Peugeot 2008 I (2013 – 2019)

Reliability score : 4.8/10

The first-generation Peugeot 2008 (A94) marked the lion brand's successful entry into the highly competitive urban SUV (B-SUV) segment. Based on the 208 I's PF1 platform, it indirectly replaced the 207 SW estate. It stands out for its dynamic road handling, its famous i-Cockpit (small steering wheel, raised instrument cluster), and a refined finish for the category. A significant facelift took place in 2016, giving it a more adventurous look (vertical grille, wheel arch extensions) and introducing the excellent EAT6 automatic gearbox, replacing the disastrous ETG automated manual gearbox. However, this model's career is heavily marred by the systemic problems of its flagship engines: the 1.2 PureTech (petrol) and the 1.6/1.5 BlueHDi (diesel). Buying a used 2008 I today requires absolute vi

✅ Strengths

First-class road handling (Peugeot comfort/dynamism compromise).
Original and upscale interior presentation (i-Cockpit).
Excellent EAT6 automatic gearbox (Aisin) available since the facelift (2016).
Compact size (4.16 m) ideal for the city while offering a decent boot (350 L).
Contained weight promoting agility and fuel consumption.

⚠️ Weaknesses

Catastrophic reliability of 1.2 PureTech petrol engines (wet belt).
Reliability of the AdBlue emission control system on BlueHDi diesels.
ETG automated manual gearbox (before 2016) slow, jerky, and unreliable.
Multimedia system (SMEG/SMEG+) slow, unintuitive, and prone to bugs.
i-Cockpit driving position that does not suit all body types (steering wheel obscuring the instrument cluster).

🎯 Verdict

The Peugeot 2008 I is an excellent urban SUV on paper: beautiful, pleasant to drive, and practical. Unfortunately, the choice of engine is a minefield. If you are looking for a petrol version, the 1.6 VTi 120 is the least risky choice, although it consumes a bit of oil. Avoid the 1.2 PureTech unless the seller provides an impeccable maintenance record, a recent invoice for timing belt replacement AND oil strainer cleaning. For diesel, prefer the older 1.6 e-HDi (92 or 115 hp), which are robust and lack the capricious AdBlue system that ruins the reliability of more recent BlueHDi versions. Finally, avoid the ETG automated manual gearbox at all costs; prefer the manual gearbox or the excellent EAT6 automatic.