Appeared at the end of 2019, the 2008 second generation has become the preferred urban SUV of the French ahead of the Renault Captur. This year, around 40,000 copies have been sold, making it the fifth best-selling vehicle in France. Even if the figures of its rival of the day, the Be Niro, are not as important, those of the Korean SUV are not ridiculous for all that, because it has managed to impose itself for several years as the favorite Kia model of the French, and this, despite a bland and very mat look . A craze which is explained above all by the fact that it was available in 100% electric, hybrid or rechargeable hybrid.
Small shell, the Niro EV does not accept fast charges of 350 kW but 72 kW. Sorry for this mistake.
If we take into account that electric vehicles, the supremacy of French in its declension e-2008 is confirmed by positioning itself in the Top 10 at the national level, well ahead of the Come onbut today, after six years of good and loyal service, the new Niro EV comes completely redesigned with one thing in common with the older generation: its three engines.
But beyond the technical aspect, the 2022 vintage of the Niro is distinguished above all by its radically different style from the previous one. Thus, it now displays a much more assertive personality with in particular a worked light signature, but it is above all the most original rear part with boomerang-shaped lights and a C-pillar that can be in a different color from the rest of the bodywork. (optional at 400 €).
The lines of the 2008 are now well known and they greatly contributed to its success with motorists. With its vertical daytime running lights, large body-colored grille and profile struck with triangle-shaped body creases at the front and rear doors, Peugeot’s SUV is aging rather well, even if it should be restyled next year. next.
The bar under the multimedia screen sees its display change according to the function chosen.
In the passenger compartment, we easily find this distinction in terms of interior design. Thus, on board the Niro, the atmosphere has changed. It now sports a curved dashboard that incorporates digital instrumentation, alongside a multimedia screen whose size varies according to the finish between 8 and 10.25 inches. It too can be associated with digital counters. One of the particularities lies in the presence of a touch strip called “Multi mode touch display” located under the fully configurable screen which manages both air conditioning and navigation by changing display and functions. An excellent idea, because it limits the number of buttons on the dashboard. Ergonomics is pretty good, even if it is not unanimous.
The 2008, for its part, highlights its i-cockpit still consisting of its small steering wheel, its digital instrumentation located in the high position – which still remains unique with its 3D display – and its 10-inch multimedia screen slightly oriented towards the driver.
Even if the two adversaries of the day, try to take care of their appearances, it must be recognized that that of the 2008 is more qualitative. Although Kia has worked on the visual aspect of its plastics, they are hard and not very pleasant to the touch, especially on the storm doors. A defect less present on the 2008 with a more rewarding graining.
Practical aspects: the Niro logically
The Niro is more practical thanks to its two trunks but also a more generous habitability.
With its length of 4.42 m, 12 cm longer than the 2008, the Niro is logically more practical. Thus, its load volume is more substantial (475 litres, including 20 at the front against 405 litres) and its rear habitability is more generous, whether in terms of knee space or living width. Only downside, the higher loading threshold, but that does not prevent the Niro from winning this game. Good point concerning the two parties on the numerous and well-distributed storage spaces in the cabin.
Smaller, the 2008 must bow to the level of practical aspects.
Equipment: the novelty bonus
We have in mind that Korean models are often cheaper than the competition. If this statement was true a few years ago, it is no longer the case today. Thus, in high-end Premium finish, our Niro EV is billed at €48,090, while the Peugeot e-2008 is sold in GT finish at a price of €44,950. The difference is more than substantial (€3,140) and it will logically be necessary to dip into the 2008 options catalog to try to compensate for some of its equipment shortcomings.
Thus, by opting for heated seats, connected navigation, keyless access and start, blind spot monitoring system, level 2 semi-autonomous driving and 11 kW home charger, the 2008 returns to 46 €520. The latter is always less expensive, but it will be necessary to ignore certain equipment present on the Niro and unavailable on the 2008 such as the dual-zone automatic air conditioning, the automatic tailgate, the leather upholstery and the electric seats. The Niro justifies its extra cost.
Budget – The decisive price and bonus difference
With a higher purchase price than the 2008, the Niro leaves with a disadvantage. This difference is found whether with the entry-level or the most upscale versions like today. Here, this price difference also has consequences on the bonus since the 2008 benefits from the maximum bonus of €6,000 while its rival has to settle for €2,000 because of its price higher than €47,000. What increase the final amount when buying between these two vehicles. But the Niro does not give up, because it has other arguments such as its 7-year, 150,000 km warranty, while the Peugeot 2008 must be satisfied with a basic 2-year, unlimited mileage. The Niro also benefits from the good resale value of the current brand, while the 2008 surfs for its part on its enthusiasm with motorists and benefits from slightly higher reliability.