First official images: Peugeot 2008
French lion aims to cash in on the growing baby SUV segment with all-new 2008Peugeot is set to broaden its SUV assault with the 2008 baby crossover that’s due to make its world debut at the Geneva motor show in March.
The French manufacturer has already confirmed the baby SUV will be sold in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year, and the concept version of the vehicle was on display at last October’s Sydney motor show.
The 2008 will be pitched against the likes of the Nissan Juke, Holden Trax and Ford EcoSport – all of which will be on sale in Australia within about 12 months - but its engine choices will be limited to petrol units as high cost is likely to rule out diesel powerplants.
Official details relating to the new car are still few and far between, but what we do know is that it is 4160mm long and 1740mm wide, which means it’s slightly shorter and narrower than the Holden Trax.
Visually, the 2008 is far more sedate than the fluorescent yellow concept that graced the Sydney show, with styling that gives it a clear link to its 208 sibling.
It also has elements in common with the 4008 and 508.
That said, the 2008 is more edgy in execution than its stablemates, with elaborately sculpted headlights and boomerang-shaped tail-lights giving it a distinctive visual presence.
Wide tracks and a raised ride height give the 2008 a chunky stance, accentuated by the metal highlights on the front apron, side sills and roof rails. The 2008 pictured alongside is also equipped with 17-inch alloys with mud/snow tyres that fill out the wheelarches.
Despite its pseudo off-road pretensions, the 2008 will reportedly be offered solely in front-wheel drive guise, although it should at least be fit for rutted tracks and the like thanks to a ‘Grip Control’ traction system similar to that used on the larger 3008.
European buyers will be able to choose from a range of engines, including a new version of PSA’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol unit, along with 1.4 and 1.6 e-HDI diesels – but the oil burners aren’t on the agenda for Australia (at least for now).
The 2008 is the first Peugeot to be designed and developed across several of its global markets, and it will be produced in France, China and Brazil. Oz-spec cars will be sourced solely from France, with local deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of this year.
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