Peugeot e-2008 Singapore Review 2022 - GT 50kWh (A)

The Peugeot e-2008 is a fully electric model of the existing petrol powered 2008, and is the first electric car to be launched by Peugeot, through Vantage Automotive, Peugeot's dealer in Singapore. It has a range of 345km when fully charged, and is about the size of a Hyundai Kona Electric. Power is rated at 100kw or 134 bhp, and consumption is rated at 14.5kwh/100km. Following its official launch in September 2022, in Singapore, the e-2008 will be available with the 50 kWh battery that will take 30 mins to charge fully via a 50kw DC charger. The car will also come in the GT trim line, which features the 3D i-cockpit.

People buy cars for different reasons, and different cars excel at different things. And while some cars sell much better in Singapore, it is perhaps merely a reflection of the majority's standardised needs. For those who are different, those standardised needs are perhaps the exact reason they dislike the common cars, and they crave a differentiated experience - one that is more nuanced, more expressive, and one that is able to serve as an extension to their lifestyle. If you identify with this group of people, the new all electric Peugeot e-2008 might just be right up your alley.

A compact SUV / Crossover by description, the e-2008 is a smart looking car that is instantly pleasing to the eye. Its stance is attentive and perked up, and it rubs off on you. During my test drive, I felt eager each time I approached the car, like it was inviting me to get in and go - and it was just as well, because the two-tone red and black paint job felt young and dynamic. While driving around, I actually felt a few years younger, or at least thats how I thought others would perceive me. Other little exterior touches and details like the claw-like vertical LED strip up front, and the signature Peugeot rear headlamps provide high impact to the premium appeal of the vehicle. Most noteworthy for me, is Peugeot's decision to give the car a proper grille design despite its electric underpinnings rather than just blanking it out - a. move that I both appreciate and really enjoy.

Inside, the GT trim line from the petrol powered 2008 is transplanted into the e-2008 and although this means that Peugeot's first electric car doesn't get an EV inspired cabin, the interior remains extremely likeable, and you immediately feel like you're in a cabin that is unique and differentiated in its class. If I had to describe the e-2008 in one word, it would have to be 'stylish', as the car utilises a clever mix of leather and modern fabrics with lime green stitching, along with neat bits of technology like Peugeot's 3D i-cockpit that feels extremely confident in its skin, and exudes a future forward feeling.

Up on the road the e-2008 feels brisk and light on its feet, and is surprisingly comfortable for an entry level car - making it a good option to consider if you have intentions to use the car as a family car. Space utilisation is also commendable with an above average amount of legroom in the rear for your passengers. As an electric car, the e-2008 is also silent during operation, and when you do decide to put your foot down, the car does produce up to 260Nm of torque despite being rated for just 134bhp. This means you have more shove in your acceleration than a Volkswagen Golf, but not so much that you feel that you're in danger - making this quite suitable for a first time EV owner, or for a newer driver.

Regenerative braking is quite minimal in the e-2008 and settings are fixed without an option to select between multiple tiers of regenerative braking. The upside of this is that the car drives quite naturally and people who are used to petrol powered vehicles will have no issue adjusting to this car. The downside is that if you are buying the car for economy reasons, you're not really getting the most of the experience without a proper one pedal drive setting. Personally, I like it this way, as I'm not the biggest advocate of one pedal driving. I find it slightly odd, and a can present some danger if you're an inexperienced driver who hasn't spent time playing with a bunch of electric vehicles.

Overall, I think the e-2008 is a very well packaged product, and is a very good option to consider if you are in the market for an entry level electric vehicle and don't want to spend too much to partake in electric car ownership. There is also good value derived from how stylish a car you're getting for the amount you are paying, and also from the comfort and ride quality you're getting for an entry level car. Seeing the way the e-2008 has in my opinion, kicked off with a good starting point, I would have one eye on Peugeot's EV developments in the near future, as it would be interesting to see how they package their future range of EVs in Singapore.

With the introduction of the Peugeot e-2008, which comes just shortly after the launch of the impressive, but less stylish BYD ATTO 3, Vantage Automotive seems to have a good launch bed for entry level EVs for the mass market that bring forth excellent value propositions for those looking to enter the EV market without dropping a small fortune.