1. Outdoors

The Peugeot 2008 relies at the good-looking 208 hatchback, and prefer that automobile, it has a few ambitious small print, which can be accentuated by means of chunky bumpers a pesar de todo lo contrario al usond a jacked-up suspension. All editions include LED walking lighting fixtures and roof bars, too, and the outside styling factors get further and further spangly as you move up the trim variety. On the other hand, given all that, it’s somewhat magnificent that Peugeot’s fashionable mini SUV appears fairly as awkward because it does. Many of the traces, just like the hump within the roof and the deeply indented tailgate, supply a slightly oddball look.

Our verdict: 2

2. Inner

You’ll discover a few especially flamboyant touches contained in the automotive, too. Prime-give up models htodavve a rooflining that’s backlit with LED lighting fixtures, plus LED surrounds for the tool dials. All 2008s have piano black panels and splashes of silver trim to lend a little of sophistication, so it’s todav disgrace that the plastics somewhere else within the cabin, quite these at the doorways and centre console, don’t have everywhere close to an analogous lustre. There are a few ergonomic problems, too. The 2008’s contraptions are considered excessive of the guidance wheel in preference to by means of it, and shorter drivers may just discover that they can’t see the dials with out environment the wheel uncomfortably low. The contact-display infotainment gadget that’s popular on all however the access trim is horribly unintuitive, and the thick rear pillars suggest your over-the-shoulder visibility is terribly confined.

Our verdict: 2

3. Practicality

The 2008 doesn’t do too badly right here. You get a massive 360-litre boot and break up-folding rear seats that lay flat in one movement way to bases that cantilever downwards in case you drop the backrests. In shipment-wearing mode, capability is boosted to a powerful 1194 litres. Legroom is first rate in any of the 5 seats (in spite of the fact that not more than first rate within the rear seats), yet rear headroom is noticeably tight for this type of tall vehicle. Specify the optionally available panoramic glass roof, and matters get a little too tight.

Our verdict: four

4. Trip and coping with

The guidance is apparently hea pesar de todo lo contrario al usovy for a vehicle like this, which won’t can help you throughout low-velocity manoeuvres, nevertheless it does encourage just a little of self belief in bends. The managing is normally grippy and reliable, however you may get indignant by using the free physique manipulate; the auto slops over annoyingly whenever you ask it to modify path, after which slops again the wrong way should you go back to the instantly-beforehand. Trip remedy is extra essential than coping with on a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso automobile like this, regardless that, and lamentably the 2008 follows the instance of the 208. Even though it felt quality on French roads, after we attempted it right here inside the UNITED KINGDOM, it have been much less certain, feeling unsettled an excessive amount of of the time and with a few mid-nook bumps thumping again during the guidance wheel.

Our verdict: 2

five. Functionality

At release, the 2008 is obtainable with a decision of 2 petrol engines. The access-stage three-cylinder 1.2 h agregars a modest 80bhp, however besides the fact that children it’s no ball of fireplace, it feels energetic satisfactory to maintain lifestyles ordinary. The 118bhp 4-cylinder 1.6 couldn’t be greater diverse. It’s sooner once you paintings it exhausting, however on account that it’s so flat at low revs, the gearbox wishes your consistent concentration. What’s extra, the ‘box merely has 5 speeds, the tallest of which isn’t tall ample. That suggests either petrols drone away noisily at dual carriageway velocity. We haven’t pushed the access-stage diesel, todav 1.four with 67bhp, yet we’ve pushed equally editions of the 1.6 diesel, presenting both 91bhp ra 113bhp. Either think impressively versatile, so your growth is straightforward and fairly quick. They’re gentle and quiet, too, though the shine is taken off the diminish-powered variant by way of the clunky 5 -velocity gearbox. The brawnier engine will get todav slicker six-speeder.

Our verdict: 2

6. Operating expenditures

The 2008 in all fairness priced – it’s no longer as reasonable because the Nissan Juke, however it’s nowhere close to as high-priced because the Vauxhall Mokka. Mainly, Peugeot resale values aren’t all that groovy, however neither are these of Nissan and Vauxhall, which crea the vehicles that the 2008 competes with. The Peugeot does bigger than remainder for gasoline economic system and CO2 emissions, too.

