Everything under the hood of the 2013 Peugeot 4008 crossover SUV has been thoughtfully designed for performance, pleasure and environmental protection. Both petrol and diesel engines are compliant with Euro 4 and 5 standards, and you have the choice of a five and six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, which features steering wheel paddles for more control. For petrol engines, buyers can choose 115 horsepower 1.6-liter engine or 2.0-liter that produces 150 horsepower. Consumers choosing an HDi diesel engine will choose between a 1.6 and 1.8-liter HDi PEF engine, delivering 115 and 150 horsepower respectively. The 4008 also gives you the option between standard two-wheel drive or the on-demand four-wheel drive, which features a “lock” mode that will get you out of a sticky situation, if you are off-road and find yourself a little stuck. As far as the ride is concerned, the suspension is definitely stiff, and the cabin is far from being considered quiet. Some people say that the six-speed CVT struggles to figure out which gear to be in on inclines, making it a bit sluggish, but really, with this price tag, it is easy to overlook.
• Audio - The standard audio system is made up of a CD player, MP3 decoder and four speakers, which includes two tweeters. Those wishing for a more premium listening experience will want to go with the optional Rockford Fosgate® pack with 710 watts, nine speakers, subwoofer, speed-sensitive volume control and eight channel amplifier.
• Connectivity Pack - Depending on country, this pack is standard or optional, and includes a USB socket, auxiliary jack, multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth interface.
• Navigation - A 30GB hard drive navigation is controlled through a 7-inch touchscreen. This optional feature provides driving directions and maps, and allows you to use 10GB to store music.
• Open-and-Go System - Why fumble with your keys when you can use electronic recognition? This electronic key lets you open your doors, and then you simply press the “Start Stop Engine” button to start the vehicle.
The 2013 Peugeot 4008 is definitely made with safety in mind. It is fitted with several airbags, including one at the driver’s knees, and the deformable body structure features a reinforced waist line to provide important energy absorption in a front, side or rear impact. Even the electronic stability program has been fitted in a thoughtful way to incorporate traction and anti-skid functions. Other safety features include:
• Headlamp washers
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Self-leveling headlights
• Fog lamps
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear view camera
• Child seat anchors
• Hill start assist
• Electronic brake assist
• Anti-lock brakes
It is hard not to be intrigued by the wide nose and curved back of the 4008, but it is the large chrome grille that is flanked by slanting chrome headlights that draws most people in. Its style is modern and sporty without coming across arrogant, and its attractive double five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels are icing on the cake.
The interior is much more elegant than what you might expect. From quality material to the lacquered black center console to the panoramic glass roof that offers an abundance of light for an airy feeling, the cabin really has a lot to offer. The instrument panel is backlit while the steering wheel is nicely padded. Controls are easy to identify and access. The only real flaw is that legroom is lacking in the back seat. Therefore, seating for five really means seating for two adults and three younger children. Adults can squeeze back there, but certainly will not want to take a road trip with you.
Cargo space is minimal in the 4008. Behind the rear seat, you will find only 384 liters. If you do need more space, the rear seat can be folded to open up 1193 liters.