How does the ICE 2008 compare to its EV e-2008 sibling?

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Photography Credit: Alex Tan

After a memorable weekend and an emotional parting thereafter with the electric vehicle (EV) version, that’s what we were keen to find out. This review will focus on the differences between the 2008 and the e-2008. In fact, we recommend checking out the other article first for a full-featured review of what is essentially the same compact SUV but with a different powertrain and drivetrain.

Apart from the different front grilles between the two at first glance, the first major difference lies under the bonnet. The 2008 features a 1.2-litre inline three-cylinder turbocharged Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) putting down 129hp and 230Nm of torque, as opposed to its EV sibling which puts out just one horsepower more but with an additional 30Nm of torque. Power from the ICE is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, whereas in the EV, it is a direct-drive electric motor without an additional gearbox interface.

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What this means is that although the EV is more immediate off the line, the ICE version comes back into its own once its turbo comes on song. For more immediacy, set the 2008’s drive mode to Sport, and the gearbox and throttle responses sharpen up to provide even more punch. It’s no sports SUV, so temper your expectations, but even then in Sport mode, the acceleration is pretty brisk.

The next major difference is found in the interior. A proud-standing gear lever features in place of the EV’s stubby drive selector. It’s simple enough to use, although its shape was found to be pretty suggestive by quite a few, including photographer-of-the-day Alex Tan.

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In the 2008, shortcuts are placed on the infotainment screen’s bezel, as opposed to the EV where they were placed above the toggle levers below the centre aircon vents. To me, this is a much more intuitive place for these shortcuts and were easier to access and use while on the move.

The third major difference is indicated range. Where the EV on a full charge showed around 340km of range, the petrol version showed close to 600km when the car was picked up. We’ll come back to this later on.

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One noticeable difference is kerb weight. Where the EV sits at 1,548kg, the 2008 saves nearly 350kg over that. This translates to a more light-on-its-feet feeling with the latter while on the move. Both compact SUVs wear the same 215/55R18 Michelin Primacy 4 tyres on the same Bund Alloy rims, so this nimbleness comes down to how much lighter the ICE-version is to begin with.

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Both compact SUVs feel the same in terms of ride comfort. I said this in the other article and it is still evident here that the French know good suspension tuning most of the time. Like its EV sibling, the 2008 is comfortable to drive, and while it can be playfully chucked into a corner and will hold the line well, the high-profile tyres mean that it is not entirely happy doing it but will still do so.

Unlike its EV sibling, however, the next major difference is that there is a sensation of speed to be experienced in the 2008 courtesy of engine, road and wind noises. They’re not annoying by any stretch, but they’re there in the background, and one can certainly judge their rate of progress aurally.

So, how did the 2008 do in terms of fuel economy? On a pure street drive covering 81km, the fuel consumption was 8L/100km or 12.5km/L, and this route was done with auto engine start-stop turned off to test for the “worst case scenario.” Unusually on that day, there was a MAHOOSIVE traffic jam on Loyang Avenue in the direction of Tampines that made things even more difficult. Despite that, the consumption was pretty good.

A mostly-highway run covering 220km saw fuel consumption rate of 4.7L/100km or 21.3km/L. Keeping in mind that the 2008 is NOT a hybrid, this is really impressive. The number actually sat solidly at 4.8 for most of the journey, finally clicking over to 4.7 and staying there when I was about 10km from completing the drive.

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Like its EV sibling, the 2008 made me feel like just getting in and going for a drive. And so, on that soggy, sodden Sunday amidst the relentless soak, a round-island drive was embarked upon. The best way to feel a car out is in inclement weather, and I’m happy to report that the 2008 was the perfect companion for a wet-weather cruise, always keeping me feeling secure and never putting a foot down wrong.

Well, almost. Due to the position of the reverse-camera, this is what was seen on the infotainment screen when going astern into a parking spot:

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Covering 140km, this mixed-mode cruise took place on main roads, back roads, viaducts and highways, encountering traffic lights and speed limits ranging from 40-90km/h. The fuel consumption was a respectable 6.4L/100km or 15.6km/L in the pouring rain with standing puddles of water everywhere and the automatic windscreen wipers matching the prevailing conditions. That wasn’t the end of it either. Another cruise was undertaken that evening to explore a part of Singapore that I hadn’t been to in nearly 15 years. And that’s the thing – the 2008 kept making me feel like just getting in and going for a drive. It was that enjoyable.

Overall, the economy for that weekend’s test drive stood at 6.3L/100km or 15.9km/L when the 2008 was returned with the fuel gauge nestled firmly into Empty. Peugeot claims a combined economy figure of 5.1L/100km or 19.6km/L and just like with its EV-sibling, I have no idea how they got that number.

Given the 44-litre petrol tank, a real-world range of between 550-700km is very possible. The obligatory “your mileage may vary” disclaimer applies.

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All said and done, which did I prefer, the EV or the ICE-version? Well, lemme put it this way…

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Photography: Alex Tan

Technical Specifications

Peugeot 2008 1.2 EAT8 GT
Engine: 1,199cc inline 3-cylinder, turbocharged
Power: 129hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 230Nm @ 1,750rpm
Combined Fuel Economy: 5.1L/100km (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 44-litres
0-100km/h: 9.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 198km/h (claimed)
Kerb Weight: 1,205kg (claimed)
Price: S$177,888 including COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Peugeot Singapore

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