The 2008's identity crisis is partly solved, but as this is a mild update rather than ground-up rebuild, it was never going to be the CX-3 killer product planners dream about. With the new engine and transmission, though, the range is more appealing and easier to make sense of. It retains what made the car so original at launch, with the polarising i-Cockpit, clever-on-a-budget interior detailing and, as it turns out, it's a tough customer loved by rural folk. All of this won't rocket the Frenchie to market leadership, but it puts it in the mix where it was previously too confusing an idea for many buyers.
Pros New engine and trans combo Interior still cool CarPlay across the range
Cons Tight rear seats Grumbly engine at low revs Some cheap plastics
Previously overlooked small SUV gets a dose of credible performance from its new drivetrain.One of the legacy products from PSA (Peugeot and Citroen), the 2008 has been hamstrung since its local launch in 2013 by a poor selection of drivetrains. That is now resolved with the introduction of a facelifted model powered by the sparkling 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission. A reversing camera and new connectivity technology further enhance the 2008 package, all for no more than $1000 extra at entry level. In the 2008 the new engine is quieter still than it was in the light hatch. The engine rarely made its presence felt in the SUV unless it was under load, accelerating up hill, for instance – when its distinctive three-cylinder warble could be clearly heard.
The new-look 2017 Peugeot 2008 has arrived,with the more muscled looking mini SUV axing its diesel engine offering and adding new safety and technology equipment. The new model range is a petrol only affair, with the brand’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission aimed at appealing squarely at the majority of front-wheel-drive SUV buyers. Styling wise, the revised 2008 sees the adoption of the brand’s family look, with a more pronounced grille, more angular bumper and revised headlights and tail-lights. The GT-Line model stands out from the other models with extra body cladding, black exterior highlights and more.
The 2021 Ford Bronco is a throwback SUV in all the best ways.
Pros Bronco’s back Awesome retro looks Removable doors and roof Sturdy powertrains Ready to hit the trail out of the box
Cons How much will top trims cost? How bouncy will the ride be? Swing gate could be a problem in cities Fuel economy not likely to be great No word on hybrids, yet
Ford resurrects the Bronco nameplate for 2021, and it emulates the old-school vibe and off-road pedigree of its iconic mid-1960's predecessors. Now that Ford has revealed the thing, we have a much better idea of its capabilities and specifications. The new Bronco will arrive in dealerships in spring 2021.The base two-door Bronco starts at just under $30,000, but upgrading to upper trims gets expensive quickly. Our ideal configuration would be a four-door with the more powerful engine, and it needs to have the off-road hardware to live up to its roots. That points us towards the Bronco Wildtrack, which comes standard with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels and huge 35-inch mud-terrain tires.
An all-new off-road-focused SUV. Offered in two- and four-door configurations.
Pros Offers extraordinary level of customization Impressive all-terrain specifications Cool retro styling without being kitschy Smart off-road-specific technologies
Cons Manual transmission only offered on the base engine