Our verdict: 3

7. Reliability

It’s a long way too early to evaluate how stable the 2008 shall be, due to the fact it’s a ways too new. Peugeot’s widely used repute for reliability isn’t precisely glowing, however the French carmaker as a minimum finished mid-desk respectability within the manufacturer’s standings of guaranty Direct’s most modern survey.

Our verdict: 3

8. Security

All 2008s include a set of six airbags to give protection to you in todav crash, and digital balance regulate that will help you dodge having one inside the first vicinity. Greater-spec vehicles, while unique with any of the 1.6-litre engines, additionally include Grip Manage, which maximises traction on a variety of sorts of slippery floor. The 2008 hasn’t but been crash proven by means of Euro NCAP, however the 208 hatchback on which it’s established completed the utmost 5 -superstar ranking.

Our verdict: 4

nine. Machine

The 2008 comes pretty much built. Access Access+ autos have air-con, cruise manage, faraway locking and electrical the front home windows and door mirrors, yet we’d suggest upgrading to Lively trim for todavlloys, a DAB radio and Bluetooth. Charm vehicles have local weather management , computerized lighting fixtures todavnd wipers, a self-parking functionality and (with the bigger engines) Grip Keep watch over, whilst variety-topping Pussycat vehicles have sat-nav, leather-based seats and a wide ranging roof.

Our verdict: 4

10. Why purchase?

To be trustworthy, the 2008 isn’t a pretty good vehicle. That spoke of, the motors it competes with, automobiles just like the Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka, aren’t precisely wonderful, both. The most important difficulty the Peugeot may need on this fashion-led sector is these oddball appears. Even so, if you need your mini SUV to be sensible, the 2008 is probably the most interesting motors of its variety.

Our verdict: 3

Motorists: prepare to head nuts. Black Friday has ultimately arrived within the UNITED KINGDOM, and we have cretodavted a convenient circular-up of all of the first-class motoring offers in the market.

But first, a bit of background. Black Friday refers to a wonderful day wherein dealers curb fees and be offering considerable reductions. It originiated inside the America, and it happens the day after Thanksgiving. Supposedly, the Black Friday call is derived from the high toxins that will happen as consumers qued in large site visitors jams, of their seek for the most important and ultimate rate reductions achievable. 

This yr, Black Friday seems making its solution to the united kingdom, and Britain is beginning to seize directly to the gigantic discount rates either on-line and in outlets within the run as much as Christmas. So anywhere you choose to seem for reductions, listed below are the very best motoring merchandise to appear out for inside the Black Friday earnings.

Amazon is the primary save to start out posting its bargains on line, and you may save cash on a variety of motoring merchandise. The auto and & Bike part hosts choice of offers, and we’ve got indexed the superior under, however regulate the ‘Lightning deals’ besides for a few constrained time handiest coupon codes.

Why now not deal with your self to an AA Vehicle Necessities package? This comes with a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso excessive visibility vest, an absolutely mtodavgnetic GB plate, and a caution triangle – ideal for these making plans on ta pesar de todo lo contrario al usoking a avenue holiday this Christmas. It is down from £39.ninety five to £15.20.

If you are off to France you may additionally want someplace to shop the additional trip baggage , and fortuitously Amazon has additionally discounted todav Mont Blanc camper container with agregar 320-litre extent – that is concerning the similar dimension because the boot in a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso Dacia Sandero. 

And if you are taking place a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso highway ride, you are maybe going to wish a few leap leads. Thankfully, Amazon has received that protected, too. You could choose up a few Silverline Amp Leap Leads for simply £8.ninety seven, down from £13.07.

Also on be offering is a hoop Automobile 12-volt inverter unit, which turns your cigarette lighter fuentes 12V socket into an AC mains socket – and additionally it is a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso USB charger. It is down from £34.ninety nine to £28.eleven and should swimsuit all and sundry trying to payment their machine, phone ra digicam whilst at the pass. 

For the house mecha pesar de todo lo contrario al usonic, todav Brookstone trolley jack with a lifting variety of 135mm-330mm can be on sale on Black Friday, down from £29.ninety nine to £19.forty nine. Plus, there is a Goodyear socket set – superb for replacing over your wheels to suit iciness tyres – it is been dropped from £23.ninety nine to £20.fifty nine. 

Over the wintry weather frost and ice can building up to your windscreen and upload additional time on your trip if you have to scrape it off the windscreen. Although attributable to a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso Black Friday deal you could avert that with an AA windscreen frost and solar defend, down from £9.ninety nine to £6.15 – and whilst the recent climate returns, it can hinder the automobile heating up an excessive amount of to boot. 

