The Peugeot 2008 was launched locally in September last year, but as I was not at the launch the first time, I got to drive one when the Peugeot 2008 GT Line 1.2 Pure Tech Auto press vehicle arrived on my driveway. The Peugeot 2008 competes in the compact SUV class, one of the fastest growing areas of the new car market, but it does have the looks, a high level of standard equipment and the price is very competitive.

The new GT Line 1.2 Pure Tech Auto and the updated model show a reasonable amount of change. It can be recognised by its new vertical front grille, a wave roof, roof bars, rear door moulding, new spoiler, black and chrome headlamps and 3D claws. The press vehicle was fitted with 5-double spoke alloy wheels shod with sporty 205/50R17 low profile radials.

Sitting in the new 2008 and looking around it, looks and feels a bit more up market than most of the others in the segment, particularly in regard to quality, while the new GT Line trim adds a sporty theme to the red/black spirit. Inside, the lighting highlights the luxury of the materials and attention to detail, and the seats, upholstered in half leather and half suede material, looks good. The GT Line's front seats are fully adjustable and provide decent support, while the steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and rake. Two tall adults will have no problem with head or leg room, however the back seats are rather tight to sit three adults abreast comfortably, but two will find good head room, and enough leg room if the front passengers don’t position their seats right back.

In car storage is provided for with numerous useful compartments, including the deep recess in front of the gear lever and generous door pockets, but the cubby-hole is tiny. Luggage space though, is generous, measuring 410 litres. If you need more space, the rear seat backrest splits ⅓ - ⅔ and can be folded completely flat increasing capacity to 1 400 litres plus the tailgate aperture opens nice and wide and there’s a low loading sill. The bumper forms part of the solid black protective belt which encircles the new 2008. To preserve the bodywork, this belt unites the front and rear bumpers, equipped with scuff plates and wheel arch extensions.

A large 18 cm touch-screen color display is mounted in the center dash, and this semi-floating display allows easy access to the various multimedia functions, including an MP3-compatible CD receiver with multiple speakers including Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Also standard is a trip computer, electric power steering and automatic bi-zone climate control air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, auto-activating headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, fog lamps cornering function and programmable cruise control with speed limiter, a refrigerated glove compartment and aluminium pedals. On-board connectivity includes the Mirror Screen feature which allows the driver to link their MirrorLinkTM or Apple Carplay® compatible smartphone to the touch screen.

The 2008 is equipped with Peugeot’s Grip Control system, which sends torque to the front wheel with most grip to help you scrabble up slippery slopes and over wet fields. Also fitted was the Active City Brake technology that reduces the severity of accidents and the Park Assist technology assists the parking process, while the reversing camera shows the vehicle's dimensions on the screen to facilitate manoeuvring. Safety features include six airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist. Hazard lights that activate automatically under emergency braking, a central locking system which locks the doors when driving off and electric child locks for the rear doors.

The 2008 has an unusually small 4-spoke multi-function flat bottomed steering wheel positioned in such a way that the driving position may not suit everyone because you view the instruments over the steering wheel rather than through it, and for some, the instruments are partially obscured. However the half-leather half cloth upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel and form hugging side bolsters, are very comfortable, and the small diameter steering wheel does add to the sporty feeling.

The 2008 GT Line 1.2 Pure Tech Auto is powered by Peugeot’s turbo-charged1 199 cc PureTech 3-cylinder engine producing81 kW at 5 500 rpm and maximum torque of 205 Nm from 1 500 rpm, and linked to the new 6-speed automatic gearbox. In acceleration tests, leaving the autobox in “drive” mode to do its own changing, it covered the 0 to 100 km/h sprint after two gear changes in a not so quick 11.1 seconds, and has a top speed of around 188 km/h. Combined petrol consumption is given as 5.4 litres per 100 km but the test vehicle the trip recorder showed an average of 8.1 litres per 100 which is quite high. The steering is light around town and sharp at higher speeds, but with the car’s good turning radius the 2008 is easy to park in tight spaces. The 165 mm ride height and compact SUV go well together as if you have to mount a pavement to leave passing space on a narrow road, or misjudge the height of the pavement you are unlikely to damage the car.

On the freeways the 2008 GT Line is reasonably refined, the motor smooth running, and the automatic ‘box is quite responsive when quick changes are called for, like for a quick overtake. Cruising at the 120 km/h speed limit in 6th gear, the rev counter registers 2 500 rpm and 3 300 rpm at 160 km/h, while wind and road noise are both well contained. The ride is on the firm side and the suspension quite good in normal road conditions but it does get a bit ruffled over patchy road surfaces, especially in sharp corners. .However, handling and ride comfort is generally good and overall the 208 GT Line is pleasant and sporty to drive. Around town, the Peugeot 2008 is quite nippy and agile, but in faster bends there is a bit of body roll.

The recommended retail selling price for the Peugeot 2008 GT Line 6-speed automatic is R349 900, which includes a 3-year / 45 000 km service plan.