Peugeot has released official photography of its newest, small, urban crossover, the Peugeot 2008. It was due for unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but due to leaked images, Peugeot has decided to make the images official. The Peugeot 2008 may have made an appearance in some shape or form across three different concept showings by the French manufacturer, but the production 2008 is far from a carbon-copy of the cars that have been shown before.
The closest thing to the 2008 was of course the 2008 Concept that was unveiled at last September’s Paris Motor Show. The production-ready car, however, wears new front and rear bumpers that are less ornate, together with smaller wheels and visibly larger wing mirrors. Intricate design details like the LEDs, grille, sculpted head- and tail-lights, as well as the surfaced bonnet, are instantly recognisable from the humble little 208 hatchback.
In keeping with the mini-SUV styling, the Peugeot 2008 receives a taller body than a 208, roof rails, black bumpers and side-sills, as well as 17-inch wheels that fill bulging wheel-arches. A raised ride height completes the macho overhaul. A full-length panoramic roof should also be available as standard on certain models.
In the 2008′s favour is it’s chassis, which is based on a stretched version of the Peugeot 208. If the dynamics of the little 208 hatchback are anything to go by, it should endow the 2008 with some pleasant driving traits; unlike the unpleasantly bastardised Peugeot 4008, which was a fancied-up Mitsubishi ASX with a CVT gearbox. The 208 on the other hand, is a great car from Peugeot that deserves all the success in the world thanks to its cool interior, lightweight body and small exterior size with roomy interior practicality. The 2008 therefore, should be equally spacious as a result and it’s 200 mm longer than the 208 at 4.1 metres.
The 2008 will feature a turbocharged version of the sprightly 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine. It’s expected to produce around 82 kW, but still return more than 4.7 L/100 km. Other engines for the local market are likely to include the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and a punchier, turbocharged 1.6 THP. Perhaps the high-class diesel might even make it to South Africa. With some luck, Peugeot could be bringing them into the country before the year is through.
