PEUGEOT, e-2008 (Latest Model)

The Peugeot e-2008 sits in that busy corner of the market where style and sensibility are expected to coexist and its range reflects that balancing act. Prices typically start at around £36,000, positioning it above some value focused rivals but squarely within the mainstream small electric SUV crowd.

Power comes from a single front mounted electric motor but there have been two distinct phases to the e-2008’s life. Earlier versions made do with a smaller battery and more modest output, while the 2023 facelift ushered in a larger battery and a noticeable bump in power. It didn’t turn the e-2008 into a performance car but it did give it the extra confidence it always felt like it was missing.

The current model uses a 54kWh battery paired with a more powerful motor, giving it stronger acceleration and improved real-world range. It feels better suited to mixed driving than earlier cars, with less strain on motorways and a calmer, more assured character when speeds rise.

Trim levels follow Peugeot’s familiar structure. Active sits at the entry point, offering the essentials wrapped in the e-2008’s distinctive styling. Allure adds a layer of comfort and technology that makes the car feel more complete, while GT leans into the design led appeal with larger wheels, bolder interior trim and a more assertive look.

Rather than radically changing how the car drives, higher trims focus on presentation and comfort. The e-2008’s appeal lies less in chasing performance figures and more in offering an electric alternative that looks and feels contemporary. Against rivals like the Vauxhall Mokka Electric or Hyundai Kona Electric, the Peugeot doesn’t try to win on value alone. Instead, it trades on style, a familiar driving experience and a sense of polish that will matter more to some buyers than raw numbers.

Step inside and Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit design announces itself immediately. The small steering wheel and raised driver display give a more engaging feel than the traditional cockpit layout, encouraging a closer connection to the car. The dashboard uses a layered design with textured panels and contrasting materials that make even the mid-trim models feel thoughtfully crafted.

This isn’t a science lab interior. It has warmth and character. Soft touch areas where hands fall, colour accents used with restraint and digital interfaces that feel embedded rather than bolted on. There is a generous central touchscreen, crisp graphics and integration that avoids forcing every control into menus. Peugeot has been steadily refining the system to respond faster and be more intuitive and the improvements show.

Front space is comfortable with supportive seating and a sense of width that belies the car’s compact footprint. In the rear, it is more of a mixed picture. Children and average-sized adults will be happy but taller passengers might find longer journeys slightly snug, a reminder that the e-2008 prioritises style and city friendly size.

Boot space sits around 434 litres, which is impressive for this segment and easily handles prams, grocery hauls or travel bags for a weekend away. Fold the rear seats and the practicality extends further, making the e-2008 consistently more useful than its compact footprint might suggest.

Overall, the interior feels designed for people who enjoy stylish design. those who want to glance into their parked car and feel a little proud.

The e-2008 is one of those cars that immediately feels at home in the urban world. The steering is light at low speeds, visibility is good forward and the small steering wheel makes manoeuvres feel nimble and precise. It is happy to zip through traffic, slot into tight parking spaces and handle tight turns that make larger SUVs sweat.

Acceleration is smooth and instant thanks to the single electric motor’s torque delivery. It pulls briskly when asked but prefers to keep things tidy rather than trying to spin tyres or snap your passengers’ necks. That suits the car’s personality: confident, not aggressive.

On faster roads, the e-2008 reveals a well balanced ride. It remains controlled over bumps and ridges without becoming fidgety. This is not a soft, wafty cruiser but a firmly composed crossover that still maintains body control when the road twists and turns. Motorway journeys are quieter than you might expect from a car this size and the suspension tuning manages to keep noise and vibrations neatly outside the cabin.

The weight of the battery pack down low helps keep handling composed, you never feel like you’re tipping over or lumbering through corners. Press on a bit and the e-2008 is playful within reason. It doesn’t pretend to be sporty but it never feels dull.

It’s the kind of car that makes everyday driving feel more convenient and less tiring, a partner rather than a machine that demands attention.

With the 54 kWh battery, the e-2008 now achieves 230 to 260 miles of real-world range depending on conditions and driving style. It’s not a long distance EV specialist but it doesn’t need to be. For the average British owner, commuting during the week, school runs, social mileage and occasional weekends away, it fits the pattern almost perfectly.

Charging performance reaches up to 100 kW on a suitably powerful rapid charger. That means a 20 to 80 percent top-up takes a little over half an hour in ideal conditions. Home charging via a standard 7.4 kW wall box completes a full charge overnight with ease.

Energy consumption is good thanks to the car’s compact nature and a motor that doesn’t waste electricity. Running costs stay comfortably below most petrol crossovers, helped by reduced servicing needs and zero road tax for now. Owners who can charge at home during off-peak periods will find the e-2008 particularly affordable month to month.

At just over 4.3 metres long, the e-2008 is small enough to be genuinely convenient in crowded environments but big enough to carry a family and their everyday gear. It doesn’t overwhelm narrow streets or threaten to scrape paint off car-park pillars.

The interior makes smart use of its footprint. The boot is a highlight, one of the most accommodating in its segment and the flat load floor eases the pain of sliding heavier items onboard. The rear bench folds quickly and cleanly to create a longer, wide cargo area.

Where you do feel the compact nature is in rear passenger knee and head room. For younger families, school age children or occasional adult passengers, it works well. But if your life involves multiple tall passengers on long trips, a larger EV might be a better fit.

For most households living in British towns and cities, the e-2008’s size feels exactly right.

Peugeot equips the e-2008 with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Lane-keeping assistance, autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control all function reliably without feeling intrusive. The car supports the driver rather than trying to steal the steering wheel at every opportunity.

Battery and drivetrain reliability benefit from the brand’s widespread use of this electric platform across several models, which helps iron out the early issues that sometimes plague newer EVs. Servicing should be straightforward within Peugeot’s established dealer network and ownership costs look attractive compared to combustion alternatives.

As a day-to-day family vehicle, it has a reassuring, confidence building feel.

The Peugeot e-2008 proves that going electric does not mean giving up style or personality. It is one of those cars that you look back at in the car park, not because it is ostentatious but because it has presence. It respects your daily routines, slips easily into city life and still offers enough practicality to keep pace with modern family demands.

If your priorities include the longest range, massive boot space or performance that sends coffee flying, there are other options. But if you want an EV that makes everyday driving simple, stress free and a bit more enjoyable, while looking far more interesting than most rivals, the e-2008 should be near the top of your shortlist.

It is a small crossover with big confidence. Just what the EV world needed.