2021 Peugeot 2008 GT review: Good looks come at a cost

Compact SUVs are all the rage and this new addition adds a point of difference that is sure to entice buyers, but there is a catch.

Sales of small SUVs are booming, and this European version gives buyers a premium option.

Here are five things you need to know about the Peugeot 2008 GT.

IT PRESENTS BEAUTIFULLY

Peugeot updated its 2008 in 2021, adding a mid-range “GT” model to split the entry-level Allure and fully-loaded GT-Line.

It looks striking in vertigo blue paint, benefiting from distinctive “three-claw” headlights that slash into the bumper and brake lights that burn through a gloss black valence at the rear.

It’s even better on the inside, where premium materials wrap around an interesting-looking cabin home to a tiny steering wheel and digital dash.

A hologram-like 3D effect layers information presented to the driver – important stuff like vehicle speed takes pride of place, while less immediately vital data such as fuel and temperature gauges lies in the background.

Vibrant eight-colour ambient lighting joins neon green stitching to brighten its appeal.

The Peugeot 2008 GT has good looks inside and out.

PRICES HAVE BITE

Now that we’ve made a good impression, time for the tricky bit: our test car costs more than $49,000 drive-away, which is a lot for a tiny French crossover powered by a three-cylinder engine.

Normally available from about $43,000 drive-away, the bill includes heated leather seats ($2690), a panoramic sunroof ($1990) and metallic paint ($1050) that deliver an eye-catching car for an eye-watering price.

Peugeot backs the 2008 with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing costs $2200 for five years.

It is expensive compared to mainstream rivals.

BUT THERE ARE OMISSIONS

The 2008 has handy features such as LED headlights, smart keys and a 10-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, sat nav and a digital radio.

But it does miss out on equipment you would find as standard in an equivalent (and cheaper) Toyota or Mazda.

Auto emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and blind spot monitoring are standard, but active cruise control and rear cross traffic alerts are missing in action. As is an all-wheel-drive option or manual transmission – the latter normally isn’t a deal breaker, but we reckon Francophiles are more likely to row their own.

The interior is well appointed.

ERGONOMICS AREN’T FOR EVERYONE

Peugeot rocked the boat with its original i-Cockpit layout, placing a tiny steering wheel in the driver’s lap and a compact gauge cluster near the base of the windscreen. It works beautifully for some – but not all – drivers, prescribing a low-handed driving posture. In my case, positioning the steering wheel so that it doesn’t bump into my knees obscures my view of the speedometer, which is less than ideal.

I’m also less-than-convinced by the need to use the occasionally tricky touchscreen to access key features such as airconditioning controls.

IT’S NO WARRIOR

Powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo motor with 96kW/230Nm, the 2008 has a charmingly grumpy growl when you get on the gas. The offbeat warble accompanies 6.5L/100km economy that translates to a slightly tardy nine-second dash to 100km/h, though we wouldn’t expect a lot more from a compact SUV.

Peugeot’s six-speed torque converter auto is a good one (though you need to upgrade to the eight-speed GT Sport to get shift paddles), and Bridgestone Dueler rubber might come in handy if you decide to test its additional ground clearance.

But don’t be fooled by “grip control” terrain modes with sand, mud and snow settings – it’s fundamentally a city-bound front-wheel-drive hatchback at heart.