Peugeot 2008 (2013 - 2019) 1.6 VTi Allure 5d (2014/64) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I didn't chose this car. I think image-wise it probably says "I am on a budget, am trying to be sensible and / or cheap and really either don't care or don't know anything about cars". Next year I am going to be getting another company vehicle and to be frank I can't wait to get rid of it. I presume this car is aimed at buy cheap not good, pontificate about their diesel MPG in the pub and don't take pleasure from driving. I frequently drive a Skoda Octavia, which also has a 1.6 diesel engine. It's bigger inside, has better kit, is more comfortable and engaging to drive and returns better MPG than the 2008, even though it's heavier and has wider tyres.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it's crap to be honest. It is. In terms of sensible activities the boot is too small for family use, there's not much leg room in the back, the cabin isn't particularly big and the seats are uncomfortable. On this topic I have only ever had back ache from wearing body armour in a car for long periods..... except when driving Peugeots! My back is utterly hateful after a few hours of driving this car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would never buy this car given the choice. The dash system is a pain to use, the screen is intrusively bright at night at any setting other than OFF. The steering wheel is too small. I've already covered driving it. The control layout is poor. The stalks are the same as a 406 company car in 2004 (they broke off on that car). The whole feeling of the car is cheap and tinny and in long term use from previous (forced) Peugeot experience, I'd expect everything on it to cause problems except for the engine.

What are you likely to buy next?

I've driven literally hundreds of cars on three continents, have had 5 weeks of professional driver training and have been lucky to try all kids of vehicles in all kinds of conditions from most manufacturers. If I was buying a car of this class I would be looking at a VW / Audi / Skoda type car or a Ford. I also own a 10 year old Volvo S60 and it beats the 2008 in every category except fuel economy and parking.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

December 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not applicable.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It is a company car I was given from a pool of available vehicles.

What was the dealer like?

Not applicable.

What's it like to drive?

This car seems to have been set up to feel "nippy" when driven around town, i.e. overly assisted power steering and low body roll. At higher speeds, body roll is pronounced, road noise is overpowering, irritating and tiring (and I have the same set of tyres on another car I drive, so it's not them!), at 1,500rpm and below engine vibration dominates the cabin, particularly with a cold engine. While grip levels feel OK, the brakes are poor, the pedals are too close together (I only have size 9 feet, average for a man!) and the gear lever feels like I am stirring soup. There is a reasonable amount of power for overtaking up to about 60mph... that's probably the only good thing.

What's it like to park?

Parking this car is OK bearing in mind an average for size lock-to-lock on the steering and reasonable mirrors. There isn't much view through the small rear window though.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No.

What's most practical about your car?

It has a small but easily accessible boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None.