The chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg located at Orschwiller in the Alsace region of France, in the Vosges mountains west of Selestat, has withstood foreign invasions since the Middle Ages before it was destroyed by a coalition of neighbouring powers in 1462.
Rebuilt in 1479, the castle was burned and looted by Swedish troops after a 52-day siege in 1633 during the Thirty Years' War.
For several hundred years, the castle was left unused and became overgrown by forests.
In 1899, it was given to the German emperor Wilhelm II by the city of Selestat who restored it in 1908. After World War I, the castle fell to the French state.
The major tourist attraction along the Alsace wine route attracted our attention when we mounted an assault on the castle recently.
Instead of crossbows and make-shift artillery of the medieval ages, this time we armed ourselves with a five-speed Peugeot 2008 1.6 VTi manual and its reliable global positioning system (GPS).
Foreign invaders in the medieval past found it difficult to assail the castle, perched on a rocky hill at an altitude of 757 metres, having to bypass difficult pathways and terrain.
This time, it was a comfortable cruise for us in the 2008 as the long and winding road to the top was well paved with good tarmac.
While foreign invaders took centuries before displacing the chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, it took us less than an hour from the start at the foothills to "conquer" the castle, thanks to the good tarmac well as the remarkable precision and handling of the 2008 Crossover.
We were able to maintain the onslaught to the top even on third and fourth gears, without downshifting, thanks to the efficiency of the 1.6 VTi engine.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) level in the cabin was also not evident, enabling us to savour the solitude and tranquility of the Alsace region.
With the 2008 based on the 208, Peugeot capitalises on its expertise acquired with the success of the 3008 Crossover to create an innovative vehicle for the B-segment.
EXTERIOR
Finely sculpted, the bonnet demonstrates the protection, strength and lightness of the 2008.
The floating grille is cut from a block and is set upright while the innovative headlamps are designed precisely according to the technical functions. Sharp, they act with the bodywork to outline a cat's pupil. Sculpted, they are one with the front face, giving it an even more expressive, technological and individual character. This look is emphasised by LED day running lamps.
The new urban crossover has very elegant and sophisticated sculpted wings and sides, indicating clear athletic qualities.
The generous glazed surfaces, including the panoramic roof, promise a spacious interior open to its surroundings.
The boot volume, with a low loading sill, has above it a roof with dynamic curves, inspired by the RCZ. The wide tailgate is framed by lamps secured solidly to the bodywork.
"The 2008 offers a truly new concept - its bold design combines the elegance and dynamism of Peugeot's new hatchbacks, the impertinence and strength of a modern SUV but also the versatility of a small vehicle of large volume,” said Pierre Authier, head of Style of the 208/2008 range.
INTERIOR
From first glance, the interior of the 2008 takes its driver on a journey along new roads.
Grip Control dial and aircraft type handbrake arranged on an exclusive console, new Brundy trim with an earthy tone, the driver is transported in an elegant ambiance with striking colour schemes.
Satin chrome parts brighten this space: vents, handbrake lever, small steering wheel, gear lever knob ears, touch screen trims.
On the higher levels, two versions of the console are available. The first offers paint of very intense depth, combining mat and metallic flecks. The second has a network of graduated fine lines. This design is obtained by means of a very precise laser engraving process. The fascia trim, the front and rear door crossbars are also adorned with this design.
As on the outside, the light signature is a constituent part of the passenger compartment of the 2008. Ideally placed in the line of vision, the head up dials on the higher versions are surrounded with blue LED backlighting whereas they are chromed
on the other versions.
The panoramic glass roof, fitted with its electric shutter, allows natural light into the passenger compartment. When the lights are switched on, the LED guides emit a dimmed blue light. However, even with the steel roof, the 2008 offers a unique light signature.
At night, the Peugeot LED Track is lit with a soft white light emitted by LEDs.
The 2008 is the first crossover in its segment with the driving characteristics of a hatchback.
The driver is able to anticipate the road, thanks to the high position, controlling the vehicle by means of a small steering wheel. As the reactive steering provides consistent information about the road, the driver is able to place the 2008 with precision and agility.
Plug & Play and Peugeot Connect Apps also offer rapid and fluid use, thanks to 3G data communication.
With Peugeot Connect Apps, the driver has easy access to useful information such as traffic, parking spaces, tourist attractions, weather conditions and popular addresses, among others.
