When we first saw the 2008, we thought it was simply a 208 Estate or Wagon, and that it would not fit into the Crossover or SUV market. But after spending a week using the car, it most certainly is not just another B Sector estate.

The car we had on test was powered by the super-efficient 1560cc diesel engine that produces 92bhp that accelerates from 0-62mph in 12.8 seconds, has a top speed of 113mph and a CO2 emission figure of 103g/km. The official combined cycle fuel consumption figure is 70.6mpg. During the time we had the car it averaged over 55mpg. No matter how or where you drove, it would not go below 50mpg, which we thought was a good result.

There are four trim levels available in the 2008 range: Access+, Active, Allure and Feline. Looking at the standard specification on these, the Allure seems to have everything you need and more besides, all at a sensible price too.

The interior is finished to a very high quality in terms of materials used along with fit and finish. As Peugeot keep proving, their products just keep getting better. But there are a couple of things that spoil the interior. It has a ridiculously small steering wheel, which looks great on first sight. But using it and seeing the dials was not easy for me. Maybe I am simply the wrong height, or had the seat in the wrong position and the steering wheel at the wrong angle.

Talking to other people, who have driven the 208 and 2008, about the lack of connection between driver and instruments, some said “glad you have said that, because I had the same difficulties” therefore maybe it’s not just me. The handbrake looks very modern and futuristic and Peugeot describe it as “aircraft type handbrake”. It is smaller than most, compact and hardly takes up any room. But you do have to get used to it and how it works and this may be difficult for some, although it does look good.he 2008 is relatively compact at 4.16m long and 1.83m wide, but get inside and it has more room than the exterior dimensions would suggest. There is plenty of room for five adults and room for masses of luggage. We had to move a two-seater leather settee. Looking at the settee, then the cargo area with the rear seats folded down, it looked like it wouldn’t go in. But we gave it a go and surprisingly, in it went no problem.

There are numerous storage compartments in the 2008, in fact maybe too many, as you could spend a lot of time (as I did) looking for something you put safely in the car, but then can’t find later.On some models, with certain engines the PSA Group patented system “Grip-Control” is standard and optimises traction in conditions of poor grip. It combines the 165mm ground clearance with an advanced traction control system and “Mud & Snow” tyres, which work on the front wheels.

The driver can select a mode using a dial near the gear lever, with the modes being: snow, off-road, sand, and ESP-off. While we had the car, we did not get chance to test this safety and terrain feature.

The 2008 engine range has recently been expanded to include a 1.2 litre e-THP 3 cylinder petrol engine which 82bhp and although we have not driven this engine in the 2008, we tried it in other Peugeot cars, and we think it will work well, and be a popular choice.

Out on the road, the 2008 is a pleasure to drive, very comfortable and it easily cruises quietly on the motorway at 70mph (although it’s not quite so easy to see how fast you are going). There is hardly any wind, road or engine noise in the cabin, so talking to front and rear seat passengers takes no effort at all. 

It is easy to conclude that it is every bit a Crossover, it sits high off the road, looks SUV-like and has some great lines. It looks robust and has plenty of practicality, flexibility and comfort.

The cost of the test car was £17,445.00 OTR but it had a few options fitted, such as panoramic glass sunroof costing £400 (which seems good value) satellite navigation at £400, which also seems cheap. So for just over £18,000.00 you get a fully-loaded, very attractive, and practical Crossover – a bargain.

Martin Ward, Manufacturer Relationship Manager