The Peugeot 2008 is the small crossover with the most distinctive interior in its class. The i-Cockpit — a small-diameter steering wheel, a high-mounted instrument cluster that you look over rather than through, and a large central touchscreen — is either the most innovative cockpit design in the segment or the most irritating, depending on which side of the driver-height divide you fall on. Taller drivers who find the steering wheel blocks the instruments have a genuine grievance. Drivers who the system works for tend to become committed advocates. The first thing to do before buying any 2008 is confirm that the i-Cockpit works for your driving position — adjust the seat and steering wheel to your preferred setting and check you can see all instruments clearly.
If it works for you, the Mk2 2008 (2019 onwards) is one of the most accomplished small crossovers currently available on the used market. The interior quality stepped up significantly from the Mk1, the 1.2 PureTech 130 is a genuinely capable engine when it works correctly, and the e-2008 is the best argument for a fully electric crossover at this price point for buyers who can charge at home. The Mk1's defining concern — the 1.2 PureTech timing chain — needs understanding before you commit to any example.
Mk1 or Mk2?
The first-generation 2008 (2013–2019) is the older platform and the one most commonly found at lower price points. The concern centres on the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine fitted to most UK examples from 2015 onwards. The early PureTech 1.2 had a documented timing chain issue — the chain stretch problem that affected this engine family across multiple PSA Group vehicles (2008, 3008, 308, and others). The timing chain could stretch prematurely, leading in the worst cases to engine damage without warning.
PSA Group acknowledged the issue and issued a fix — strengthened timing chain components available from 2017 onwards and retrofitted to many earlier examples under warranty. On any Mk1 2008 with the 1.2 PureTech, the first question is whether the timing chain has been updated. A rattling noise on cold start from the engine bay on any PureTech 1.2 is the warning sign. If present, walk away.
The second-generation 2008 (2019 onwards) is built on PSA's CMP platform (also used by the DS 3 Crossback and Vauxhall Mokka). The Mk2 brought a significantly revised interior, the improved i-Cockpit layout, better standard safety equipment, and the PureTech 1.2 in its updated 100PS and 130PS forms — with the timing chain concern substantially addressed by the production changes introduced during Mk1 production. The Mk2 is the recommendation for most buyers.
Which engine?
The PureTech 100 (1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo, 100PS) is the entry petrol in the Mk2. Adequate for urban and suburban driving; the 100PS feels stretched on A-roads and at motorway speeds. Economy of 42–50mpg. Suitable for buyers whose primary driving is local.
The PureTech 130 (1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo, 130PS) is the volume engine and the recommendation for most buyers. The extra 30PS makes a meaningful difference at motorway cruise and overtaking. Economy of 40–48mpg in mixed driving. Available with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic — the automatic is smooth and well-matched to the engine's torque delivery. This is the specification that defines the Mk2 2008 ownership experience for most buyers.
The e-2008 (136PS, 50kWh battery, electric) is the fully electric variant and one of the more compelling small electric crossovers on the used market. Real-world range of 180–210 miles depending on conditions and speed. DC rapid charging at up to 100kW (0–80% in approximately 30 minutes at a fast charger). The e-2008 shares its platform with the Vauxhall Mokka-e and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense — the same battery and motor in different bodies. Boot space at 434 litres is slightly smaller than the petrol 2008 (434 litres without the spare wheel well of the combustion car). For buyers with home charging and daily use within 150 miles, the e-2008 is the most cost-effective version to run.
i-Cockpit — the decision that defines everything
The i-Cockpit layout deserves more explanation than a simple mention, because it is the most divisive design feature of any car in this class and the one most likely to determine whether you enjoy owning a 2008 or find it frustrating every time you drive.
The small-diameter steering wheel (360mm vs the class-typical 380mm) is positioned lower than in a conventional car. The instrument cluster sits above and behind the steering wheel rather than behind it — meaning you look over the top of the wheel to see the instruments. For drivers of average height (approximately 5'6" to 5'10") who sit at an average seat height, this works well: the instruments are clearly visible without the steering wheel rim crossing them. For taller drivers (5'11"+) who typically sit lower with more reclined seatbacks, the steering wheel can obscure the bottom portion of the instrument cluster. There is no adjustment that resolves this for all drivers of all heights.
The practical advice: adjust the seat to exactly your preferred driving position before doing anything else at a viewing. Then check whether you can see the full instrument cluster — including the speedometer digits and fuel gauge — without obstruction. Do this before test driving. If there's any obstruction, that will be your 2008 every day.
Which trim level?
Active is the entry Mk2 trim — 7-inch central touchscreen, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, 16-inch alloys. Functional but the smaller touchscreen feels modest in the Mk2's otherwise premium cabin.
Allure is the recommendation — 10-inch portrait touchscreen (the i-Cockpit's centrepiece), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, rear camera, heated front seats, 17-inch alloys. This is where the Mk2 2008 cabin makes its strongest impression.
GT is the top specification — 18-inch alloys, full LED adaptive headlights, premium audio, additional driver assistance technology. Compresses well on the used market and the adaptive headlights are among the best at this price point.
What goes wrong?
PureTech 1.2 timing chain (Mk1 primarily). Already covered above. On any Mk1 2008 with the 1.2 PureTech, listen for cold-start engine rattle and confirm the timing chain was updated. The Mk2 PureTech 1.2 used in engines from 2019 onwards incorporated the updated chain components from the start of production but verify service history is complete.
PureTech engine oil consumption. The PureTech 1.2 across both generations can consume more oil than expected on some examples — owners reporting top-ups between services. Check the oil level before the test drive and ask the seller about frequency of top-ups.
8-speed automatic transmission fluid. The 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox benefits from fluid changes at intervals shorter than PSA's standard schedule. On unserviced higher-mileage examples, shift quality can deteriorate. Confirm gearbox fluid history on any automatic example.
e-2008 12V battery. The same concern as other EVs and PHEVs — the 12V auxiliary battery on electric cars discharges faster than on combustion vehicles. Budget for replacement on any e-2008 over four years old.
What you should actually pay
- Mk1 PureTech 130 Allure (2017–2019): £9,000–£13,000
- Mk2 PureTech 100 Active (2019–2021): £13,000–£17,000
- Mk2 PureTech 130 Allure (2020–2022): £16,000–£22,000
- Mk2 PureTech 130 GT (2020–2022): £18,000–£24,000
- e-2008 Allure/GT (2020–2022): £19,000–£27,000
What does it cost to run?
Peugeot 2008 servicing at an independent Peugeot specialist is affordable. Oil and filter service on the PureTech 1.2 costs £85–£120 at an independent; a main dealer charges £140–£190. Full annual service including air and pollen filter: £150–£220 at an independent. The PureTech engine requires 0W-30 or 5W-30 fully synthetic oil to the correct PSA B71 2312 specification — always confirm the correct grade is used.
The e-2008's running costs are very low for daily use: home charging at 10p/kWh to fill the 50kWh battery costs approximately £5, giving 180–210 miles. Annual servicing on the e-2008 (brake fluid, cabin filter, tyre rotation) costs £150–£200 at an independent.
On any Mk1, verify timing chain update status before proceeding. Check oil level on any PureTech before the test drive. Confirm i-Cockpit visibility at your exact seat height before anything else — this is non-negotiable.
Check the MOT history before you go
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On the test drive: adjust the seat to your preferred driving position first, then check instrument visibility over the steering wheel before starting the engine. On any PureTech 1.2, start from cold if possible and listen for chain rattle. Test the 8-speed automatic at low speed for smoothness. On the e-2008, check the estimated range display at full charge and compare to 50kWh expected values. Drive at 60–70mph to assess motorway refinement — the Mk2 2008 is noticeably quieter than the Mk1.
Should you buy one?
Against the Renault Captur: the Captur has a larger boot (536 vs 434 litres) and the E-Tech PHEV option. The 2008 has the more distinctive interior and, in GT trim with adaptive headlights, better after-dark visibility. Very close at equivalent prices — the Captur if practicality is paramount, the 2008 if interior character matters more.
Against the Volkswagen T-Cross: the T-Cross has stronger residuals and the broader VAG specialist support network. The 2008 has the more distinctive interior and the e-2008 electric option. At equivalent prices, the T-Cross is the safer conventional choice; the 2008 is the more interesting one.
A 2020–2022 Peugeot 2008 PureTech 130 Allure with the 8-speed automatic, confirmed PureTech oil level and chain history, full Peugeot service history: a strong recommendation in the small crossover class — provided the i-Cockpit works for your driving position. The 2008's combination of distinctive design, good interior quality, and competitive running costs makes it one of the more rewarding small crossovers to own. The caveat is the i-Cockpit, and that caveat is significant. Check it first. But if the system works for your height and seating position — and for the majority of buyers it will — the 2008 is a confident recommendation: well-designed, competitively priced, and genuinely more interesting to live with than its sales figures might suggest for a car that is primarily chosen for its practicality and economy.
Also see: Renault Captur Buying Guide | Nissan Qashqai Buying Guide | Kia Niro Buying Guide