Peugeot's all-new 2008 capitalises on the Marque's expertise acquired with the success of the 3008 crossover to create an innovative vehicle for the segment.
Set to go on sale in Australia in October 2013, it joins in the dynamic of the product offensive initiated successfully by the 208.
The 2008 is the first vehicle designed and developed simultaneously by several geographic markets. With its worldwide objectives, the 2008 puts the Marque into a new dynamic, in line with its strategy of developing its crossover range and attracting new customers.
An innovative concept
In a world which is constantly evolving and increasingly urban, a new generation of customers is emerging. Eager to always be on the move; they feed on dynamism. Agile and diverse they can be found on every continent and are looking for products which reflect their personality.
The 2008 incorporates the DNA of a crossover and combines an accomplished driving experience, stylish design with practical advantages.
Upmarket and dynamic, the new 2008 offers a rich and varied experience in its segment. At just 4.16m long, the 2008 innovates by combining the driving characteristics of a hatchback and the strength of an SUV with an on-board area (passenger space, modularity and comfort) which invites you to enjoy each moment to the full. Equally at ease in town as on the open road, buyers can escape from the city with confidence due to its extended mobility features.
The 2008 for Australia will be produced in France (Mulhouse).
"The all-new 2008 takes Peugeot into an emerging crossover SUV segment that gives customers a car that is the size of a regular hatchback but offers the functionality and practicality that an SUV gives,'' says Peugeot Australia General Manager, Bill Gillespie.
"We are very excited to add yet another new model to the Peugeot line-up which comes on top of two all-new models in 2012 – the 4008 SUV and 208 hatch,'' he said.
"With the 2008, Peugeot is continuing its product offensive and capitalising on the success of the 3008 by offering a new crossover, urban and innovative, to win over an international clientele," says Peugeot Product Director, Xavier Peugeot.
A unique style, combining elegance and strength
The 2008 reinvents the standards of large-volume vehicles in the compact car segment. Innovative from first glance, it successfully merges the two worlds. The strong stylistic trend affirms its identity for practicality, volume and the driving experience available with 2008.
"Creating the 2008 was a real challenge though we had a very precise idea of the vehicle that we wanted to offer our customers. The style brought to life in an early phase remained true to the original design right up to production. The very first sketch was perfect -stylish and effective." Eric Dejou, 2008 Style Manager.
With its higher-driving position the 2008, fitted with 'Mud&Snow' tyres, 17" 'Diamond' wheels with a matt finish, has pronounced wheel arches that give it an appealing road presence and stance. The black bumpers and body sills serve to protect it from abrasions with the addition of front and rear body protection and side mouldings in stainless steel.
The front face adopts the latest Peugeot style codes. Finely sculpted, the bonnet lines infer lightness, strength and protection of the 2008, while the 'floating grille' face has a solidity of form with vertical elements to harness aerodynamic performance and efficiency. The innovative headlamps are designed precisely to reflect the technical functions. Sharp and precise, they act with the bodywork to given the outline appearance of a eye's pupil. Sculpted, they are at one with the front face, giving it an even more expressive, technological and individual character. This look is emphasised by LED daytime running lamps.
The new 2008 has 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.
Inspired by the RCZ, the roofline has dynamic curves while the wide tailgate is framed by lamps secured to the bodywork. Floating inside their housing, the three luminous claws are lit at their base by LEDs that appear suspended.
The dynamic and elegant movement of the roof is also a feature of the profile. A roof waveline emerges above the rear seat position and sets the scene for an exclusive decoration cut into the metal. As if crimped to the bodywork, it is the origin of the spoiler in an extension of the same part, on the surface. The precise design of the roof bars puts the finishing touches to the concepts of dynamism and leisure expressed by the Peugeot 2008.
The latest-generation engines offer an exceptional driving experience combined with a true breakthrough in terms of fuel economy. Due to the technology of the e-HDi Diesel and new 3-cylinder petrol engines, the 2008 urban crossover stands out from the competition with CO2 starting from 99g/km.