Peugeot 2008 SUV - Interior & comfort

If buyers are drawn in by the 2008's striking looks, the interior could well seal the deal. Its sharp design and quality make most rivals feel dated, especially the i-Cockpit instruments. These create a 3D effect by using two screens, with the speed appearing to float above the other information. Quality is class-leading, with only the Mazda CX-30 offering a similar quality and finish for the money.

Refinement is strong overall, except for a small amount of whistling from the door mirrors at high speeds, while the suspension does a good job of coping with bumps, even if it's a notch firmer than the Renault Captur.

Our only qualm with the interior is that it feels a little dark and gloomy whereas some rivals can feel lighter and airier. Some of the core interior functions, such as the climate controls, are found in the infotainment system – we’d prefer physical switches and knobs to tweak these settings.

Peugeot 2008 dashboard

As before, the quirky interior of the 2008 sees the instruments sit above the dashboard, with a small steering wheel beneath them. Some drivers may find their seating and steering wheel position partially blocks this display or makes getting in and out difficult, so it's a good idea to take a test drive and see if it suits you.

Elsewhere, the interior impresses with neat touches like the piano key buttons for frequently used features, contrasting stitching (depending on trim) and plenty of soft materials instead of hard, scratchy plastics. The graphics for the central infotainment screen aren't bad, but it's a shame some functions are hidden in occasionally bewildering menus and that the sat-nav is somewhat confusing. Even normally straightforward tasks like adjusting the climate control can seem a bit fiddly, especially when pressing the temperatures on the screen doesn’t give you all the same air-con functions as using the piano key button.

Equipment

The 2008 is offered in Active, Allure and GT trim levels. Equipment is very generous, with even the basic version getting 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, folding door mirrors, LED headlights and a basic version of i-Cockpit including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and rear parking sensors.

Allure adds 17-inch alloy wheels and a body-coloured grille, the full HD i-Cockpit and head-up display, part leather-effect seats, rear privacy glass, a height-adjustable passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking. 

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GT trim cars get several style upgrades including more aggressive bodywork and a black roof. Lime green stitching contrasts with the rest of the interior, which features a lot of carbon-effect trim, while ambient lighting with eight colours illuminates the interior at night. There's also some impressive technology, including Smartbeam Assist, which individually blocks out other road users from your high beam headlights, sports seats, wireless smartphone charging and voice recognition.