PEUGEOT dealers will get their first crossover people carrier this year, when the Renault Scenic-challenging 3008 arrives.
The five-seat Nissan Qashqai-style ‘crossover’ MPV could also be the world’s first diesel hybrid to go on sale, too.
Based on the 308, the new model was unveiled as a prototype at the Paris Motor Show last Autumn. In revealing the production version, Peugeot has shown how closely it follows the ‘Prologue Hybrid 4’ look.
It is similar in size to a standard Nissan Qashqai, meaning it is not much longer or wider than the 308 hatch. The extra dimensions come because it is taller. This also makes access for families easier.
There is a split tailgate at the rear (which can hold 200kg), with a double decker floor. The boot is 512 litres seats up, stretching to 1605 litres with them down. There is also 50 litres of storage inside, where passengers sit high – though Peugeot has released no details of any trick seating layouts.
Engines are familiar, but interestingly, the 2.0-litre HDi is rated at 150bhp and 163bhp: could this really be an ‘all-new’ engine, as described? If so, it is of great significance, given that Citroen and Ford also share this powerplant.
This unit, along with the turbo petrol, gets ‘Dynamic Roll Control ‘ – a first for the segment. We keenly await more details of this, too.
Interesting features include a new style of Audi-inspired dash layout for Peugeot, expected to be mirrored on models such as the 207 replacement in time. It also incorporates a hi tech ‘head up display’.
The diesel hybrid model is planned for launch between now and 2011. It uses a 2.0-litre HDi turbodiesel, plus an electric motor located near the rear suspension.
Claimed economy is 68.9mpg combined, and CO2 figures are just 109g/km.
What’s more, the diesel-electric hybrid will be 4-wheel drive! The electric motor drives the rear wheels, giving the crossover Peugeot 3008 genuine all-wheel ability.
There is also an advanced traction control system, with 5 modes – meaning even front-wheel drive models should be more adept than a regular hatch in muddy conditions. ESP is standard, so a 5-star Euro NCAP rating is expected.
Prices for the new Peugeot 3008 will be announced later this year. It will go on sale towards the end of 2009.
