Launched in 2013, the Peugeot 2008->ke3960 has been met with great enthusiasm. Praised for its affordable sticker, large trunk, classy interior, and competitive running costs, Peugeot'->ke68s first mini SUV->ke145 sold more than 500,000 units globally as of February 2016. However, the 2008 received its fair share of criticism, especially for its somewhat odd looks and not so comfortable ride. Peugeot is looking to fix that with a mid-cycle facelift, which is slated to make its public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show->ke228 in March.

Like most facelifts, the 2008's is far from extensive in terms of design. The crossover->ke288 remains familiar with only mild changes inside. However, Peugeot did manage to add a bit of sportiness to its mini SUV, a feature that's more obvious thanks to the new, range-topping GT Line model. While the interior remained pretty much the same styling-wise, the 2008 gained a couple of upgrades in the tech department.

Under the hood, it continues with small-displacement gasoline and diesel engines with enhanced output and fuel economy. Although there's no optional all-wheel drive, which is rather awkward for a crossover, the facelift brings a cool new feature. It's called Grip Control and has five modes for different terrain conditions.

Pricing information is not yet available, but we should find out more about it at the Geneva Motor Show. Will the new 2008 manage to draw in customers from the highly competitive Renault Captur->ke4602 and Nissan Juke?->ke3600 Read on to find out!

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Peugeot 2008.

2017 Peugeot 2008

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Peugeot 2008
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Pros
Cons

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Exterior

As expected, the 2008's exterior styling has been brought into line with the rest of the Peugeot lineup. Changes include a new grille design with vertical chrome inserts instead of the horizontal slats. Both the lion emblem and "Peugeot" lettering have been moved from the engine hood on the grille. An inspired decision if you ask me, putting the 2008 in line with the brand's heritage. The headlamps received a black background for a more aggressive look, while the taillights feature a lion claw-like LED pattern. Outside the taillights, the rear end remained pretty much unchanged.

However, new features can be had with the new GT Line trim. This model is equipped with exclusive 17-inch wheels finished in gloss-black and Anthracite, and gloss black elements instead of the standard chrome front grille, foglamp covers, mirror caps, and roof rails. The front grille also includes black chrome facets with red "Peugeot" lettering, while "GT Line" badges are displayed on the front fenders and the tailgate.

Interior

Interior updates are rather mild styling-wise, as the important changes were made in the tech department. New features include MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity for the infotainment system. Both can be accessed using the seven-inch touchscreen. Much like the previous model, higher trim levels come with a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and door armrests, backlit headlining, and a panoramic sunroof.

More notable novelties come with the new GT Line trim, which sports stainless steel doors sills with the company's logo, aluminum pedals and floor mats with red stitching. The head-up display is lit by red LEDs, which Peugeot says is reminiscent of the RedLine look, while red stitching runs through the seats and rear bench seat, door armrests, gear shifter, handbrake lever, and steering wheel. The seat belts also feature red highlights.

Arguably, the most important improvement lies in the trunk area, where Peugeot boosted practicality by enhancing luggage space from 350 to 410 liters (12.4 to 14.5 cubic feet). Fold the rear seats flat and the total boot space grows to 1,400 liters (49.4 cubic feet), a 211-liter (7.5-cubic-feet) increase over the previous version.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the revised 2008 can be had with either a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder, gasoline engine or a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, diesel. Compared to the previous model, the 2008 no longer offers the 1.6-liter gasoline unit and the 1.4-liter oil burner.

The upgraded, 1.2-liter three-pot is available in three flavors. The base model cranks out 82 PS (81 horsepower) and mates to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed electronically-control gearbox. The first combo returns 57.6 mpg on the European cycle, while the second can deliver up to 64.2 mpg.

Next in line is the 110 PS (108-horsepower) version with either a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings for this model are estimated at 60.1 and 58.9 mpg, respectively. Finally, there's the 130 PS (128-horsepower) variant of the same 1.2-liter three-banger, offered with a six-speed manual only. This model returns up to 58.9 mpg, which Peugeot claims it's a best-in-class feature.

On the diesel front, the same 1.6-liter HDi can be had in one of three outputs. The base model cranks out 75 PS (74 horsepower), the mid-range option comes with 100 PS (99 horses), while the range-topping variants has 120 PS (118 horsepower) on tap. The first two are offered with the five-speed manual, while the latter uses a six-speed manual. Fuel economy ratings are identical for all three models at 76.3 mpg.

