Like any self-respecting mainstream manufacturer, Peugeot has jumped on the small compact SUV crossover club. The new 2008 joins established members - Nissan Juke and Skoda Yeti - along with new entrants: Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka.

The ‘beefed-up’ 2008 is based on the well regarded 208 supermini and shares its smaller sister’s range of petrol and diesel engines: The line-up comprises of a 82 bhp three – cylinder, 1.2 litre and 120 bhp 1.6 litre petrol. Diesel options include a 68 bhp 1.4 and 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel in 92 bhp and 115 bhp outputs.

There are four different trim levels: Access+, Active, Allure and Feline, with even base models getting aux-in connection, air-conditioning, electric and heated door mirrors and cruise control.

Inside you’re greeted by a spacious and airy cabin (enhanced by glass panoramic roof) and a funky interior design. Thanks to the raised roof height, headroom is plentiful, as is front legroom, but rear room is a bit more limited, although it’ll still accommodate six-footers. Boot space is about average for this class, with 360 litres seats up and 1194 litres seats down.

Build quality is generally good, with the exception of a few patchy areas. Nice touches include a handbrake in the style of an aircraft throttle, metal gear knob and head-up driving dials surrounded with blue LED backlighting. The well-positioned and large infotainment touch screen certainly looks the part and it’s easy to use main functions, but Bluetooth pairing and streaming from our Samsung Galaxy smart phone proved a bit a fiddly. Also, a lack of CD player disappoints.

Due to a high waistline and thick C-pillar, rear three-quarter vision is a bit restricted too. Parking sensors are standard, but a reversing camera would certainly be welcome.

On the road the 2008 feels much like the smaller 208 hatch; being agile, responsive and taught, yet supple enough to be comfortable. The light and fast steering allows for quick changes of direction, although doesn’t feed that much information back to the driver. Brakes are beyond reproach however, being responsive and progressive.

The 115 bhp 1.6 litre oil-burner provides good performance coupled with frugality (claimed combined 70.6 mpg) and low CO2 emissions of 106 g/km, while the crisp and positive six-speed gearbox is a pleasure to use. A high top sixth gear and lack of intrusive road or engine noise also make for relaxed motorway cruising.

Feline spec cars are equipped with Peugeot’s Grip Control System as standard. This advanced electronic traction control system is accompanied with Michelin mud and snow tyres; affording the 2008 some light “all terrain” capabilities, without the need for 4WD.

Verdict:
The 2008 is a welcome replacement to the ageing 207 SW estate. Its 208 supermini underpinnings result in a sharp drive and the bigger body brings a useful increase in accommodation. These qualities outshine the car’s drawbacks and along with a fair dose of French style, should ensure 2008 will hold its own in this highly competitive class.

Tech spec:
Peugeot 2008 Feline 1.6 e-HDi 115 
OTR PRICE: £19,145
Max Power: 115 bhp @3600 rpm
Max Torque: 270 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Max Speed: 117 mph
Acceleration: 0-62 in 10.4 seconds
Claimed MPG (combined) 70.6
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 106
VED: 1st year rate: £0  / Standard rate: £20