UNBORING the future, as Peugeot puts it, is their all new quirky, yet quite stylish 2008 GT. There’s plenty to like about the compact SUV and a lot that would take some getting used to if you weren’t familiar with this manufacturer.
There’s plenty of corners and curves on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. On the outside, there’s all these angles from the bonnet and the boot leading towards each other across the doors, and all while being quite flat on the back, yet a reasonably curved front.
The diamond black roof, mirrors and other slight details help break up the look and really complement the style. The aggressive lighting, particularly the long strip daytime running lights, mixed with the blue and blacks look really good.
Paired with all of that are 17-inch Salamanca diamond cut alloy wheels, with just the right amount of silver to stand out. Two interiors are available, fabric with “Leather Effect” and full grain Nappa Leather, which was what our test vehicle came with.
It’s a $2,690 option, but one we really like. The seats have a vertical ribbed pattern, which are heated in the front. The driver’s seat is electric and will even give you a massage to help you settle down after a big day at work, or settle in.
New to the 2021 model is an increase in size too. While it’s not as high as previous designs, its wider and longer, as well as allowing for more ground clearance, at 221mm.
In the rear, the split fold seats are in a 70:30 configuration and when down, expand the boot space to 1015-litres, up from the claimed 434-litres when raised. There’s also a fake floor, which can be raised to reveal the 16-inch spare wheel.
Also an optional extra is a panoramic electric glass sunroof, that can either have the cover opened entirely to let light in, or have the roof open, where the front glass plate folds over the back one. This feature is valued at an additional $1,990.
Kitted out with all the latest technology, the 2008 has the latest Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit, a rather unique instrument cluster setup that transforms your traditional digital dash into a 3D experience.
There are multiple graphic options for how you want to view your screen as you drive, including just having it as a traditional flat 2D display. This display sits uniquely above the steering wheel, rather than through it too.
This can take some getting used to, however the squarish and small steering wheel, with chrome GT emblem, sits well and practically in your lap. Complementing the cockpit is a 10.0-inch HD capacitive colour touchscreen.
This has been cleverly angled towards the driver, making it incredibly easy to use and view while driving. The downside is you’ll struggle when you get back into a car that has a flat across the dash.
The infotainment system comes with wired Apple Car Play and Android Auto, plus a stack of other typical features, like Bluetooth. The majority of the car’s functions are built into it too, with the controls below it activating functions on the screen, such as air-conditioning.
This can take some getting used to if you’re used to physical buttons. There are four USB ports, with two in the front (one is USB-C) and two for the backseat passengers. There is a wireless charging bay as well.
There’s also mood lighting, so if you’re into colour, the interior houses an eight-colour ambient lighting system, although it’s only practical at night.
Powering the 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT is a 1.2-litre PureTech 130 engine, backed by 97kW and 230Nm of torque, and fuelled by a minimum of 95 RON. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
All of this will take you from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 9.3 seconds. Combined fuel efficiency is 6.5-litres/100km. Unlike most SUV’s, this one has a relatively small tank, at only 44-litres, so don’t go preparing for any long-distance drives without additional stops.
While Peugeot have kept some drive assistance features for the range topping GT Sport, the GT still has more than enough to get by. Standard across the range is driver attention alert, and speed sign recognition that subtly flashes red when you’re exceed the limit.
Front collision warning is also included, along with an autonomous braking system that’s also on the look-out for pedestrians. In the case of the GT, night function and cyclist detection also provides another level of protection.
There’s also parking and lane keeping assist, as well as active blind spot monitoring and grip control, which funnily enough isn’t included in the GT Sport. It has three options; sand, mud or snow. Cruise control is included as well.
Thankfully there’s no stop/start function on this model (we really don’t love it even though it saves fuel), but if you do want it, it’s on the GT Sport. Six paint options are available, including Orange Fusion and our incredible test vehicle colour, Vertigo Blue.
With the optional extras that our tester came with, you can expect to pay $49,014 drive away for the 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT. Take them all away, and it can be had for $43,074 drive away.
It comes bundled with Peugeot Prestige, which provides a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and similar roadside assistance, as well as 3-year paintwork and 12-year corrosion warranty.
You can build and price a new 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT on the Peugeot Australia website.
Our test vehicle was provided by Peugeot Australia. To find out more about the 2021 Peugeot 2008 GT, contact your local Peugeot dealer.
