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Reprise: 2019 Peugeot 2008 GT Line

Optimum traction

Posted: June 28, 2019

Pics by Motorpress

The numbers
Price: R358 900
Engine: 1199 cc, DOHC, inline three-cylinder with turbocharger
Power: 81 kW at 5500 rpm
Torque: 205 Nm at 1750 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: 10.3 seconds
Maximum: 188 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: About 7.8 l/100 km
Tank: 50 litres
Luggage: 410 – 1400 litres
Maximum towing mass (braked): 1240 kg
Warranty: 3 years / 100 000 km
Service plan: 3 years  / 45 000 km

Peugeot South Africa decided that, before its updated 2008 SUV range arrives next year, we should have one last look at the current GT Line model. We drove one in 2017 and it hasn’t changed since then so we’ll just add some comments.

It differs from Allure 1.2T automatic in that GT Line gets Perla Black exterior mirrors; glossy black door handles and a sporty interior with branded aluminium door sills, sports pedals and premium trim with red line detailing on the seatbelts. The theme continues with red stitching on the perforated leather sports steering wheel, red dial surrounds for the instrument panel and red details on its seven-inch multifunction colour touchscreen.

Then there’s Grip Control that adapts the drivetrain to varying conditions via a rotary controller on the centre console. Choose from four modes: Normal, Snow, All-terrain and Sand. Normal is the default setting. Snow mode operates at speeds below 50 km/h and varies power distribution between the front wheels while allowing controlled wheelspin to optimise traction.

The car gains some “off-road” capability in All-terrain mode. As much torque as possible is transferred to the wheel with the most traction, operating as a virtual limited-slip differential at speeds up to 80 km/h. Finally Sand mode, usable up to 120 km/h, limits wheelspin to prevent it bogging down in the soft stuff, thereby maintaining momentum.

Its 165 mm ride height and two-wheel drive means it cannot do any serious off-roading so we tried it on moderately rough gravel. It wafted over washboard and small embedded stone surfaces without jiggling or dancing. Then, because it hardly ever snows around here, we drove into a plantation to try that mode on loose wet grass and pine needles. With just a momentary slip to engage the necessary settings, it carried us through easily. We hope that substitutes for light snow?

The six-speed (EAT6) automatic gearbox is an electronically switched torque converter unit developed in co-operation with Aisin. It worked almost intuitively, keeping the car in harmony with what was required at all times. Kickdowns were prompt and smooth, never flaring and switching down by two or more gears when necessary. The 2020 update will have an eight-speed ‘box.

Little is written about the 1200 cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine. It’s available with power outputs ranging between 75 and 116 kW, with this car using the 81-kW version and a couple of local 308s and 3008s powered by a 96-kilowatt option. It revs smoothly because, believe it or not, three pistons pushing crankshaft journals offset at 120-degree angles are inherently better balanced than four cylinders bouncing up and down in pairs. We also enjoyed its distinctive little snarl when provoked; sounds quite sporty.

Ride quality is moderately firm while steering effort is either slightly heavy or nicely weighted, depending on your preference, and responds nimbly. It parks and manoeuvres easily although some might complain that its 10.7-metre turning circle is a little wider than others.

The boot sill is at 60 cm, lower than most other SUVs, to allow easy loading. It has a light, four lashing rings to secure cargo and ambidextrous pulldowns. Seatbacks split 60:40 with release handles accessible from behind. The steel-rimmed spare under the floorboard is equivalent in size, at 185/65/R15, to the 205/50R17 tyres on its alloy road wheels.

Rear seat space for six-footers seated “behind themselves” is great on headroom but marginal for knees. An interesting change from the norm is that the rearmost courtesy lamp is placed directly over the back seat. That’s because baby-mommas and papas need decent lighting to strap the junior heirs into their iSize (there are top tethers), or ISOFix, chairs. Further on that theme, the doors open to about 80 degrees for easy access with the apertures measuring 65 cm (25.6”) at their widest points.

The driver sits fairly high, even with the seat cranked down to its lowest level, for a commanding view outward. Both front riders will probably like the chairs. Well-bolstered, they support comfortably without feeling oppressive.

While exploring the trip display between the main dials we discovered, apart from the usual fuel economy numbers, distances to and from refill and average speeds, an interesting navigational feature. It’s a little compass graphic with a readout showing which street you are currently on – in case you aren’t sure whether you’re lost or not?
 
We enjoyed getting re-acquainted with the Peugeot 2008 GT Line and hope that its successor, when it arrives, isn’t too “All-new”.

Test unit from Peugeot SA press fleet




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