Honda HR-V VS Peugeot 2008
Honda HR-V
Likes
- Seriously good-looking inside and out
- Affordable price tag for grade level
- Easy to drive in the city
Dislikes
- Missing features you'd expect for top model
- Safety could and should be better
- Engine gets whiny on open roads
Peugeot 2008
Likes
- Good looks
- Charming engine
- Affordable servicing
Dislikes
- Stiff suspension
- High price
- Driver display hard to see
Summary
Honda HR-V
Like many car brands, Honda is storming the hybrid field. The new HR-V brings with it a hybrid powertrain and external facelift but is it enough to keep it competitive in the small SUV segment?
As with any cosmetic surgery you may wonder whether the facelift has been successful.
No tricks – I’ll tell you straight up the new external design might be what you’re looking for if you’re on the hunt for a small SUV that doesn’t look like it moonlights as an Uber for Mr Big Ears (a Noddy reference for any youngsters out there).
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- Popular family cars hit with four star safety rating: 2025 Honda CR-V and Honda ZR-V called out by ANCAP in a blow for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid rivals
We're testing out the top hybrid model, the L, to see what else this urban dweller gets right and what it sometimes gets wrong.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 4.3L/100km |
| Seating | 4 seats |
Peugeot 2008
Looks are subjective but Peugeot’s updated 2008 small SUV is good looking from every angle.
The update brings a raft of design tweaks and some tech upgrades, but mechanically there isn’t anything new.
It’s not a cheap car and its diminutive size might scare off some buyers who can cross-shop cheaper and more value focused alternatives from mainstream Japanese and Korean brands.
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- 2024 Peugeot 408 GT Fastback pricing and specification confirmed: Mid-size hybrid coupe crossover aims up at Audi Q5, Lexus NX and Volvo XC60
We are driving the range-topping 2008 GT variant to find out if it’s more than just a pretty face.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.2L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.5L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Honda HR-V7.8/10
The Honda HR-V e:HEV L offers a respectable driving experience in the city but compared to its rivals, it’s features list and safety don’t always stack up. It sort of straddles the fence between basic and lux at times, which is an odd place for a top-model to be but its sharper styling will win hearts and the cabin is still practical.
Peugeot 20087.2/10
The Peugeot 2008 is a handsome and accomplished little SUV that’s fun to drive and has a cabin that feels a little bit special.
In reality the 2008 is too expensive and isn’t as practical as most of the mainstream compact SUVs.
This is the car you buy with your heart, not with your head.
Design
Honda HR-V
The small SUV segment can often be littered with odd-looking cars that highlight pillowy or severely angular body-shapes (lookin' at you C-HR) but the HR-V offers something stylish and modern instead.
The 2025 HR-V has a sharper design that accentuates the coupe styling, slim LED headlights and crisp-looking grille. A feature highlight is the eye-catching full-length tail-light treatment which makes the design pop at the back.Â
The interior is gorgeous with a streamlined dashboard that features just the right number of buttons and dials for those who want more tactility in a world where screens rule.
While the technology screens are on the smaller end, they look great against the synthetic leather trims and soft touchpoints that are liberally splashed throughout the cabin.
The cockpit is driver-orientated with everything within reach and easy to use while on the go. The steering wheel looks sporty and feels wonderful.
Everything looks well-built and feels solid; it's a cabin you’ll be pleased to spend time in.
Peugeot 2008
The Peugeot 2008 is a smooth operator with head-turning French flair, but the devil is in the detail.
It’s not just the 2008’s well proportioned dimensions or the healthy dollop of exterior black highlights that catch your eye, but Peugeot has added a range of design cues to symbolise the Lion on its badge.
The tail-lights have a 3D effect that make them look like cat’s claws and the daytime running lights on the front resemble a scratch mark. These pair perfectly with the lion head crest on the grille.
Look deeper and you notice the attention to detail.
The 2008's redesigned front grille's slates are colour matched to the car's body colour.