With its wheelbase of 2.54m, rear passengers have a generous amount of space, thanks to the thinner front seat backs. Without leaving their seat, they can access the boot even when the vehicle is moving.
Wherever they are sitting, passengers find numerous storage compartments, well designed and easy to locate, thanks to the front and rear courtesy lamps: front door trays, glove box, tray and can holder near the gear lever, console closed storage compartment, pockets on the front seat backs... in total, the storage volume is 24 litres, adequate for you to find a place for your keys, smartphones and other everyday objects.
To make handling objects easier, the floor has five rails which run from the sill to the front seats. Six chromed hooks allow them to be secured safely. Practical down to the smallest detail, the boot offers two storage areas on the sides, with a retaining strap and a storage net, and an additional space of 22 litres under the boot mat.
ENGINEERING
The lightweight design, aerodynamic silhouette and wide range of engines result in low fuel consumption and low emissions from just 3.8L/100km and CO2 from 98g/km.
The introduction of the Stop & Start feature on the petrol engines, diesel e-HDi engines and new generation 3-cylinder petrol engines has positioned the 2008 as the leader in its segment.
Petrol versions include the 1.2 VTi (manual), 1.2 e-VTi (electronically controlled), 1.6 VTi (manual) and 1.6 VTi (automatic), while the diesel versions include the 1.4 HDi (manual), 1.6 e-HDi (automatic), 1.6 e-HDi (electronically controlled) and 1.6 e-HDI (manual).
The subsequent e-VTi engines launched by the 2008 allow customers choosing petrol to enjoy the same benefits.
Fitted on both the petrol and diesel engines, this technology, which reduces consumption and increases the comfort of use, is now available on six of the nine engines of the 2008 range.
The range also sees the expanded versions of the supercharged three-cylinder petrol engine. Two power levels are available - the 1.2-litre e-THP 110 and 1.2-litre e-THP 130 offer smooth driving characteristics, due mostly to its high torque, respectively of 205Nm and 230Nm.
SAFETY
The small steering wheel allows you the ease of taking control of the 2008 with driving precision.
The head up instrument panel reduces the time needed to obtain information, while the large seven-inch touch screen, at the driver's fingertips, minimises commands for control of the audio/navigation.
The driver can also count on the cruise control speed limiter which is standard on all versions, on the chassis adjustments and on a range of other equipment.
All versions of the 2008 are fitted as standard with an ESP, disconnectable up to 50km/h, which combines several functions: anti-skid regulation (ASR), stability control (CDS), emergency braking assistance (EBA) and electronic brake force distribution (EBFD). The whole acts on four brake discs.
Occupants are protected by a set of six airbags – two front, two side and two curtain. The side air bags are installed in the front seat backs.
For the safety of children, the passenger's front airbag can be disconnected to permit the installation of a "rear facing" child seat while the rear side seats are equipped with Isofix mountings with three fixing points.
The active foot rest and the collapsible steering column contribute to the protection of the driver.
Grip Control optimises traction in conditions of poor grip.
Versatile and flexible, Grip Control adapts to the terrain encountered by acting on the front wheels with the driver always in control.
You can decide at any time to select from Standard mode using the dial located on the centre console for Snow, All-Terrain, Sand and ESP Off conditions.
On the 2008, Grip Control is available with two sizes of tyres: 215/60 R16 or 205/50 R17.
CONCLUSION
The 2008 Crossover offers the robustness of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with the practicality of space, comfort and modularity.
The revolutionary Grip Control feature allows you to operate in all terrain and go off the beaten track.
The suspension and wheels have been adjusted precisely to take advantage of the limited weight of 1,045kg. The fine-tuning related to the pseudo-McPherson front axle and the rear suspension with deformable crossmember with springs and dampers have been specially calibrated, as has the power steering.
As a result, the 2008 achieves an excellent combination of comfort, stability and dynamism.
Specifications of the Peugeot 2008 1.6 VTi (manual)
Engine: 1,598cc, VTi
Max power: 120hp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 160Nm @ 4,250rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Top speed: 196km/h
Fuel consumption: 5.9 lites/100km
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Boot volume: 350 litres expandable
Co2 emissions: 135g/km
Safety features: Six airbags, ESP, ASR, CDS, EBA, EBFD, Cruise Control, Park Assist, Isofix