Improved range, more looks…but does the new Peugeot E-2008 deliver?

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Photos: Clifford Chow
Text: Augustine Lai

SINGAPORE

The Peugeot 2008 stands as one of the most successful tales in Peugeot’s recent history. With its launch in 2019, it has soared to remarkable heights, boasting over 700,000 units produced. By 2021, it had clinched the title of the top-selling small SUV in Europe. So when I got the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one, I wanted to see what makes the car so popular.

Visually, the facelift brings forth a sleeker and more dynamic appearance as compared to the old, marked by updated front-end styling and a fresh grille adorned with Peugeot’s iconic lion emblem. Additionally, the signature ‘lion’s claw’ LED headlights have been revamped, offering improved visibility along with a more aggressive aesthetic. The theme continues at the rear, with a renewed sharpness in its tail lamps. To further place emphasis on the electric bit of the B-Segment SUV, Peugeot is also selling the car, complete with a capital “E”, as opposed to a lower-case “e” previously.

On the inside, most of what makes the two-o-o-eight futuristic has been retained. What is new though, the 10-inch i-Cockpit touchscreen accepts wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, however I found it quite the challenge to connect my device. While I do appreciate that Peugeot has retained some physical buttons on the dash, it does lack physical climate control buttons, and the infotainment is not as user-friendly as I hoped.

Like in the past, the E-2008 comes equipped with a fancy layered holographic display driver display. BUT!!! I found it difficult to find an optimal seating position, as the top of the steering does get in the way of the driver’s display.

The inclusion of a wireless charging pad adds convenience for users; this is in addition to a good scatter of USB-C ports around the car, and for those who still need a USB-A port, there is one located at the rear. The rear holds two in decent comfort, although a third passenger at the rear could raise turmoil over longer journeys. At 434 litres, the boot is practical in size, and for added versatility, there is also a movable floorboard.

With its electric motor, the E-2008 delivers its drive in buttery smooth fashion, and any noise is quite minimal; meaning that things are quite pleasant in the cabin. Some good news for would-be buyers, power and torque figures have increased slightly by 4hp and 10Nm respectively, bringing figures to 134 Hp and 270Nm.

The regenerative braking setup is rather simple for the French SUV. You get two modes – one with little re-gen, and “B” which allows for one-foot driving, albeit a little less re-gen-ish than some other EVs we have tested. After a while, I found that turning off the regenerative braking system vibes better with my driving style, since it drives more similar to that of an ‘ICE’ car. I do, however, have a gripe about how soft the brake pedal was. It lacked confidence-instilling responsiveness, and I would not be too far-off, if I were to say that they feel like a suggestion.

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Peugeot claims a lab-tested consumption of 14.1 kWh/100km for the E-2008. This is close to the 14.9 kWh/100km I managed. The 54kW battery (previously 50kW) charges from 20 – 80 percent in 3 hours, using a 11kW AC charger. It does 0 – 80 percent in 34 minutes utilising a high-speed 100kW DC charger. The larger battery also means that range has increased to a respectable 436km, compared to  the 345km, on the pre-facelift car.

I feel that the renewed Peugeot E-2008 is a smart-looking, inoffensive and practical car. Certainly, there were a few areas which I feel fell short, such as the challenge in finding the ideal seating position and the need to hit the brakes earlier. However, the seamless powertrain and comfortable ride (thanks to a softer suspension and supportive seats) are things you can savour.

However, the Category A segment has lately become more crowded, with competition heating up from the Chinese from brands like Aion, BYD, and Ora, and also from more traditional brands like Hyundai, and Citroën; which will mean that pricing will be a major factor.

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2024 Peugeot E-2008

Drivetrain type	Full Electric
Electric Motor / layout	Single Motor, Front Drive
Motor power / torque	134hp / 270Nm
Battery type /net capacity	Lithium-ion / 54kWh (net)
Normal Charge Type / Time	11kW AC / 3 hours
Max Fast Charge Type / Time	100kW DC / 34 mins
Electric Range	436km
0-100km/h	9.1 seconds
Top Speed	150km/h
Efficiency	14.1kWh/100km
VES Band	A1 / -S$25,000
Agent	AutoFrance
Price	S$166,888 with COE and VES
Availability	Now
Verdict:	The E-2008 may just be the ideal practical car for city driving! Pity those brakes.

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