There could have been few other choices when visiting some of the Eastern Cape’s finest game lodges, than the all-new Peugeot 2008 GT Line.

• The all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV is priced From R359’900 incl. VAT.
• Fuel consumption ranges between 6.4l – 6.5l/100km.
• A striking front grille and raised ground clearance are just some of the sharp design elements.
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Naturally, we seem to have a predisposition to love the chic of the French or the alla moda of the Italians, so when the opportunity rolled around to test-drive the all-new Peugeot 2008 GT Line in an electric blue, there was no doubt we needed to take it on the ultimate road-trip.

The Peugeot 2008 GT Line made an impression the moment it arrived, both with The Sandton Times team and all those who happened to pass by at that moment. The saber-toothed cat like looks and striking colour is a show-stopper. There is so much differently cool about the Peugeot 2008 GT Line, starting with the smaller than usual flat bottom steering-wheel. As opposed to looking through your steering wheel at the dashboard, this smaller than usual control – almost Formula 1 like – provides smooth handling and a great grip.

The Peugeot 2008 also boasts an Open and Go keyless entry system, meaning the vehicle can be opened or locked without removing the key from your bag or pocket.

Now comes the deep-space travel feel. The Peugeot 2008 comes with a 3rd-gen i-Cockpit system, which has the dashboard coming out at the driver with futuristic hologram technology. It also has traffic sign recognition and so much more! Expect an air of gaming as the speedometer adjusts and dashboard driver warning notices come-through on your drive.

The center console includes 4 USB ports for charging and connecting to the digital infotainment system, for those wanting to get some juice for their devices, both in the front and back seats. Bluetooth allows for mobile devices to connect to the nicely positioned digital center display and the infotainment system supports MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The center armrest compartment is spacious, with enough room to fit a DSLR camera. There is also a compartment fitted with a mobile device wireless charger pad to keep your phone safe and charged.

Another novel feature is the interior mood or ambient lighting, which can be switched to more than half-a-dozen different colour tones, to give your night-time drive a different look.

The compact SUV handled beautifully on the open road as well as gravel surfaces with four different drive modes: Normal, Sand, Mud and Snow. The fresh new model with a six-speed automatic gearbox has the most sublime acceleration as the 1.2-litre turbo powered PureTech engine does its bit, with great road handling.

As road-trips go, the boot space was sufficient for two suitcases and a backpack, and for those who enjoy some good listening, the SUV has a premium hi-fi system developed by French specialist FOCAL, made up of 10 speakers, utilising technologies usually reserved for living room installations.

Another one of those Peugeot 2008 power features is a selection of shortcut switches on the center console that allows the driver to access essential functions like navigation, music, air-con and hazard lights quickly. With winter around the corner, there are even highly efficient seat warmers in the driver and passenger seats.

One thing we did pick-up is an ever so slight delay and reaction to button commands, be it starting the engine or engaging systems like the cruise-control.

With three trim levels: Active, Allure and GT Line, there is something suave and sporty about the Peugeot 2008 and we are not surprised how popular it already is amongst South African motorists. The polished execution of the Peugeot 2008 interior and exterior makes it a highly attractive choice.

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