Revised Peugeot 308 on the way

Revised versions of the Peugeot 308 and 308SW will arrive in Ireland early next year, writes Brian Byrne. They will have improved powertrains.

Key style changes will include an illuminated Peugeot badge heading a full reimagined grille with features that improve aerodynamics. New lights are also among the changes.

New interior details include a digital instrument cluster with enhanced graphics across the range, as standard.

The second row seats in the wagon SW version have a three-way split to provide more flexible seating and load carrying.

Powertrains include full hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric, the last with a more extended range than the outgoing cars.

Full specs and prices for Ireland will be announced closer to its arrival here.

Peugeot 5008 leads large SUV in Ireland

The Peugeot 5008 is Ireland’s best-selling large SUV with sales surging 38 percent year-on-year as of 13 July 2025, writes Brian Byrne. 

Now with the added benefit of an electrified powertrain, the 5008 is available in hybrid and all-electric variants, and proving its appeal across a broad range of drivers. 

In 2025 to date, one in four 5008 buyers has chosen the electric version, making it the best-selling electric 7-seater model in Ireland. 

Peugeot E-3008 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

Sometimes it takes a while to get a car style that seems just right, writes Brian Byrne. A bit like Goldilocks's porridge tasting, a pendulum swings from so-so to wild and finally finds its medium perfection. Medium, of course, can be just dull, but that's not the case to my view of the latest Peugeot 3008.

It's the third generation of a car that really started in 2009 as a stretched 308 hatchback but caught the incoming crest of the compact crossover-SUV trend and rip-surfed on what was eventually to become a big party wave. The relatively soft styling didn't get in the way of numerous awards, including the then Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2010. When the second generation came in 2017 it repeated the feat as the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2018. This one arrived here last July.

The latest style has pulled back from the quite aggressive refresh of 2021, and in the process has brought the model to a more elegant space especially in the very coherent front-end treatment. Any SUV boxiness has also disappeared with the advent of a distinctly coupe shaping with an almost Kamm-back design originally designed in the 1930s to reduce drag. The overall visual result is of a more compact car than its predecessor, although it is actually longer and wider.

Inside, the 3008 is an edgy place to be, with angular lines and sharp corners to the dashboard and instrumentation elements. There's also a fairly unique style to the centre console, which takes a bit of getting used to and is a bit of a stretch to get to some of the buttons and also required the transmission selector to be moved to the dashboard. The infotainment and driving information screens are merged into one wide high-mounted unit, the latter viewed above the compact steering wheel in Peugeot's now familiar i-Cockpit mode. All of which offers a sense of drama and bridge-of-the-starship feeling. A line of digital buttons below the centre ventilator are perfectly placed and well marked to access some key operations including phone, music and climate. Radio volume is a nice manual rolling knob.

You don't get Peugeots without getting comfort and the latest 3008 is no exception. The seating is good, front and rear, with the headroom for those in the back not suffering in any way because the coupe slope starts behind them. On the other hand, that same styling element means the driver's rear view is in practice reduced to virtually a slit of back window. Fortunately, for reversing, the camera system is excellent. A similar boot capacity to the previous car is adequate.

The latest 3008 is available with plug-in petrol-hybrid and full electric powertrains, and my review car was the battery-electric model. Like all such, the drive was smooth and quiet, with road and wind noise also kept to a minimum. As there's no gearing, even the silky shifts of a good automatic are absent. The 2.2-tonne weight is not inconsiderable, but the car is still capable of a sub-9s 0-100km/h thanks to a 210hp output. A claimed 527km range is in real world only likely in city driving in mild weather, and in Irish general driving conditions something between 320km-430km is a more likely scenario. Still, a typical family driving year could save beyond €1,100 in fuel-energy costs, which is not to be discounted. 

No less than the compact SUV having expanded to be the largest segment in our market, there's a similarly extended number of electric versions surfing this particular party wave, even from within Peugeot's own familial Stellantis Group. Evaluate your needs carefully before taking the electric plunge, but for most people who have already, it is working. Sometimes better than they even expected.

PRICE: From €43,965. WHAT I LIKED: Style and comfort and a smooth driving life.    

Peugeot launches third-generation 5008 SUV

Peugeot recently launched its very stylish third-generation 5008 SUV which is bigger and much improved than the previous model and with a huge amount of standard specification, writes Trish Whelan. 

