We drive Peugeot's new 2008 crossover

Peugeot's new 2008 compact crossover will go on sale in Ireland in August, writes Trish Whelan.

When it arrives, it will be the only model in its class to offer both larger and smaller efficient petrol and diesel powertrains.

These include petrol and diesel engines with one to suit every customer's needs. The petrol is a 1.2 82bhp (Band A4 of €200 road tax); diesels include 1.468bhp (Tax Band A3 of €190 road tax),1.6 Stop Start Ecomatique 92bhp diesel (Band A2 of €180 road tax),1.6 Stop Start 92bhp diesel in Tax Band A3 of €190 road tax), and a 1.6 eHDI Stop Start 115bhp diesel in Band A3 of €190). After the 2008's launch, the engine range will be extended with a 1.2 e-THP Stop Start 82bhp petrol engine (Band A2 of €180 Road Tax).

 I got to drive the car at its Alsace region of France this week, including all these engine options mentioned that will be available here in Ireland. The car proved equally at ease driving up the forest-clad hills as well as driving through the many towns and pretty villages as it did on the busy motorways - mostly travelled in either heavy fog or rain with a few bright spells inbetween.

Pictured above at the 2008's launch in France this week are: Managing Director of Peugeot Ireland, George Harbourne; Emma Toner, Marketing Manager; and Des Cannon, Sales and Marketing Director.

A huge plus was that we travelled in big comfort and space with superb head, leg and elbow room.

There's a cockpit-style instrument panel - you see your speed in large digital numbers - and an aircraft-type handbrake.

One of the features I loved about the 208 was that you could clearly see all the dials because of the small size of the steering wheel, and this has been carried over with the 2008.

Lots of satin chrome finishes, as well as the high quality of the seats, and the huge panoramic roof all contributed to a good, premium feeling in the cabin. Rear passengers have a generous amount of space thanks to the thinner front seat backs and there's a 12v socket so they can connect a portable device. The centre seat in the rear was smaller than the two outer ones, as is the case in most cars.

The boot is spacious and the floor comes with five recessed rails which run from the sill to the front seat backs. With the back seats in place, it easily swallowed three trolley suitcases. Six chromed hooks allow items to be secured safely. With rear seats down, the storage volume rises from 360 to 1,194 litres. Just one press of the button at the top of the rear seat back is all that's needed to fold the seat as the base cushion retracts automatically.

On the safety side, the 2008 comes with six airbags, ESP with Anti-Skid Regulation, Stability Control, Emergency Braking Assistance and Electronic Brake Force Distribution. You also have cruise control with speed limiter as standard on all versions as are Isofix mountings for child seats in the rear.

One of the most exciting features of the new 2008 is that it allows you go on mixed terrain due to its raised ground clearance, and the enhanced traction of Grip Control - it's almost as good as the capability of 4WD, but in an ordinary car.

You twist the control knob on the central console to what sort of terrain you require: Snow, Off-Road, Sand, ESP Off, or Mud&Snow as in this case. The Grip Control adapts to the terrain by acting on the front wheels with the driver always in control. You can decide at any time to select from Standard mode using this dial on the centre console. This feature is an optional extra but I believe it's one every buyer should insist on. It will cost in the region of €350 but would be worth every cent, especially if we get bad winters again.

The 2008 can also park itself with Park Assist taking the stress out of parallel parking, and can also get you out of that tight park again, even on a hill.

Peugeot Ireland's Des Cannon said at the launch that they have requested that a full spare wheel be made available for 2008s in the Irish market.

Peugeot here expect to sell around 150 units of the car this year, and 450 in 2014. Over 85 percent of sales in this segment are diesel but the launch of the 2008 will see petrol sales grow further, especially in cities and towns.

This segment has seen a 13 percent rise in sales in an overall market down 14 percent in the first three months of this year. It seems more buyers here and across Europe are looking to crossover vehicles as their preferred type of family car as they offer good interior room for a family, you sit up high and so feel safe and secure, and crossovers give the feeling of being strong vehicles.

Here in Ireland, this segment has some very good contenders including the award winning Nissan Juke and very capable Skoda Yeti as well as newcomers the Opel Mokka, Renault Captur and Ford EcoBoost.

Prices and equipment for the Peugeot 2008 are still under negotiation and will be announced for the car's Irish launch.