Naza has finally advertised the availability of the CKD Peugeot 2008 this week in the newspaper and their Peugeot website, with a single variant, equipped with the 1.6L VTi Prince engine and 4 speed transmission, similar to the 208 model, asking for RM120k. You get 120hp/160Nm of power from this familiar engine of choice. In fact, almost all Peugeot vehicles uses the same 1.6L Prince engine, but in different tunes.
Built on the similar platform of the 208, the 2008 is slightly larger in size, competing in the B-Segment Mini SUV category. However, unless you have something for the continental made, the Ford EcoSport looks nicer. Naza has always been generous in equipping cars with all the safety features, yet could sell at a decent price...So now you know how other Japanese made vehicles are being overprice here for the benefit of the distributors and dealers. The 2008 has 6 airbags with ABS, EBD, EBA, ASR, DSC & ESP and Hill Assist, further complemented by auto headlight, auto wiper, show-me-home light, cornering assist fog-light, and the best of all for those lousy side parking folks...the Smart Park Assist that auto park your car, as well as auto exit from the parking slot.
The dashboard is simple, as most controls are from the 7-inch touch screen. The meter cluster is similar to the 2008. I wonder whether people will buy this car just because they like the aircraft style handbrake level, which looks special, but what the heck, it is just a handbrake. I would prefer an auto parking brake activation switch instead of these manual "ta-ta-ta-ta" handle!
One might want a big trunk in a SUV, but in this mini SUV, you get about 360-litre of space, quite decent, and the big door opening ease loading of big item, like the 29-inch TV, if you still buy them! Panoramic roof with mood lighting and electric blind is standard, making the car roomier when open. With our hot weather, glass roof is never practical, and most of the time it will be covered up, and some owner would double or triple tint the roof as well.
The rear end of the 2008 has a high waistline, with the light mounted higher, which kind of spoil the good front look. Side profile still look nice, but if you are standing directly at the back, it looks kind of weird.
The 208 drives really good. In my opinion, if the 2008 is equipped with the turbo Prince engine and a 6-speeder, it could be better. However, Peugeot position this car for the young and trendy or even the soccer mom, thus a slower engine should not deter them from choosing it over others. Furthermore, it is a fully equipped car, at an affordable price. Way to go, Naza! Why not bring in the Kia Soul for all the trendy fans here.
After about 6 months of the 2008 launched, I am still falling in love with it. But comparing the the smaller sibling 208, which share the same platform and engine, is it really worth to pay additional RM30k for the 2008, which is slightly taller and larger! This car really need the turbocharged engine to be justified!
After about 6 months of the 2008 launched, I am still falling in love with it. But comparing the the smaller sibling 208, which share the same platform and engine, is it really worth to pay additional RM30k for the 2008, which is slightly taller and larger! This car really need the turbocharged engine to be justified!