Dual exhaust pipes are finished in chrome, giving the impression of performance even if the car doesn’t deliver on it.
The GT variant gets a two-tone paint job with a black roof contrasting with the body's colour.
Inside there are plenty of high quality finishes. The centre console is festooned in gloss black and there is a lovely carbon-effect textured insert on the dash and doors.Â
Some hard plastics below eye-level and on touch points such as where your knee might rub are less impressive. The rear seat loses some of the lustre of the front pew with tough plastics covering the back of the front seats and most of the doors.
Practicality
Honda HR-V
For a small SUV, the cabin is large. Both seating rows feature excellent access with the 195mm ground clearance not eliciting one grunt from my occupants (even the oldies).
Head- and legroom is decent in both rows but taller passengers might brush the ceiling on bumps when seated in the back.
The only area that lacks this feeling of space is the boot, as it only has 304L of capacity available when all seats are in use and that's on the tiny side compared to its rivals. The Kia Niro has 425L which rivals some sedans!
Seat comfort is best in the front where thick padding and a longer cushion offer more comfort on a longer journey, despite lacking lumbar support.
The rear seats are harder and shorter and you should expect some big stretches from adults after a road trip. However, the directional air vents and other amenities keep it from feeling too basic on comfort.
There are lots of storage options with a glove box that's large enough to fit a manual with room to spare, a small middle console, two large 'stacked' shelves in front of the gearshift, four cupholders, four drink-bottle holders and two map pockets that also feature a device holder large enough to fit my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The HR-V has 'Magic' seats in the rear which means the base can fold up or the backs can be folded flat. It’s a cool feature that opens up extra storage options.
The technology is simple to use and responsive. The touchscreen multimedia system has built-in satellite navigation, the Honda Connect app, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The CarPlay is easy to set up and maintains a steady connection.
Charging options are good with a single USB-A and three USB-C ports, as well as, a 12-volt socket but you miss out on a wireless charging pad despite the L being the top grade.
Peugeot 2008
Step inside and there is no hiding the 2008’s diminutive proportions.
It’s 4300mm long, 1815mm wide and 1550mm high, which puts it closer in size to the mini Mazda CX-3 than the larger CX-30 it is more aligned with price-wise.
This all adds up to a snug fit in whichever row you sit.
There are a couple of cupholders in the centre console - a smaller one for a standard takeaway coffee and a larger one for drink bottles.
Slight storage bins in the door can hold a regular drink bottle but there isn’t much room for much else.
The wireless device charger is hidden away behind a compartment below the central screen that opens with a push and there are two USB-C ports up front and the rear seats score a USB-C and A connection.
Rear seat passengers do without a dedicated aircon vent, unfortunately.
There is an issue with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit steering wheel and digital driver display, too.
If you like to sit low the chances are the steering wheel will cut off your view of the bottom part of the display. If you prefer to have the seat jacked up, you’ll have better vision of the readouts.
There are piano key-like physical controls for simple climate functions such as the de-mister and auto climate settings. More complex functions are done via the 10-inch central multimedia screen.
The boot is a decent size at 434L and can easily handle a weekly grocery shop or a few overnight bags.
There is only a space saver spare wheel, but this car is aimed at city driving where it is easier to source a replacement tyre.
Price and features
Honda HR-V
There are three HR-V variants available, starting with the petrol base-model Vi X, moving to the mid-spec e:HEV X and on to the top-grade e:HEV L; which is the model on test here.
The L is priced from $42,900, drive-away (2000, NSW postcode), which positions it as the most affordable compared to its similarly graded rivals. The Kia Niro HEV GT-Line is $55,487, drive-away, and the Toyota C-HR Koba is $55,180, drive-away.
Despite having a much higher price tag, the rivals sport a few extra features including electric front seats, ventilated front seats, larger media screens, wireless Android Auto, a wireless charging pad and upgraded sound systems... just to name a few.