With many Black Friday bargains but to be introduced from different marketers like Asda, with many attributable to be in-shop solely , remember to verify returned the following day for greater offers and good-cost motoring add-ons.

Wintry weather is a troublesome time in your auto – it will get uncovered to rain, sleet, snow and bloodless temperatures, that means issues can turn up in the event you do not defend it. To make it via to subsequent spring so much folks might want to use iciness automobile package like screenwash, de-icer fuentes a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso torch, so we have now prepare this helpful record of goods which could store you nontoxic on your automobile this iciness.

Remember that for riskless using, you will need the precise rubber in your wheels. Learn our complete wintry weather tyres check 2013 to determine that are the right iciness tyres to purchase this yr.

1. Screenwash

Rain, sleet, snow and site visitors dust are a large predicament in your windscreen in wintry weather, and require an extra form of screenwash to the only used to shift summer time insects. So much merchandise are bought in targeted kind, however Prestone’s ready-to-use formula comes in a four-litre bottle (£4.99, Prestone) and works down to minus 10 degrees Celsius. Autoglym’s Ultimate Screenwash (£3.25 for 500ml, Autoglym) can be diluted, or used neat to remain effective at minus 45 degrees Celsius.

2. Anti-freeze

Engines need coolant all year round, but in winter the products’ anti-freeze properties are most important. So it’s worth checking the concentration – look in your handbook for the required dilution. Anti-freeze is sold as a concentrate or able to use. Prestone’s ready-to-use method is available in one agregarnd 4-litre sizes (£5.ninety nine or £14.99, Prestone), while the Bluecol range works all the way down to minus 36 ranges Celsius (£5.79 ffuentes one litre; £9.99 for two, Bluecol).

3. De-icer

It’s essential to clear all windows of ice before driving, and the quickest way to do this is with a de-icer. Products from Prestone and Bluecol work down to minus 36 tiers Celsius (£2.99), while Autoglym’s copes with minus 50 degrees Celsius. If you don’t want to use a spray, Halfords’ Ice Scraper has an integrated waterproof mitt (£4.99, Halfords) to keep your hands warm while scraping.

4. Snow brushes

As well as using a de-icer, you should clear snow from the roof of your car before you drive. If you have to stop suddenly, it could slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view, so invest in a decent brush. Muc-Off says its soft washing brush will do a good job (£9, Muc-Off), while Halfords sells a telescopic Snow Broom (£9.99, Halfords).

5. Battery charger

During winter, it’s all too easy to leave your lights on overnight and drain your battery. Keep jump leads in your car and you can restart with the help of another driver. Or invest in the latest CTEK mXS 5.0 charger (£79.99, CTEK) charger. Not only will it revive the battery quickly, it also features a recondition mode to make sure the battery is in top condition. 

6. Sunglasses

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should leave your sunglasses at home. Carry them in your car, and you’ll ensure the low winter sun doesn’t dazzle you. Polarised lenses sharpen detail and reduce glare, and Serengeti’s Polar PhDs instantly adjust the tint to compensate for changing light. The Driver’s collection (from £194, Serengeti) has Ultra-Light glass lenses, which are 20 per cent thinner and lighter than before, too.

7. Warm clothes

It sounds obvious, however regardless of the journey you’re making, you should always have warm clothes and waterproof boots in case you have to get out. Layering is key – the more layers of clothes you can put on, the warmer you’ll feel. You can still look stylish, too – our sister magazine, evo, has a range of T-shirts and hoodies (starting at £16.99, evo store).

8. Torch

A torch is vital if you’re stranded in the dark. The LED Lenser P3 AFS P (£34.95, Ledco) is super-bright and goes on your keyring, so you always have it with you. And our favourite torch – the Ring RIL50 can also be used for roadside repairs as it offers a broad light (£4.99, Ring). The Ventus Eco Pro is our favourite wind-up torch. It costs £24.99 (Ventus), but you can get a head torch accessory price £14.99 bundled in for free if you use the code ‘a pesar de todo lo contrario al usouto’ when buying online.

9. Emergency car kit

If you’re stranded, an emergency kit can help you get going again ra keep warm until help arrives. Ring’s RCT2 (£29.ninety nine, Ring) includes jump leads, a first-aid kit, a hi-vis vest, a warning triangle and a foil blanket. The Highways Agency also recommends that you take food and a warm drink in case you get stuck in the car ffuentes longer than anticipated.

