You can tell that Peugeot are expecting big things from their new 2008 SUV because of the amount of advertising which is on TV at the moment.

It was launched a couple of months ago and sales are up by 16 per cent with plenty of good deals out there for would be owners.

The 2008 is a pretty damn good car, great to drive and fun to handle. No problems in easily getting to 100mph if you choose to drive on the German autobahns and take your foot off the pedal a bit and you can easily get 70 miles to the gallon in one of the diesel models.

It has been updated, with refreshed styling and featuring enhanced specifications. Generally more assertive it is better designed than its predecessor and is doing well against its main competitors being the Nissan Juke and the Honda HR-V.

Prices vary from £13,000 to £21,000 and there are a variety of petrol and diesel engines.

The original 2008 came out three years ago and 40,000 British drivers were impressed enough to buy one.

There are five different models, with five different trims and the new features give it an enhanced presence with new wheel arch extensions (from Allure level), while a new vertical front grille and front and rear scuff plates (also from Allure level) confirm its robustness and are designed for everyday use.

The new ‘Ultimate Red’ colour further epitomises the power and desirability of the new 2008 SUV. The Access A/C, Active and Allure levels are complemented by the new ‘GT Line’ model.

This desirable trim level is already a popular choice on other key Peugeot models (108, 208, 308 and 508), and adds a sporty theme throughout.

While it is not a proper four wheel drive it has something called Grip Control which is pretty good in off road conditions. This is offered by models Allure and GT Line as standard.

This adapted traction system - gives the new 2008 SUV its versatility on all types of terrain. It is combined with Mud & Snow (All-Season) tyres.

Equipment available on new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV includes (subject to trim level) MirrorScreen, and Carplay®, along with the reversing camera, Active City Brake and Park Assist - a rarity in this segment.

The Euro6 engines ensure high-level driving pleasure while remaining fuel efficient.

Four versions are ‘Best-in-Class’ in their segment, including the 1.2L PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual.

The 2008 has the Peugeot i-Cockpit® which is unique to the Brand and embodies the driving characteristics of the 2008 SUV, being agile, intuitive and safe.

The compact sports steering wheel offers precise steering and improved manoeuvrability, while the seven inch multifunction colour touch screen puts all the functionality at your fingertips. In addition, the head-up instrument panel allows driver information to be accessed without taking the eyes off the road.

During August and September there is £850 saving on the new 2008 SUV and there is attractive retail consumer offers available for customers who can benefit from finance offers with 4.9 per cent APR across all models between now and the end of September. There is the additional £350 Dealer deposit contribution if the customer chooses the Peugeot Passport or Just Add Fuel package.

A Passport finance package with a customer deposit of £1,000, on a new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV PureTech 82, results in monthly payments of £211 for the Active and £237 for the Allure model.

Customers choosing the Just Add Fuel all-encompassing, three year finance package on the same model will have a monthly payment of £241 for the Active and £268 for the Allure model, and the Just Add Fuel Telematics’ finance package is also available for 18 year olds and above.

This includes: A single monthly payment to cover all motoring costs No need to budget for insurance, servicing, road fund licence, and roadside assistance costs – they are all included.

No need to search for cheaper insurance each year, fixed price motoring for three years means peace of mind. A completely transparent motoring package with no hidden costs. The opportunity to drive a new car every three years, so no MOT costs.

The extensive 2008 SUV range made simple is: Four trim level choices: Access A/C, Active, Allure and GT Line.

Price range: from £13,615 to £20,565 (on-the-road). Engine choice: three PureTech (82hp, 110hp & 130hp) and three Blue HDil (75hp, 100hp & 120hp). Transmission: manual 5-speed and 6-speed, ETG Piloted manual and full EAT6 automatic available.

Popular models: Allure (50%)

  • Diesel 1.6L BlueHDi 100 (18%)
  •  Petrol 1.2L PureTech 82 S&S (34%) Interesting: GT Line takes 24% 
  •  Petrol at 66%
  • Pearlescent White (7%) makes white 28% of range
  • Colourful choice: nine colours available; two solid, five metallic, a pearlescent and ‘varnish’ paint finish
  • Most popular colour: Bianca White (21%), Nimbus Grey (20%) and Ultimate Red (17%)