very effective in boosting traction on slippery surfaces though, which you could argue, gives a close second to having four wheels doing their thing.

We first saw the 2008 back in 2013, being later updated in 2015 with better, more efficient engines through the range, and again in 2016 with revised exterior styling and improved tech on board. Now, you get to choose between five different trims, Access, Active, Allure and, for 2016, a sporty GT-Line trim, as well as an Urban Cross special edition. six power outputs (81bhp to 128bhp) and engine-wise, there are just two engines on offer; 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel but with 81bhp to 128bhp options therein.

Well as the standard five or six-speed manual transmissions available, you can also choose a two-pedal system; either the ETG robotised manual or the EAT6 automatic. No four-wheel drive is available with the 2008 – instead you get a ‘Grip Control’ system with different modes to optimise the traction control according to what surface you’re on.

Standard tech includes cruise control, air-con, LED daytime running lights and steel wheels, but you’ll need to step up to Active to gain a touchscreen with DAB radio and Bluetooth, as well as 16-inch alloys, front fogs and a leather wheel. The higher spec cars include pretty much every gadget you could dream of, including parking sensors with a rear-view camera, sat-nav, leather and a panoramic glass roof.

So far as the drive is concerned, the 2008 gives a comfortable, if slightly uninspiring drive. It’s some way from the most agile or sporty model in its class. Its higher driving position means there’s longer-travel suspension than in a super-mini, so you not only feel the benefits in terms of ride comfort, but with the visibility too.

Take the 2008 out onto the open road and it keeps body roll under control pretty well. It rarely feels unstable, cornering confidently but definitely lacks the fun-factor and precision that you’ll find in rivals like one of SBT’s favourites, the Skoda Yeti. The steering wheel is small if compared to others in its class, and while that means fast response, it can make the car feel a little jittery on dual carriageways and motorways. Not ideal for those who see themselves covering large distances regularly.

The Allure 1.2 PureTech 130 a model that is continually improving and for the money, you could do a lot worse

Space-wise, the rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, giving a completely flat load area. It’s easy to access the boot, too, as the load lip is lower to the ground than in many of its rivals. There’s also space under the boot floor, which offers extra, hidden storage room and the 2008 also carries a space-saver spare wheel as standard across the whole range, unlike most rivals, where you’ll find yourself paying extra, or now only have space for a puncture repair kit.

All round, this isn’t a bad car at all. I think there are others in its class that I would choose over it but it does win in some certain areas. The ride position and height is a winner and it has a lot of space in it when compared to others. It’s a model that is continually improving and for the money, you could do a lot worse.

OTR Price: £18,470

Engine: 3 cylinder petrol, 199cc

0-62: 9.3 secs

Max speed: 124 mph

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Insurance group: 19 E