Peugeot 2008 SUV revealed
* Due on sale in late summer 2013
* Expected to cost around 13,000
This is the Peugeot 2008, a new small SUV-style supermini thats designed to take on rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Renault's forthcoming Clio-based SUV.
The 2008 is, in effect, a beefed-up version of the 208; it's around 19cm longer, at 4160mm, and gets a raised ride height for a more elevated driving position. Its vertical gain is exaggerated by roof rails, one of several chrome flourishes on the car shown in the early images. There are also prominent 'skid guards' at the front and rear, and unusual strips above the rear door windows.
The front-end styling takes the latest Peugeot look, but strengthens it with complex headlight shapes, a chrome-outlined grille, and a pair of foglights. The overall effect is of an 'SUV in miniature' a more conventional look than the one adopted by the radical Nissan Juke.
Peugeot has not released any images of the cabin, however, we'd expect it to stay pretty close to the layout that made its debut on the 208 including that car's controversial small, low-set steering wheel, and the high-quality interior plastics.
The engine line-up should also mirror that of the 208, so expect Peugeot's latest three-cylinder motors and e-HDi diesels to feature. The 2008's CO2 emissions will start at 99g/km although it's still unclear if, as with the 208, that figure will be achieved by petrol models as well as the cleanest diesels. However, despite the 2008's looks, four-wheel-drive versions will not feature this 'SUV' will be front-wheel-drive only.
The 2008 will make its debut at the Geneva motor show in March, and is due on sale in late summer. We'd expect it to carry a premium of around 2500 over the equivalent 208, so prices should start at around 13,000.
