- Prices remain stable despite significant specification increase
Peugeot will launch its new-look 2008 compact SUV, priced from $26,490, with new technology, a new model line-up and an award-winning drivetrain.
Visually, the 2008 features an all-new frontal design previewing the future of all Peugeot SUVs with a multi-faceted grille featuring the Peugeot Lion at its centre.
Flanking the new grille are headlamps featuring a 'feline' look with an intensely high-tech chrome and black mask. The LED rear lamps feature new, warm-coloured 'lion claws' with a profound 3D effect.
This style approach continues from the grille over the bonnet and onto the roof with roof bars and spoiler completing the striking profile.
The sharp lines and curves of the bodywork are enhanced by the new Ultimate Red colour (first seen on the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport and now available on 308 versions). The range offers customers a choice of seven colours in total.
The new-look 2008 also features a revised model line-up with Active, Allure and new GT-Line models available.
In Australia, the GT-Line replaces the Outdoor variant (previously manual/diesel) while Active models feature automatic transmission as standard (previously 5-speed manual only). Allure models remain unchanged.
Onboard technology has been boosted for all variants (see base for model breakdown) with the fitment of reverse camera and Mirror Screen functionality (including Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink) for the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen.
Higher grades feature satellite navigation, Active City Brake autonomous braking technology and Grip Control, a technology giving greater grip in low traction situations, as headline standard specification.
One of the most significant improvements in the facelifted 2008 range is the adoption of the turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech e-THP three-cylinder engine for all variants. With 81 kilowatts it is the most powerful of its type in the Australian compact SUV class.
Paired exclusively to a new six-speed, sequential automatic transmission co-developed with Aisin, the 2008's 81kW, turbocharged, 1.2-litre PureTech e-THP engine is a shining example of technological innovation, its development resulting in 121 patents being filed by the PSA Group.
This stringent focus on quality, reliability and durability, coupled with astounding performance, saw the 1.2-litre PureTech e-THP engine win its class at the coveted 2015 International Engine of the Year award and finish in the Top Three overall.
This new engine replaces all previous options, making the entire range Euro-6 compliant while the new Aisin six-speed automatic transmission replaces the four-speed automatic and five-speed manual options of the previous model.
Peugeot Australia General Manager, Kai Bruesewitz, said the new-look 2008 is a vehicle better aligned to local customers' needs.
"The 2008 SUV was always highly regarded for its smart packaging and stylish looks. Now, with new technology, a new model line-up and an all-new powertrain the 2008 becomes the complete package for Australian customers," Bruesewitz said.
"We have already proven with our 208 and 308 model lines that Peugeot's award winning PureTech, turbo-petrol 1.2-litre engine can compete with the larger capacity engines of our competitors and there is no reason why this segment shouldn't benefit from Peugeot's advanced drivetrain.
"We are very excited about the introduction of the new-look 2008 range as it signals a significant year for the Peugeot SUV stable with the all-new 3008 and 5008 following hot on the 2008's heels," Bruesewitz added.