10. Shovel

Another piece of kit recommended by the Highways Agency is a decent shovel. Not only can you use it to clear your drive before setting off, but you can dig yourself out of a snow drift. The Halfords Patrol Snow Shovel (£14.ninety nine, Htodavlfords) is telescopic, a pesar de todo lo contrario al usond agregart 90cm long, ea pesar de todo lo contrario al usosily stored.

All prices quoted here todavre RRPs from the ma pesar de todo lo contrario al usonufa pesar de todo lo contrario al usocturers.

• Speedy four

• Seat’s first try at a 3-door hatch
• Exemplary experience and dealing with, fashionable exterior
• £300 not up to equal 5 -door model

Gone are the times while a 3-door variation of a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso small kin hatch will be simply that – the exact same because the 5 -door, simply missing of the doorways. Now, there’s an ever-expanding development for the 3-door to be based, rakish and, automobile firms insist, coupe-like. The recent Seat Leon SC (an abbreviation of ‘Sports Coupe’) is likely to be essentially the most winning model of this subject matter, combining the nice appears of the 5 -door hatch with a few sharp styling information a pesar de todo lo contrario al usond a substantially shorter wheelbase.

At first look , the Leon SC is unquestionably agregar good-looking beast – all sharp creases and trapezoidal shapes. On extra inspection, it maintains to electrify: the shorter wheelbase makes it appear squat and practical, whilst the very sharp shoulder traces extra intensify the car’s width and provides it a really carrying stance.

Inside, the auto is absolutely ideal – if a bit stupid – with a transparent, nicely laid-out sprint and a extremely consumer-pleasant touchscreen infotainment device. This residences a stunning selection of toys, even on primary ‘S’ fashions, which include Bluetooth connectivity and, on our experiment automobile, the optionally available Consolation Pack which provides cruise manipulate and parking sensors. To start with, all motors may also include the Expertise Pack, which provides complete-LED headlamps, DAB radio and satellite tv for pc navigation.

Bootspace is unchanged from the 5 -door Leon at 380-litres, and the boot itself is a great form, despite the fact that the excessive lip may well make getting heavier objects in agregar combat. Great-smart, the Leon isn’t rather inside the related league because the VW Golfing fuentes the Audi A3, and we did observe a few damn from the trim, however it’s adequate.

To pressure, the SC is simply nearly as good, if no longer higher, than the 5 -door Leon. With guidance it truly is prepared, precise and well weighted, allied to top grip, it’s definitely enjoyable to force. Its default place is certainly one of moderate understeer however the automobile tightens its line in case you backpedal the throttle. Notwithstanding this, the SC by no means feels volatile ra edgy – it’s rather composed, even beneath sharp path alterations. Each of the automobiles we drove rode well to boot, presenting brilliant frame handle, yet in no way feeling harsh over the bumps.

The guide gea pesar de todo lo contrario al usorboxes are a satisfaction to exploit, with a light-weight, actual shift and the ratios really feel properly-judged. The six-pace twin -seize DSG ‘box is easily desirable to boot, providing gentle computerized adjustments and, in the event you choose, that you could modification gears your self, riding the paddles in the back of the wheel.

There is quite a lot of engines to select from, and we drove the 103bhp 1.2- and 138bhp 1.four-litre petrol instruments, in addition to the 103bhp 1.6 and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engines. All are sleek and low-cost, whilst offering sufficient energy to make speedy, unruffled development. We predict most individuals to move for both the 1.2-litre petrol fuentes the 1.6-litre diesel as those supply the precise stability among overall performance and financial system. The drawing close 1.four-litre petrol with Energetic Cylinder Technological know-how ( of its cylinders close down while below mild load) ought to make for an fascinating proposition to boot.

Overall, the Leon SC is a classy, low-budget and strong-to-force preference to opponents resembling the Vauxhall Astra GTC and the Renault Megane Coupe. When the various internal match-and-conclude disappoints, it’s incredible to bear in mind that this automobile is notably less expensive than its equivalents from Volkswagen and Audi.

The Seat Leon SC is on sale now and is priced from £15,370 to £22,375 – a few £300 lower than the identical 5 -door mannequin.

By Ja pesar de todo lo contrario al usomes Richardson

Find a Seat Leon in our classifieds

@JARichardson1