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This Car Fails In New Crash Test: Understand Why The Mini SUV Fell Short Of 5 Stars
Imagine investing almost R$ 174 thousand in a brand-new SUV and discovering it failed one of the main safety tests in Latin America. This is exactly what happened with the Peugeot 2008. The new generation of the mini SUV went through the rigorous assessment of the Latin NCAP, and the result was far from encouraging: just one star out of a possible five.
This performance raised alarm bells among consumers and experts, especially because the model introduced a series of design and technology innovations since its production moved to Argentina. But did Stellantis, the owner of Peugeot, falter precisely in what matters most, safety? Let’s get into the details.
Production In Argentina And New Platform
The second generation of the Peugeot 2008 arrived in Brazil in the second half of 2023 with a significant change: it stopped being manufactured in Porto Real (RJ) and began to be assembled in Argentina. This change also brought the adoption of the CMP modular platform, the same used in the brand’s European models.
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The idea was to modernize the mini SUV and strengthen its appeal against the strong competition in the segment. In addition to the refreshed look, the model now boasts a more updated technology package, including driving assistants and new comfort features. However, one detail did not go unnoticed in the tests: these systems are only available in the more expensive GT version.
The Problem Of Limited Safety Offer
While rivals like the Hyundai HB20, Chevrolet Onix, and Volkswagen T-Cross already offer six airbags as standard, only the GT version of the Peugeot 2008 provides this level of protection. The other configurations leave the factory with just four airbags: two front and two side. In times of increasing awareness about vehicle safety, this is significant.
In the Latin NCAP tests, an independent program that evaluates the safety of new cars sold in Latin America and the Caribbean, the model underwent a series of crash simulations. The result was discouraging: a single star.
The evaluated configuration had four airbags and did not include the package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This alone compromised a significant portion of the final score.
The Numbers That Do Not Lie
Here are the numbers that summarize the performance of the Peugeot 2008 in Latin NCAP:
- 42.16% protection for adults
- 59.21% protection for children
- 54.48% protection for pedestrians
- 55.81% in safety assistance
The side impact test against a pole was not even conducted because the car offers no side head protection (lack of curtain airbags), resulting in zero points in this regard.
In the frontal impact, the vehicle’s structure was deemed unstable. In the side impact, the protection was rated good for all body regions. However, the dummies (test dummies) showed significant failures: the one simulating a 1-year-old child had inadequate protection, and the 3-year-old could have been better protected.
Regarding pedestrians, the car achieved a reasonable performance, but the areas near the windshield and A-pillars posed a high risk of injury.
An additional factor that lowered the score was the absence of the function to deactivate the front passenger airbag in the simpler versions. This feature is vital for ensuring the safe installation of child seats in the front when the rear space is fully occupied.
The Heavy Criticism From Latin NCAP
The fallout from the test was not favorable for Stellantis. Alejandro Furas, secretary-general of Latin NCAP, stated:
“Stellantis disappoints once again.”
He also mentioned direct competitors of the Peugeot 2008 that performed better in the tests, such as the Nissan Kicks Play, the Hyundai Creta, and the Volkswagen T-Cross. The new generation of the Nissan Kicks, by the way, is set to arrive in Brazil between June and July, promising enhanced safety.
You can check the complete and updated results of Latin NCAP directly on the official website, or by watching the video below:
What Does Stellantis Say About The Peugeot 2008 Test?
In an official statement, Stellantis responded to the criticisms with a standard speech, stating that: “It reinforces its commitment to vehicle safety and that its models sold meet all existing regulations as well as international protocols.”
The company added that: “The safety of a car is a set that is thought out from the beginning of development, going far beyond the individual offer of active and passive safety items.”
Finally, it emphasized that the Peugeot 2008 is available in different versions and equipment levels, offering alternatives for various consumer profiles.
Versions, Prices And Engine Of The Peugeot 2008
Currently, the Peugeot 2008 is sold in Brazil in three combustion versions and one 100% electric version. Check it out:
- Active: R$ 143,990
- Allure: R$ 153,990
- GT: R$ 173,990
- e-2008 GT (electric): R$ 269,990
It is important to highlight that the electric version, imported from France, was not included in the Latin NCAP tests.
Under the hood, all combustion versions come equipped with the 1.0 three-cylinder turboflex engine (T200), which delivers 125/130 hp (gasoline/ethanol) and 20.4 kgfm of torque. The transmission is an automatic CVT with seven simulated gears.
For those who want to check more details about the brand’s models, it’s worth visiting the official Peugeot Brazil website.
A Alert For Consumers
The case of the Peugeot 2008 serves as a warning: not always does a modern car with an attractive look mean it offers the best in safety. Especially in a market like Brazil, where a good part of the audience values cost-benefit and protection for the whole family.
If you are keeping an eye on a mini SUV or compact SUV, it’s worthwhile to research the most recent safety test results and compare them with competitors. Safety should never be treated as an optional.
And you, what did you think of the performance of the Peugeot 2008 in Latin NCAP? Leave your comment below or share this article with your friends to keep the conversation going!
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