Peugeot's hit 2008 gets a major refresh

OFFICIAL Mild-hybrid powertrain introduced alongside larger battery for EV version, while design tweaks and new tech complete makeover for popular small SUV

- Sean Carson 

• Pure-petrol engines remain alongside mild hybrid and full EV
• New battery gives electric e-2008 252 miles of claimed range

PEUGEOT'S 2008 small SUV is a big success story for the French brand, routinely among the top three best-selling compact crossovers in Europe and topping the list in 2021. To continue that success, the company has revealed an updated 2008, sporting tweaks to the styling, a new electrified range of engines and up to 252 miles of range for the e-2008 full EV.

The pure-petrol motor remains, with a choice of 99bhp or 128bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech units, linked to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. We expect performance will be unchanged compared with its predecessor, which accelerated from 0-62mph in 12.2 and 10.7 seconds for the PureTech 100 and PureTech 130 manual models respectively.

From 2024, Peugeot will add a new 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain, which it says consists of "a new-generation 136bhp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, coupled with a new six-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that includes an electric motor".

The firm claims that the 2008 48V Hybrid can operate on electricity up to 50 per cent of the time in town, with an improvement in fuel economy of up to 15 per cent.