Grip Control

The crossover may not have all-wheel drive, but it is now equipped with Grip Control, an adaptable system that optimizes traction according to the terrain. Activated via the thumb wheel on the center console, Grip Control has five different modes.

There's Standard mode for normal road conditions with a low slippage rate and Snow mode for snowy and slightly icy surfaces. When the vehicle reaches 31 mph in Snow mode, the system switches to standard mode. Mud mode can be selected when traveling on slippery ground covered in mud or wet grass. This mode helps the driver start the vehicle by transferring as much torque as possible to the front wheel with the most grip. Mud mode also acts as a limited-slip differential and its suitable for country roads at speeds of up to 50 mph.

Next up is Sand mode, which maintains wheel spin on both driven wheels simultaneously to allow progress on soft terrain and limit the risk of getting stuck in the sand. This mode is active up to 70mph, after which it switches to Standard mode. Finally, there's ESP Off mode, which gives the driver the opportunity to disconnect the ESP system at speed of up to 31 mph and manage traction autonomously. Peugeot says this mode will be useful on gentle assents in icy or low grip conditions when traction is best when unimpaired.

The feature is available only for models with over 100 PS (99 horsepower) and with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Safety

The facelifted Peugeot 2008 sports numerous active and passive safety features. New systems include Active City Brake, which uses a short range sensor to detect other vehicles that are parked or driving in the same direction. It works at speed of up to 20 mph and automatically brakes the vehicle in order to avoid a collision.

Next in line is Park Assist, which can automatically do a parallel parking or exit a parking space. The system works in conjunction the Hill Assist feature to pull out of a parking space on a sloping street. More info about the 2008's safety features will be unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, so make sure you stick around for updates.

Prices

Peugeot has yet to announce pricing for the new 2008, but it should be significantly more expensive than the model it replaces. The current version retails from £13,345 (about $19,120) in the U.K. Expect the GT Line trim to fetch a premium of at least £1,000 (around $1,435) over the range-topping Allure, which costs from around £16,000 (about $22,930).

Competition

Renault Captur

Also introduced in 2013, the Captur is about the same size as the 2008 and well... it's French. Built on the same principles that wrap around affordability and fuel economy, the Captur is based on the smaller Clio, just like the 2008 is based on the Peugeot 208 hatch. Similarities continue under the hood, as the Captur also uses small displacement engines. The gasoline range includes a 0.9-liter three-cylinder with 90 PS (89 horsepower) and a 1.2-liter four-pot with 116 PS (114 horsepower). A 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel rated at 90 PS (89 horsepower) and 220 Nm (162 pound-feet) of torque is also offered. Pricing for the Captur starts at £14,295 (about $20,490).

Find out more about the Renault Captur here.

Nissan Juke

The Juke is the oldest mini SUV of the bunch, having been introduced back in 2010. Although it shares the same underpinnings with the Captur, the Juke has a more exotic design that puts it in a league of its own in this segment. The four-meter crossover gets its juice from a range of inline-four engines. Naturally aspirated choices include a 1.6-liter rated at either 94 PS (93 horsepower) or 117 PS (115 horses), while the turbocharged version of the same powerplant cranks out 190 PS (187 horsepower). A diesel model using the same 1.5-liter dCi in the Renault Captur comes with with 110 PS (108 horses) on tap. Unlike the 2008 and Captur, the Juke can be had with increased performance with a Nismo badge. This variants gets 200 PS (197 horsepower) from the 1.6-liter turbo-four.

Read more about the Nissan Juke here.

Conclusion

Except for the fact that it deosn't come with all-wheel drive, the facelifted Peugeot 2008 seems better in just about every department. The already spacious trunk now offers up to 1,400 liters with the rear seats down, an impressive 15-percent increase over the previous model, while MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connectivity will improve the experience behind the wheel, especially if the crossover is used as a daily driver. The new GT Line trim could also help increase sales. While it may be more expensive that last year's range-topping model, it gives the 2008 the sporty look customers want with every vehicle nowadays. The new Grip Control feature will probably make up for the lack of AWD to some extent, enabling drivers to tackle snowy, muddy, and sandy terrain with more confidence.