The 5008’s long 2,900mm length provides more interior space for up to seven people with an adjustable second row bench seat that can slide 150mm forward and which can also recline. There is now easier access to the third row of seats. 

A huge change is the colourful curved digital display that stretches across the dash. It sits above the compact flat topped steering wheel. It is a stunning feature to behold. It combines a head-up display. Peugeot’s I-Connect system allows you stay connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 3D connected navigation and receive over-the-air software updates. Boot space is 348 litres with all seats in use, expandable to a huge 2,232 litres of cargo space with the second row folded down. 

Both the mild hybrid and fully-electric versions are offered at the same starting price of €50,995; in the case of the latter, this price is after state subsidies. The hybrid gets a 1.2, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and self-charging 48-Volt hybrid system that give a combined power output of 136bhp. In urban areas, this hybrid can run on electric power for 50pc of the time. The E-5008 electric version with 210bhp and a powerful 73kWh battery offers up to 502km of range on a single charge. Using a fast charger it can charge from 20-80pc in 30 minutes; with a 7kW wallbox it will take 8hrs to charge fully. 

Joining the line-up later in 2025 will be a new 230bhp long-range 98kWh battery version with a range of up to 668kms, with production starting in April. The all-electric dual motor 4-wheel drive with a range of 500km WLTP will start production in May. 

Two trim levels are offered. The Allure version gets a 21-inch panoramic display, seven seats, 360 vision & drive assist, Eco LED headlights, customisable i-toggles for short cuts, 19-inch diamond alloy wheels while GT trim adds Pixel LED headlamps, handsfree tailgate, black diamond roof, rear central armrest, heated seats and steering wheel, and gloss black mouldings.

 

 

Peugeot 208 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The 208 is the entry model to the Peugeot model line-up, with the 308 directly above it. It competes in the B-segment against the VW Polo, Renault Clio and Audi A1 among others. 

European Car of the Year 2020 it has been given an upgrade for 2024. You buy this small car from the heart for its striking and sporty good looks both inside and out, its premium finish and the long list of useful standard equipment. A car for zipping around town, easy to park and which I think will appeal more to women drivers than to men. But also an ideal car for a small family before the children grow to lanky teenagers requiring more head and leg space and the ability to be able to carry their ‘stuff’. 

My review car in Agueda Yellow would be hard to miss in a packed carpark. But for me the contrasting privacy glass and black spoiler made the yellow stand out even more. There are five other exterior colours to choose from. All are bright with a black diamond roof, gloss black wheel arches and gloss window surround, and diamond cut alloy wheels with inserts. The entry Active spec has 16-inch steel wheels. Allure has 16-inch two-tone diamond cut alloys, and the GT has 17-inch wheels. 

The cabin is stylish with beautiful trims and materials and I felt warmly cocooned. The patterned seats were comfy, though they only had manual adjustments and a tall front passenger moaned the lack of a height adjustment on his seat. I was able to get a good driving position after raising my own seat and shifting it forward and also adjusting the steering wheel but then found it difficult to fully see my current speed on the instrument cluster above the steering wheel. A Heads Up Display would have been a bonus. There are paddles off the steering wheel for changing from automatic transmission to manual in certain driving conditions. 

The 10-inch infotainment touchscreen sits on top of the dash and includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You see the temperature on the top of the screen along with the digital time. A row of piano toggles below the screen are for fan, air con etc and there’s a real knob for volume control. Close by are two small USB ports, smartphone storage and 12v socket. The automatic transmission selector is on the flat of the central console as is the case with other Stellantis models. Here also is the drive mode control for Sport, Normal and Eco drive modes. There’s an open cubby on the dash, but not much space below the front armrest, and the glovebox doesn’t hold much either. There’s just about enough legroom for those in the back. Rear door bins are smaller than those in front, there are B and C USB ports. Rear seats can split-folding 1/3-2/3. 

Boot capacity of 311 litres is decent for a car this size. This can be expanded to 1,106 litres with rear seats down. There’s a high loading lip to contend with when loading or unloading items. There was also a well for a spare. A spare wheel is standard with the 17-inch of both hybrid or petrol. 

The grades include Active, Allure and GT grades. Petrols are 1.2-litre outputting 75bhp and 100bhp. The Hybrid 136bhp have a 6-speed automatic transmission, available with Allure and GT levels which also get the electric 156bhp version. The hybrid can do from 0-100km/h in 9.8 secs, the 136 version does it in 8.1 secs. Torque is 260Nm and hybrid road tax €180. I found the hybrid zippy enough to drive in everyday use and for overtaking or motorway driving. 

