The 2017 Peugeot 2008 arrives in Australia at the end of February, in a months’ time, with a simplified lineup, a new engine, new automatic gearbox and boosted equipment across the range – but, for now, without pricing information. We should know of any price increases – or decreases – within a fortnight.
Though it was previously available with a mix of three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines, Peugeot Australia is simplifying the 2008 for 2017, with three trim levels exclusively paired to a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder making 81kW, and a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
The drivetrain changes, along with better equipment across the range, is part of a push to finally make the 2008 “the complete package for Australian consumers”, as Peugeot Australia’s general manager Kai Bruesewitz puts it.
Bruesewitz is confident that the 81kW, 205Nm three-pot engine offers sufficient power for Australian conditions, citing the motor’s established presence in the 208 hatch and 308 hatch lineups.
Peugeot will also be keen to push the 81kW motor’s two-time podium finish at the International Engine of the Year Awards, in 2015 and 2016.
Spec across the range is boosted by the inclusion of the automatic (there will no longer be a manual offering), plus an updated seven-inch touchscreen package including Apple CarPlay and smartphone mirror link technology.
A reversing camera is finally standard fit across the range, but autonomous emergency braking is disappointingly not available on the Active base model trim; AEB is, however, standard on the mid-spec Allure and the new high-spec GT-Line.
The sports-focussed GT-Line replaces the slightly awkward outgoing diesel-manual-only Outdoor flagship. The GT-Line communicates the performance angle through a variety of red colour flashes outside and in, including badge lettering, stitching on the leather-mesh seats and steering wheel, and through the alloy pedals.
The mid-spec Allure adds satellite navigation and self-parking technology, and retains existing features like dual-zone air conditioning, a premium cloth-leather mixed trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus automatic lights and wipers.
The entry-level Active picks up the smartphone mirroring tech and a reversing camera and retains air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors, fog lights, a leather wheel and a cooled central box.
We await pricing closer to the arrival of the updated 2008.