Oh, and the HR-V is only a four-seater, so the rivals also boast a fifth seating position.
That being said, the L isn't a total lump in the features department and the standard equipment is still pretty good (just not full-bodied like it's rivals).
The L comes with synthetic leather and cloth mixed upholstery and trims, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Technology includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, six-speaker sound, the 'Honda Connect' app, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, one USB-A port, three USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket and Bluetooth connectivity as well as AM/FM and digital radio.
Practicality feels well-rounded with keyless entry and start, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, dual-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.
Peugeot 2008
The 2008 range kicks off at $39,990, before on-road costs, for the base Allure grade and rises to $44,490 for the fully loaded GT variant.
That’s a lot of money for a small SUV, especially considering the Skoda Kamiq range starts at $32,990, you can get Nissan’s Qashqai from $33,890 and a Mazda CX-30 for $33,140.
There is a lot to like about the 2008’s standard equipment list, though.
Flash looking 17-inch alloy wheels are complemented by adaptive LED headlights that control individual LEDs to brighten the road without dazzling oncoming vehicles. The headlights will automatically switch on in low light situations and stay on for a short period of time after you exit the vehicle to make it easier to find your way to the door at night.
A 10-inch multimedia screen is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless device charger completes the cord-free ecosystem.
Peugeot’s 'i-Cockpit' brings a 10-inch driver display with 3D readouts paired with a small steering wheel.
GT buyers can expect eight colour ambient lighting, a six-speaker stereo, four USB charging ports, in-built sat nav and brushed aluminium foot pedals.
Well bolstered seats are heated up front and wrapped in synthetic suede and leather upholstery with contrast green stitching. The driver’s seat is power adjustable and has a massage function but the front seat passenger will need to move the seat themselves.
There are rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, power folding and heated side mirrors and a space saver spare wheel.
It’s a solid list of equipment but is missing some features you’ll find on similarly priced rivals such as a head-up display.
Under the bonnet
Honda HR-V
The L is a hybrid which combines a 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and together they produce up to 96kW of power and 253Nm of torque.
Which is plenty to make the L feel like a zippy city car but on the open road, the engine has a tendency to over-rev and can get whiny going up a hill, which may be a by-product of the continuously variable auto transmission.
Peugeot 2008
Lurking beneath the bonnet is a little three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 96kW and 230Nm. That’s a decent amount of grunt from the little unit, but again you can get more oomph for less from mainstream rivals.
It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
There is no hybrid help, either.
Efficiency
Honda HR-V
The HR-V L has a low combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel cycle figure of just 4.3L/100km which is not far off the 4.0L/100km claims of its rivals. Combined with the 40L fuel tank, you have a theoretical driving range of up to 930km, which is pretty darn good!
After doing a lot of urban driving, with a couple of longer trips thrown in, my real-world usage came out at 5.1L, which is isn't too far off the claimed figure, is still a good result overall and computes to a range in excess of 780km.
Peugeot 2008
Stiff emissions regulations in Europe mean these little turbocharged petrol engines have a fair bit of self control on the drink.
Peugeot claims the 2008 uses 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle. We used slightly more than this but spent most of the time in the cut and thrust of city traffic where cars use more fuel.
You’ll need to budget for pricier premium unleaded petrol, too.
Driving
Honda HR-V
The HR-V L is an SUV perfectly suited to city life. Its power delivery is responsive around town, allowing for quick bursts when needed and the well of power feels deep until you get onto the open road. And as mentioned, that’s when it’s let down a bit.
The HR-V has a tendency towards mild understeer in quicker sweeping bends but is otherwise surefooted on the road. The suspension is firm, and you’ll notice the bumps here and there, but ride comfort still manages to be okay most of the time. Also road noise isn’t too high around town.
The visibility is great until you’re trying to look out of the back window and have a passenger to your left or a car seat installed. A digital rearview mirror would have been quite welcome in these scenarios.Â
Like most small SUVs the HR-V is easy to park and it’s small enough to be your best friend in a tiny car park. However, the reversing camera doesn’t reflect the grade level as the quality of the feed isn’t the best.
