Peugeot 2008 Allure

Peugeot 2008 Allure

Engine: 1,560cc, four-cylinder, turbodiesel

Power: 115bhp and 199lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and 117mph

Economy: 70.6mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 105g/km

Price: £17,745

But, sure enough, the front-wheel-drive SUV equipped with Peugeot’s innovative Grip Control system rallied up the run at Tamworth’s Snowdome before braking and steering in controlled fashion on the way back down.

Grip Control optimises traction on snow, sand and off-road and comes hand-in-hand with all-weather rubber on the 2008’s top two trim grades, Allure and Feline.

Peugeot claim it negates the need for a potentially inefficient and costly 4x4 system and it is hard to argue on this evidence. After recent harsh winters, this looks like a fine solution.

Prices for the rival to the Nissan Juke, MINI Countryman and Renault Captur start at £12,995 for the 82bhp, 1.2-litre petrol powered Access+ and top out with the £19,195, 115bhp, Feline 1.6 HDi diesel.

Four petrol and three diesel engines complete an engine line-up boasting CO2 emissions as low as 98g/km and fuel consumption of up to 74.3mpg.

The entry level 1.2-litre petrol engine feels quite weedy, despite the 2008 weighing in at a svelte 1,045kg, but the 115bhp 1.6-litre HDi unit claims 70.6mpg, 106g/km CO2 emissions and pulls strongly, claiming a 10.4 second sprint to 62mph and a 117mph top speed.

Tested here, the 115bhp HDi Feline costs £19,790 with the optional Park Assist automated parking system (£300) and metallic paint (£495) factored in.

The aggressive nature of the 2008’s pricing becomes apparent once its interior space and material quality has been sampled.

It is hard to argue that its styling shares the drama of its key rivals — it is perhaps the most conservative of the new breed of small SUVs — the 2008 boasts far greater accommodation than the 207 SW it replaces and acres more room than the 208 hatchback, with a minimum of 360 litres of boot space.

The 208’s familiar small, low-set steering wheel is evident inside with instruments — stylishly framed by a glowing blue pin stripe — positioned above.

This can give the effect of sitting high up though, an issue exacerbated by a fairly low roofline, but it fulfils Peugeot’s aim of bringing key information closer to the driver’s eyeline without the need for a head-up display.

All but the entry-level 2008 Access+ comes equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen system featuring Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, a DAB radio and (in Feline spec) sat/nav, along with the option additional iPhone-style applications.

The system looks and operates like an iPad strapped to the dash, with easily navigated menus, and keeps everything neatly clutter-free by doing away with an excess of buttons.

A chunky brake lever, seemingly inspired by a jet’s throttle lever, adds some quirkiness, while Feline-spec 2008s also benefit from a panoramic glass roof.

Those 2008s without a glass roof, however, benefit from a lazer cut motif in the headlining which, illuminated by LEDs, makes it appear as though the Lion featured in Peugeot’s logo has dragged its claws across the roof to allow in light from the night sky.

The real bonus of the 2008 is that it feels much larger from the inside than it appears upon first encounter.

Out on the road it manages to maintain its small car feel, however.

Roll through corners is present but minimal and grip is impressive.

Thanks, no doubt, to a low kerb weight the fuel consumption and performance claims feel spot on too. The 115bhp diesel engine’s 199lb.ft. of torque making its presence felt during easily dispatched overtakes and a comfortable motorway cruise.

In short, it a nippy and biddable car away from that entry-level 1.2-litre engine.

Quality also is high, with an interior that feels innovative and tactile in equal measure.

The only questionmark remains is whether the 2008’s various strengths can make up for the fact that it is the most conservatively styled vehicle in an emerging class where style is key.

Young families migrating from fashionable hatchbacks are the target audience here, after all.

It might not look as innovative or quirky as the Juke of Countryman from the outside, but the Peugeot is the most practical of its kind as well as being well-equipped, competitively priced and usefully efficient across the range.

If that doesn’t interest you, the ability to drive up an indoor ski slope when the mood takes surely will...?