Specification included six airbags, ISOFIX and top tether fasteners on rear side seats, automatic locking of all doors while driving, very good reversing camera, and rear parking sensors. But my car had no blind spot monitor. Allure grade gets Visiopark 2 comprising HD front and rear cameras with touchscreen display of front, rear views and 360deg top view of the car’s environment. A safety pack includes Cruise Control/Speed Limiter, automatic emergency braking with collision warning, and extended traffic sign recognition. 

Combined fuel consumption is circa 4.7 L/100kms for hybrids and around 5.2-5.4 L/100kms for petrols. Torque is 260Nm, Road Tax €180 for my hybrid version. A good start point for the brand’s line-up. Prices are from €26,195; my hybrid Allure spec from €30,495. Prices include SEAI grant and VRT rebate.

 

Peugeot E-308 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

There's a trend, particularly in the US, of adding fake internal combustion engine noises to electric cars, writes Brian Byrne, especially those with a sporty ethos. So the Hyundai Ioniq 5N performance version has a traditional rally car sound pumped through speakers, an upcoming Dodge Charger EV will run digital V8 sounds out through dual 'exhaust' pipes, and Mercedes-Benz have developed an engine 'roar' for their G-Wagen EV. As yet, most of the mid-market EVs in Europe haven't gone down this aural road, sticking with the mandated pedestrian warning hums at low speeds. It's all about trying to give the switcher to EV who still hankers after their old combustion motors a bit of nostalgia to hang onto.

And it's not just about sounds — Toyota is working on a simulated manual gear shift that mimics changing gears in an electric car, which by its nature doesn't have selectable gears. Not really a new concept, I remember carmakers adding artificial 'shift points' to their non-shifting CVT automatics so that owners could get those tiny adrenalin 'rushes' that come with gear-changing.

I thought about all this while recently driving the electric version of Peugeot's 308 hatchback. Wondering why would anyone bother to want artificial engine noises and simulated gear-shifting when one of the key joys of an EV is silent smooth travel? Aren't these just the 2024 equivalent of sticking 'go-faster' stripes on your bog-standard Vauxhall Viva of the 1970s to make it look like a rally power machine? Disclosure: I owned a couple of Viva estates, but I didn't do the go-faster stripes. I did install uprated rear shock absorbers, but that was because I was regularly carrying full loads of whiskey and gin for the family pub business, to get the 'collect' discount.

The Peugeot 308 in its third generation has been around since 2022, so the shape is familiar. A compact family hatchback with a low and sleek look and good aerodynamics, it sits in a space that used to be the biggest selling segment but which has now all but been driven off the road by the crossover-SUV trend. All current Peugeots are smart-looking and the 308 offers its own distinctive take on the latest front style of the lion brand. This is the first time I've had a 308 in red, and it really does give the car a stand-out character. The high bonnet line has to do with pedestrian safety and could have looked frumpish, but doesn't. There's a fair bit going on in the car's angles and curves and character lines, but the overall sense is aesthetically pleasant to me. Short overhangs suggest a longish interior, which is actually true as the car has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor generation.

That inside has a similarly stylish treatment, with what I regard as among the most ergonomically successful driver area layouts. The high-set driver information display we're now familiar with from all Peugeot models, combining with the hexagonal small steering wheel to eliminate having to look down and through the wheel. The infotainment centre screen is neatly integrated, not extending above the dashboard line as so many do now, and I like it this way. The graphics are all bright and clear, the driver ones switchable to different formats. A mix of real switches and permanent electronic ones make operating climate and sound levels easy. The transmission selector is that neat flick-switch type I've promoted before as an exemplar for other carmakers.

The review car was the GT specification, so there was some sporty contrasting stitch detail in the seats and doors trim and steering wheel. The seats themselves are comfortable, those in the back offering decent legroom thanks to the extra wheelbase. The boot is reasonable considering both the electric and the plug-in hybrid versions encroach on capacity, with 361L compared to the standard petrol version's 412L. With the rear seats folded there's a good flat length.

On the road, the extra weight of the battery doesn't appreciably impact on ride and handling, and the suspension copes well with most of the surfaces around where I live. The smooth acceleration from the 154hp electric system isn't geared towards fast sprints, perhaps to extend range by not offering a tempting hot hatch experience. The quietness I mentioned earlier is there, albeit making road noise seem a little louder. The joys of automatic driving (for me) are part of what is an overall pleasant and coherent experience. Range was as expected from the 51kWh battery, nominally 418km and actually 337km as calculated from a 60km commute on an 8degC morning. There are zippier and longer-distance options in the segment, but the Peugeot has everyday panache.

PRICE: €40,540. WHAT I LIKED: Peugeot continues to show style. 

Peugeot opens orders for new 5008

Peugeot Ireland has opened orders for the new 5008, a seven-seat SUV available with both hybrid and fully electric powertrains, writes Trish Whelan. Pricing starts at €50,995 (includes SEAI grant). 

Two trim options are Allure and GT. 

Powertrains are the all-electric E-5008 with a 73kWh battery and 210hp motor, and the Hybrid which features a 48V system consisting of a new-generation 136hp petrol engine coupled with a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox that incorporates an electric motor. The battery recharges while driving. 

The 5008 offers up to 502km of electric range (WLTP) for the all-electric version which can charge from 20pc to 80pc in 30 minutes via DC fast charging. 

A 98kWh, 668km long range variant is set to be released in early 2025.

 

Peugeot 2008 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

What does it say about Ireland's car buyers when there are only two B segment cars in the top ten, and that across Europe the same league features five models from that segment? writes Brian Byrne. Or that Ireland's top-selling model is a fairly pricey SUV and across Europe it's a budget hatchback? Does size matter more to Irish motorists? That five of the top ten sellers here are mid-size SUVs kind of answers that question.

Maybe it's a case of family-carrying cars being more essential in a country like hours where public transport has never caught up with the public's transport needs, even in the city areas. Maybe it's just that we like big.

So to the Peugeot 2008 which I'm looking at this week. A sub-compact crossover and the 16th biggest seller across Europe last month, in Ireland at number 33 in the sales league this year. I think it deserves better from us.

It's the second generation of a car originally designed to replace a wagon version of the 208 hatchback, and which had a facelift last year that tweaked up what was already a car with a strong presence in its segment. With a lot of style elements in the grille, lights and apron that could seem to be working against each other, the overall effect is actually an aesthetic positive, especially if you want your small crossover to reflect your own personality.

My review car's dark grey and highly styled alloys meshed well with the black roof rails and other aluminium trim, maintaining the edginess of the overall look. The rear hatch is designed to add perceived width to the car, giving it a bit  more apparent overall size than some B segment competitors.

The interior fittings follow the same strong styling as the exterior, a lot going on in the dashboard shape including a stripey finish and high gloss black trim edged in metallic detail. The infotainment screen is set on its own shelf and angled towards the driver. There are good piano-style switches below it, and a knob volume control, for key on the run adjustments without too much distraction. The driver information is in the familiar above-the-steering wheel space, easy to engage with, and the 'hard' switching on the steering wheel is welcome. In the E-2008 the transmission selector is the now very familiar flip-switch style that is my ergonomic favourite.

The review car was the top GT grade, which added some sporty touches to the trim. The car has supportive front seats, and good space for two in the back ones, three young teens would also be OK. It's the nature of such small SUVs to be closer to a compact family hatchback in both back seat accommodation and luggage capacity, and this one has a very commodious boot even under the rear shelf.

The powertrain in my car was, as suggested above, electric. With 156hp of power, the 0-100km/h capability is a tad over 9 seconds and therefore reasonable rather than irrationally fast. The refresh last year added a larger battery, and while driving the car I averaged some 13kWh/100km, which gave me a fairly accurate range in excess of 400km on a full charge. As with all electrics, a quiet and smooth drive.

I also had time in an updated petrol version of the 2008, with a manual gearbox. All I've said about the car applies except that my wide foot on the clutch tends to catch the footrest in any manual cars on this Stellantis platform. It's annoying, but not a problem if you own the cars and get used to them. Still, I'm very fond of my automatics. Also I should mention there's now a hybrid version of the car, which I suspect I'm going to like.

A strong looker, feeling well built, and rather more space than a small-car hatch. Maybe you don't really need that large SUV?

PRICE: From €32,995 (100hp petrol), electric from €32,905 after subsidies; review car €36,640. WHAT I LIKED: Peugeot still leads with their style. 

Peugeot completes EV line-up with E-408

Peugeot has completed its EV line-up with the new Peugeot E408, a fully electric version of its 408, writes Trish Whelan. This follows the launch of the plug-in hybrid version in 2022. 

The new E-408 combines the convenience of a fastback silhouette with zero emission efficiency; power is from a 157 kW/210hp motor and range is up to 453kms. 

Its arrival means Peugeot now have the widest of any mainstream manufacturers in the European electric market with 12 electric passenger cars and LCVs. 

The new E-408 will be built in the brand’s Mulhouse plant in France and is expected to land here in Ireland for Q1 2025. 

Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

 

 

Long range Peugeot E-3008 coming

A long-range version of the Peugeot E-3008 will be available in Ireland in the first quarter of 2025, writes Brian Byrne. It will have a rated range of 700km.

The car's powertrain outputs 230hp, and it will join the E-3008 with standard battery already on sale here, offering a rating of up to 527km.

The larger battery will also be available in the E-5008. The batteries are manufactured in Douvrin, France, by ACC, a joint venture between Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and TotalEnergies. 

Peugeot 508 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

A coupe style is all about that, style, writes Brian Byrne. A sloping rear roofline in practical terms can be limiting for rear passengers. Then again, owners who want a coupe probably don't rely on it for full family transport. That said, the larger 4-door coupes in Europe over recent decades generally offer reasonable rear room, they being long enough for the fastback slope to cover the boot rather than the passenger area.

The Peugeot 508 bravely bucks the crossover-SUV trend. Offering a sense of upmarket and old-world grand tour to the customer not seduced by that latter ... anyway they may have a related 5008 in the double driveway for the regular family needs. There won't be many 508s in those driveways, though, as a look at the Peugeot sales figures for Ireland will show. Still, that also means the model will turn heads.

The car is quite beautiful. Good aesthetic in the proportions. Sized and detailed for presence, especially with the revised front introduced in 2023 to bring the car fully into the current family look. That change also very much sharpens the overall style of this second generation in its mid-life. In the navy of my review car the 508 had a restrained look that subtly adds an extra layer of perceived quality. The rear three-quarter view shows a modern classic in the format, with a short high bootlid deck indicating a very practical boot capacity.

Inside there's a lot going on in the styling of the dashboard and instrumentation, visually geared towards the driver. The driving instruments are placed high to be viewed above the steering wheel, in Peugeot's now familiar i-Cockpit design. There's a selection of instruments styling available, my own preference being the simple analog look. The infotainment screen is set low, which I quite like as it doesn't interfere with windscreen view as in some other cars. There's a decent mix of piano switches and digital buttons for key functions. A hefty centre console divides the seats for the front occupants, adding to the sense of old-style sportiness. The flick-switch transmission selector and drive mode are tidily fitted there, while the remote controls on the steering wheel are straightforward and minimal.

The seating support and comfort proved very good, equally so for the couple who would ride in the back as for those in the front. For the driver, though there's a lot of glass in the rear window, the fastback slope reduced actual visibility through it, but the side mirrors are big and have a wide view angle. That boot capacity I mentioned is excellent at 487L.

With the mid-life revision, Peugeot added a plug-in hybrid petrol to the powertrain options, with a choice from three outputs 180hp/225hp/360hp. There's also a 1.2 petrol with 130hp, and the 130hp 1.5 diesel that powered my review car. All have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The diesel option has become unusual in Ireland today, but even with a relatively lazy drive it proved to be a very pleasant motor indeed. Quiet and refined too. And phenomenally frugal, coming with a range of close to 1,000km on a tankful, sipping at less than 4L/100km a lot of the time. For anyone who needs to travel high mileage in style, and comfort, there won't be many stops to refuel.

Needless to say, the usual suite of driver assist systems. In this 2023 registered press car, not yet as intrusive as they are becoming elsewhere. 

My final thought, given that most of the competition for a 4-door midsized coupe is offered by premium brands from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, this is a car quite well able to compete with these in most metrics, and at a price that is much more accessible.

PRICE: From €45,795 for petrol; review car from €46,795. WHAT I LIKED: The almost old style and comfort, with a modern edge. 

Dublin GAA stars collect new Peugeot 3008s

Dublin GAA players Cian Murphy, Niall Scully, and James Madden collected the keys to their new Peugeot 3008 vehicles recently at the Windsor Airton Peugeot dealership, marking the continuation of the partnership between the French automaker and Dublin GAA, writes Trish Whelan. 

The event celebrated the players’ role as brand ambassadors for Peugeot. This partnership highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting local sports and their dedication to excellence, a value shared by Dublin GAA. 

John Brennan, Sales Manager at Windsor Airton said they are thrilled to have Cian, Niall and James as their local Peugeot ambassadors. 

Cian (left), Niall (middle), and James (right) are pictured receiving their new Peugeot 3008 vehicles at the Peugeot Airton dealership located on Ayrton Road Tallaght, Co Dublin.

 

New Peugeot 3008 first drive: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When Peugeot launched their first generation 3008 in 2009, they found themselves with an unexpected hit, writes Brian Byrne. In format an extended and taller version of their 308 hatch, it was tasked to make ‘conquest’ sales for people who had been driving large SUVs and MPVs. The segment was already being served by Nissan’s first Qashqai, Ford’s Kuga, the VW Tiguan and Renault Koleos but the 3008 started well here, at the end of that year winning the Continental Irish Car of the Year Award presented by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. In 2017, the second generation arrived, this time very definitely morphed to the form of a compact crossover SUV, and promptly won the 2018 Irish Car of the Year in association with Continental Tyres. 

A new generation 3008 just arrived in Ireland has to carry a Peugeot torch into the already very busy action for this year's awards by members of what is now the Motoring Media Association of Ireland. No pressure.

I've had first drives in the two versions which are available to start — a 'mild' hybrid petrol and a fully electric. A plug-in hybrid is coming, and there will be no diesel. That last unlike the first generation, introduced with only a diesel engine at the height of the 'torque is the new black' diesel craze here.

Since the 2017 model the Lion brand have updated their overall face to the world, and the latest 3008 very much reflects that. A strong front with a very prominent Lion shield, and a purposeful image from the headlights and DRL integrated shapes. The profile of quite deep sheetmetal carries the 'glasshouse' area now tapering to a fastback shape which ends in what we used to call a Kammback vertical rear. It's the design that German aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm found in the 1930s was a significant reducer of aerodynamic drag, cutting fuel consumption. The three-quarter rear view is interesting, with a complex roof spoiler channeling the airflow. The style of the wheels is dramatic, and I suspect the aerodynamicists had a part there too.

Inside, the driver's area is high drama, and the latest iteration of what Peugeot style their i-Cockpit thinking with the driving information shown above what has become an even more hexagonal steering wheel. This version integrates fully the nav-infotainment screen. First drive events don't really give time to examine such things in depth, but I found most of the ways of controlling temperature, navigation, and radio volume seem reasonably easy to navigate. More detail at another time. The front passenger gets wrapped in the curve of the dashboard into the door trim.

Longer, taller and higher than its predecessor, the latest 3008 also has a longer wheelbase. So for this two-row car there's extra and more than ample accommodation for three in the back seats. The car was designed for multiple powertrains, including electric, from the beginning, and while the compactness of the EV system allows extra interior space, the petrol hybrid unit also fits in the first 'box' without impacting on the cabin area.

From now, the e-3008 comes with a 210hp Standard Range battery rated at 527km. A Long Range with 230hp will be available early next year with a 680km rating, and there will also be a 320hp dual motor variant coming around the same time with AWD. The MHEV hybrid car is a 136hp 1.2 petrol with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic.

From the launch event one quick takeaway is the comfort and unflappability of the new 3008 over a variety of roads, including motorways and on mountain rural sections. The handling of the heavier e- version particularly got my attention, as this would be where any issues would show themselves.

The other important thing is that, though neither is by any means an inexpensive car, the electric one is actually marginally cheaper than the petrol-hybrid, once state subsidies are taken out. This closing of the gap eliminates one of the grumbles about EVs, and I'll be interested to see if the same will happen in the smaller cars segments sooner rather than later.

More when I have a proper chance to live with the car.

PRICE: From €43,965. WHAT I LIKED: Style is up, EV gap is closed. 

Review: Peugeot 508 - Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Peugeot’s large 508 saloon has always been a great looking car since first launched in 2010. A few facelifts since then, notably in 2015 and a significant one last year, changed the look from saloon to a coupe-inspired style that combines clean body lines with frameless doors. 

This high-end motor is a sleek, low-slung, comfortable yet practical car that would grace an executive car park or a family’s drive way. 

The 2023 facelift included a new face, the large grille now sweeps across the front, a new signature lighting system with three-claw LED daytime running lights integrated into the headlamps, and Peugeot's new Lion Shield emblem. Lights at the rear have also been upgraded while the Peugeot name is spelt out across the black bar that connects the rear lights. My entry level Allure version sat on very smart looking 17-inch wheels. 

As this is a very low vehicle, tall people will have to bend their heads down low to gain entry. While the car looks like a saloon, it is what’s called a Fast Back which means the tailgate opens up like a hatchback. Step inside, and you’ll discover a really lovely and comfortable cabin with high quality fit and finish and a two-tier dash. You sit down low but this adds to the sporty feel. Seats were clad in a nice mix of fabric and imitation leather and front ones had manual adjustments. I found my driver’s seat extremely comfy. You have to move up a grade for power adjustments and front seat heaters but the manual ones are fine. 

We’ve become accustomed to the automatic gearbox toggle switch selector on the central console in many of the other Stellantis Group brands, and it works really well. Peugeot’s i-cockpit with its compact size steering wheel is still a matter for debate. I find I move the wheel more than in cars with ‘ordinary’ steering wheels. The driver’s instrument panel is clearly visible above the flat topped steering wheel. 

The colourful 10-inch touchscreen is angled towards the driver. Colourful new graphics add their own cheer. But I found this infotainment screen a bit fiddly to use especially for the climate controls but the Home button in a row of silver shortcuts buttons below allows you adjust the dual zone climate control with up and down arrows. Touchscreen functions include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over the air upgrades. The steering column extends back far and the driver’s screen can be customised to suit your preference. 

I was quite surprised at the amount of good space available in the rear given the sloping roofline. Tall people will find it difficult enough to get into the car, but once inside will have just enough head room to feel comfortable, and enough legroom even when seated behind a 6.2-inch person in front. The transmission tunnel is quite low which allows some foot space for the person in the middle seat. This seat back lowers to reveal two cupholders and a hatch to the boot. There are two USB C-type ports. 

The 487 litres of boot capacity can be expanded to 1537 litres with rear seats folded down. My car didn’t have a power tailgate but had with a bespoke rubber mat and a 12V power socket. The entry level grade is well kitted out with keyless entry and start, all round parking assistance, dual-zone air conditioning, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, navigation, voice recognition, 180deg rear camera, front collision warning, road edge detection, and blind spot detection. The mid GT spec adds Adaptive Cruise Control, front and rear cameras with touchscreen display and 360deg top view of the area around the car, 18-inch alloys along with aluminium pedals, leatherette and Alcantara seat trim, and power tailgate. The top PSE spec adds Nappa leather, heated seats and massage function, Night Vision, wireless smartphone charger, and an exclusive exterior design. 

Customers can choose from petrol, diesel or Plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) options. Engines are a 1.2 petrol with 130hp, a 1.5 diesel 130bhp, and a Plug-in hybrid4 outputting 180bhp/225bhp/360bhp; all are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. My review car was the 1.5 diesel with a healthy 300Nm torque. The 0-100km/h time of 11:00 seconds doesn’t really show that this is a really good car to drive with progressive acceleration that will suit many drivers for their everyday use and offering a smooth, comfortable drive. 

Each engine type has its own suspension. While the official combined fuel return is circa 5.0 L/100kms, my fuel return after one 60km drive that took in country roads and motorways was a truly remarkable 3.3 L/100kms equal to 85.6mpg. So hurray for this diesel car and its almost 1,000kms or so fuel range which will certainly prove very economical for those who have longer commutes. Priced from €50,295 for the Allure PHEV. Annual tax is from €140-€210.

 

 

Review: Peugeot E-2008: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Peugeot is renowned for the style it brings to its passenger cars and the French carmaker’s updated crossover 2008 certainly delivers on that front as it’s a real head turner. Peugeot is part of the Stellantis group and the E-2008 is based on the 2008 petrol model. 

The car received a significant update to its design and a larger battery for improved range when it went on sale last year. It competes in the B-segment. Measuring 4.30m long, 1,987m wide and 1.55m high, it is positioned below its 3008 sibling. The car’s height makes it easy to get in and out which is important for many owners. 

The facelift gave the model a more assertive design with a new front end with the new Peugeot shield logo, new vertical claw-like Daytime Running Lights in the lower bumper instead of the previous 'fangs', and new E-badging around the exterior. My car was in a dark shade of grey called Selenium Grey that everyone admired as it showed off the car to perfection. The stylish look included privacy glass, a gloss black roof and roof rails, some sharp shapes and silver trim along the sides. I particularly liked the upward sweep to the C-pillars. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard on Allure and top GT models. 