Peugeot 2008
On the road the 2008 is a bit temperamental.
Most European cars are fitted with stiffer suspension than the cosseting springs found in Japanese machines.
This means you’ll feel bumps and road imperfections through your seat more than other SUVs. It has particular problems ironing out consistent smaller bumps, which can unsettle it and lead the 2008 to skip across them.
The counterbalance to that is a more dynamic drive experience, with the 2008 exerting excellent body control through the bends as it is held in line by the stiffer set-up.
Pair this with sharp, direct and well-weighted steering and it's a fun little SUV to take on a twisting country back road.
Three cylinders might not sound like a lot, but in the real world this is all the 2008 needs.
Its 96kW and 230Nm won’t set the world on fire but the torque is accessed from just 1750rpm, which endows the 2008 with some punch off the mark and it feels zippy when navigating the daily commute.
Don’t confuse that for outright speed, though, the 2008 completes the benchmark 0-100km/h dash in 9.3 seconds.
The transmission is fine when you are accelerating or cruising at motorway speeds, where it uses its many ratios to keep the engine humming along in its sweet spot. There are paddle shifters if you want more control.
In stop-start traffic it isn’t as an accomplished performer. It can struggle to find the right ratio and this leads to a jerky movement reminiscent of dual-clutch autos.
The cabin is well insulated with the outside world kept mostly at bay, but you’ll hear the three cylinder’s charming little rumble when you put your foot down.
Parking is a cinch thanks to its petite proportions and the 2008 has no issues navigating tight city streets or underground car parks.
Safety
Honda HR-V
The HR-V has a four- out of a possible five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2022. It only features six airbags and its individual assessment scores aren’t as high as its rivals.
In fact, both the rivals I’ve mentioned performed much better and have additional safety features to boot, including safe exit assist, 360-degree view camera systems and rear occupant alert. Which the HR-V misses out on.
The top model HR-V benefits the most in safety compared to the lower grades and includes blind-spot monitoring, front fog lights, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid and departure warning, traffic sign recognition, intelligent seatbelt warning, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Some notes, though. The lane departure and keeping aids seem to 'activate' whenever they feel like it. I had them come on more on unmarked roads than marked.
The adaptive cruise control can be too sensitive at times and having the car slam on brakes when you're passing a parked car on the highway going 100km/h is a scary experience to say the least.
The HR-V has AEB with car, pedestrian, and cyclist detection which is operational from 5.0 to 100km/h (170km/h for car).
Being a four-seater, you only get two ISOFIX child seat mounts and two top-tether anchor points and while it is easy to fit a child seat in, the top of it wipes out your rearview vision.
The safety is pretty disappointing as it lets down an otherwise solid SUV.
Peugeot 2008
The 2008 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, but that mark was given in 2020 and it might not get the same score if it was retested today.
It has six airbags, but misses out on a centre airbag that protects against head clashes in a side on collision.
It has a decent amount of safety equipment with auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Rear cross-traffic alert, which sounds an alarm if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse, is a notable absence.
Ownership
Honda HR-V
Honda offers the HR-V with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and an eight-year battery warranty which is on the lower end considering it's rivals can get up to seven-years unlimited km warranty now.
The five years capped-priced servicing program offers excellent value, however, as services are a flat $199, which is great for the class.
Servicing intervals are at every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first and that should be fine for the average city dweller. But it could get annoying if you put higher than average kays on your car every year.
Peugeot 2008
Peugeot covers the 2008 with a five year/unlimited km warranty, which is the standard coverage today.
The French brand offers a range of prepaid servicing packs that’ll save you a handy amount compared to pay-as-you-go maintenance.
A five-year plan is the best value, costing $1700 for five scheduled visits every 12 months or 15,000km. That’s $638 cheaper than the pay-as-you-go servicing.