Peugeot 2008 Engine and Performance Review

The second-generation Peugeot 2008 has always been a small SUV built around small engines. That's good news for running costs, but it means choosing the right engine matters more than it does in a bigger car. This guide covers the petrol and diesel versions; for the e-2008 and the 48-volt hybrid, see our Peugeot 2008 electric and hybrid engine review.

Petrol and Diesel Engines: Official Data

These figures come from the 2023 edition of the English Peugeot 2008 owner's handbook. Which engines you could buy depended on the country and model year.

The maximum nose weight on the towball is 61 kg for all of these engines. Braked trailer weights are quoted for a 10-12% gradient and within the gross train weight limit.

Which Engine Suits You?

PureTech 100 manual: the entry point to the range. It's a turbocharged three-cylinder, so it's more flexible than the power figure suggests, and it's fine for town driving and the occasional motorway trip. It's also the most affordable way into a 2008.

PureTech 130 automatic: the best all-rounder. The extra power makes the 2008 feel much more relaxed when it's loaded with passengers and luggage, and the EAT8 automatic is smooth and efficient. If you're looking at an older car with the six-speed EAT6, note that it has a much lower towing limit (500 kg).

PureTech 130 manual: for drivers who prefer to change gear themselves but want the stronger engine.

BlueHDi 130 automatic: the diesel is the choice for high-mileage drivers who spend lots of time on motorways and A-roads. It uses EN 590 diesel and, like most modern diesels, an AdBlue system to keep emissions down.

Fuel Economy

Peugeot's WLTP figure for the petrol 2008 is around 6 l/100 km combined. In the real world, most owners will see something in the region of 7-8 l/100 km, depending on how and where they drive. Short urban trips, cold weather and lots of Sport-mode driving all push consumption up.

How the 2008 Drives

On the road the 2008 feels balanced and stable both in town and on faster roads. The suspension absorbs most bumps well, although the ride can feel a little firm on broken surfaces, and the steering is accurate. It's not a performance SUV and keen drivers may find the engine range limited, but with the PureTech 130 and EAT8 it's an easy, relaxed car for everyday use.

Living With a PureTech Engine

Most petrol 2008s use the familiar 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder turbo, an engine that needs proper care. Earlier versions were known for timing-belt wear, higher oil consumption and carbon build-up. Owners of recent facelifted Peugeots have also reported infotainment freezes and unresponsive air-conditioning buttons, which are unrelated to the engine but worth checking on a test drive.

Simple habits go a long way:

• Service on time, every time, with the oil grade Peugeot specifies
• Check the oil level between services
• Let the engine warm up before driving hard
• Don't ignore warning lights: our guides to Peugeot 2008 red warnings and orange warnings explain each symbol

The Bottom Line

For most 2008 buyers, the PureTech 130 with the EAT8 automatic is the sweet spot, combining enough performance with good economy. Go for the BlueHDi 130 if you cover big mileages, or the PureTech 100 manual if budget is the priority. If you'd rather go electric or hybrid, our electric and hybrid guide covers those options.

For a complete look at the car, read our Peugeot 2008 review.