The interior is well laid out and user-friendly with a good feel to it. You're cocooned with the sweep of the dash around to the sides emphasised by very nice carbon effect trims. There’s much black gloss on the central console area. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit setup includes two dials on the dash, a small compact steering wheel over which you can see your current speed in the driver’s screen above. In my top GT spec, the 3D instrument panel looked great and you can switch between the displays. The 10-inch central touchscreen, angled towards the driver, is a big improvement on the previous model's but isn’t always intuitive. You can stay connected with the I-Connect system as it offers full connectivity through wireless mirroring (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and allows easy access to all the infotainment functions via the OK Peugeot voice command. A row of piano-type keys below the screen allows you access some shortcuts and there’s a proper knob for the volume. 

Seats are both comfy and supportive, with manual adjustments. They also look great with a mix of leather effect and patterned cloth. Rear ones split 60/40 and headroom for tall people is just about adequate. The person seated in the middle rear seat has a transmission tunnel to contend with. Cubbies include a smallish glovebox area, an area below the narrow armrest, big cupholders and good sized door bins. There's a wireless charger on the dash, two USB C and a 12V socket up front, and two USBs more in the back. 

The boot size remains unchanged at 434 litres; there’s a split level floor so you can store the charging cables below. There’s no lip which makes it easy to lift items in and out. The toggle gear selector is on the flat of the central console. Driving modes are Normal/Eco/Sport. Numerous features included a good reversing camera and a HD parking aid camera that can be changed to show wide areas around the car including at the rear. I was able to get a good driving position and felt very comfy behind the wheel but the thick bases of the A-Pillars hindered my vision. Side mirrors come with small blind spot monitors but work fine. 

On the road, the car seemed very agile and nimble with a small turning circle, and decent acceleration. It’s such an easy car to drive on all types of roads but really comes into its own in urban conditions. Press the ‘B’ button to activate the regenerative braking mode to help energy consumption. Battery usage is around 14.5kWh/100km which is impressive for this segment. The electric motor produces 156bhp and offers a claimed range of up to 406km (WLTP combined), up from 345km in the pre-face lifted model. The battery has a capacity of 52.5 kWh and can be charged to 80pc in 30 minutes using a fast DC charger. A full charge takes 7.5 hours using a 7kW wallbox charger. 

There are also 1.2 petrol 100bhp/130bhp options from €31,040-€34,595 as well as a hybrid petrol with automatic transmission from €35,450. My GT electric 156bhp version is from €40,675 after subsidies. Annual tax is €120.

 

New Peugeot electric SUV revealed

Peugeot has revealed its new E-5008 7-seat SUV with a rated range of up to 660km, writes Brian Byrne. It is expected in Ireland towards the end of this year.

The E-5008 will have two battery options and there will be AWD and long-range variants. A full hybrid version will also be offered which will operate in electric mode for 50pc of the time un urban driving.

More details and pricing for Ireland closer to the E-5008's arrival. 

Peugeot sponsors Pop-Up race series for 2024

Peugeot Ireland is continuing its partnership with Pop-Up Races for the 2024 racing season, writes Trish Whelan. 

The sponsorship agreement will see the car company renew its role as the official vehicle partner for the race series which will include various events across Ireland. The aim is to encourage people to embrace an active lifestyle and take part in community activities. There’s a guaranteed prize pot of €18,000, with an additional prize fund of €6,000 for the individual competition and €9,000 available for new course record bonuses, making this year’s Series prize pot €33,000 in total. 

The 2024 Peugeot Race Series will kick off with the Streets of Portlaoise 5k on 17 March. The full race calendar includes a range of distances from 5k to Half Marathon, with events taking place in various towns and cities across Ireland. 

The Series 2024 includes: 17 March Streets of Portlaoise 5k, 28 March Streets of Kilkenny 5k, 14 May Bob Heffernan / Mary Hanley 5km (Enfield), 19 May Aisling Murphy Memorial 4 Miles (Tullamore), 22 June Dunshaughlin 10k, 29 June Roscommon 10 Miles, 21 July Edenderry 10 Miles, 18 August Cork City 10 Miles, 15 September Charleville International Half Marathon.

For registration details and event dates, visit www.popupraces.ie 

Pictured above: At the finish line of the Ashling Murphy 4 Miler 2023 in Tullamore. The race winner was Eoin Everard of Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.