The B-segment SUV/crossover remains one of the unexplored markets in the Philippines, with few entrants like the Suzuki Jimny. That’s not for lack of potential entries like the Ford EcoSport and Toyota Rush/Daihatsu Terios—and now another new car has been launched that could open up the segment.
It’s the Peugeot 2008, based off the 208 hatchback. Like the other cars in the x008 series, the 2008 aims to combine the driving dynamics of a hatchback with the space and cargo capability of an SUV. Unlike the 3008 and 5008, which look like MPVs, the 2008 is styled more like an SUV, and that may be its biggest selling point. Borrowing some styling cues from the RCZ sports car, the 2008 will be one of the sexiest crossovers ever seen. Three-cylinder diesel engines will also make it frugal and environmentally friendly.
Peugeot sees the car as a potential bestseller in Asia and Latin America. It will be produced in France, China, and Brazil.
Here’s more from Peugeot: With the 2008, Peugeot capitalizes on its expertise, acquired with the success of the award-winning 3008 Crossover, to create an innovative vehicle for the B segment. The new crossover by Peugeot is the first vehicle produced by the Marque that was designed and developed simultaneously by several international markets. With its worldwide objectives, the 2008 thrusts the Brand into a new dynamic, in line with its strategy of developing its crossover range and attracting new customers.
From the start, the company incorporated into the DNA of the crossover by Peugeot, elements that together combine an accomplished driving experience and stylish design.
Peugeot rose to the challenge. Upmarket and dynamic, the new crossover by Peugeot offers a rich and varied experience in the B segment. At just 4.16 metres long, the 2008 innovates by combining the driving characteristics of a hatchback with the strengths of an SUV giving space, modularity and comfort. Equally at ease in town as on the open road, it can escape from the city with confidence, due to features like Grip Control. Stimulating and versatile, the 2008 suits a diverse spectrum of customers. The 2008 will be produced close to its markets, in France (Mulhouse), in China (Wuhan) and in Brazil (Porto Real).
The 2008 reinvents the standards of large-volume vehicles in the compact car segment. Innovative from a first glance, it successfully merges the two worlds. The strong stylistic trend affirms its identity for practicality, volume and the driving experience available.
With its higher driving position and pronounced wheel arches the 2008 has an appealing road presence and stance when fitted with either ‘Mud & Snow’ tires or 17’’ alloy wheels. The black bumpers and body sills serve to protect it from abrasions with the addition of front and rear body protection and side moldings in stainless steel.
The front face adopts the latest Peugeot style codes, with panel fit and features working together seamlessly and precisely. Finely sculpted, the bonnet lines infer lightness, strength and protection for 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 cat’s pupil. Sculpted, they are at one with the front face, giving it an even more expressive, technological and individual character. This look is emphasized by LED daytime running lights.
This new urban crossover has elegant and sophisticated sculpted wings and sides, indicating clear athletic qualities. The generous glazed surfaces, including the panoramic roof available on some models, promise a spacious interior open to its surroundings.
The rear also combines strength with dynamism. The boot volume, with a low loading sill, has above it a roofline with dynamic curves, inspired by the double-bubble roofline of the desirable RCZ Sports Coupé. The rear lights appear to be floating inside their housing and the three luminous claws are lit at their base by LEDs that appear suspended.
The contoured and elegant roofline design style is most prominent in profile view. The roof has a wave-line that rises above the rear seat position and sets the scene as a characteristic feature of the 2008. The roofline optimizes aerodynamic performance with an integrated spoiler, extended over the top of the tailgate. The precise design of the roof bars are the finishing touches that enhance the personality of dynamism and leisure pursuits expressed with the Peugeot 2008.
The latest-generation engines draw the very essence of the lightness and profiled silhouette to 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 just 99g/km.
The new 2008 will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
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