• Modern with a high-tech feel
• Odd driving position doesn’t work for all
• Quality is impressive

How is the quality and layout?

Good, once you get used to the disjointed styling, over-reliance on the touchscreen and the strange driving position. For the facelift, very little has changed over the older e-2008, with some new trims and an updated infotainment set-up.

The e-2008’s interior is one of the better ones among its compact SUV rivals, evolving the firm’s i-Cockpit setup into one that’s of high-quality and improved ergonomics over previous models. You get a set of dials located high on the dashboard, with a small steering set lower than in more traditional cars.

On top of the dashboard is a large touchscreen display angled towards the driver, while the rest of the interior is sculpted and made using interesting materials that look and feel of good quality especially in GT trim. Of note are the tasteful trims and materials used, although the overall ergonomics aren’t helped by the over-reliance on the touchscreen and a row of piano-like keys under it for a number of shortcuts.

Infotainment and tech

The infotainment system is fairly easy to use, but still requires a degree of looking through menus for some simpler functions. That said, the physical buttons beneath the screen take away some of the pain, but the buttons are small so you’ll need to concentrate on what you’re pressing (or touching, as some are touch-sensitive). Spend some time in the car and you’ll learn what’s where, but up to that point, you could be looking away from the road for far too long.

The 3D electronic dials on GT can take a bit of getting used to, but they look good – and have been improved in the facelift. Some bits of information appear closer to you than others, as Peugeot says it prioritises the most important stuff to appear nearer. You can still switch between different displays, depending on personal taste. It all looks very nice, but can be a bit slow to react in some cases. Alternatively, Allure gets 2D dials and Active regular analogue ones with a small digital display in the centre.

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Comfort

• Supportive seats on all models
• Refinement is very impressive
• Comfortable ride as well

The front seats are impressively comfortable and supportive, which is a huge positive for the e-2008 and a clear advantage over its rivals. It’s very Volkswagen-esque in how it feels to sit in – and that is no bad thing. Adjustment is plentiful, and it needs to be because that low-slung wheel and high-mounted dash pod require you to take time to put yourself in a driving position you won’t adopt elsewhere.

Some will love it, others will hate it – and it really does feel wrong for a relatively upright small family SUV. News is better in the rear. The back seats are firm, supportive and there’s plenty of space to kick back compared with the likes of the Citroen e-C4 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric.