Barley two months into 2016 and it’s already been a great year for Peugeot. In the arid plains and deserts of South America, the French brand’s 2008 DKR swept to victory in the world’s toughest motorsport challenge; the Dakar Rally. Clinching 9 out of 13 stages over 6,903miles of the most hostile terrain imaginable, the rally-ready 2008 took top honours on only its second ever Dakar appearance – not bad for a family crossover. Naturally, the all-conquering dune-muncher is a much modified version of Peugeot’s road-going 2013 CUV. However, harnessing the momentum of its recent rallying triumph, the French manufacturer is ready to debut a new generation of the 2008 at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Minor alterations to the 2008’s exterior design reveal a slightly more rugged take on the compact SUV than before. The new generation crossover gets wheel arch extensions, a more vertical front grille, new scuff plates and black and chrome headlamps. Meanwhile, the rear features new 3D LED lights plus a redesigned tailgate, whose boot space can be increased to up to 1,400 litres at the touch of a button. Depending on trim level, the 2008 can also be equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof complete. An all-new exterior colour scheme, Ultimate Red, was a popular choice for 308 GTi customers when the hatch was first released and is now one of nine exterior paint options on the all-new 2008.
A fourth trim level, GT Line, joins the existing line up of Access, Active and Allure levels for the 2016 2008. Already offered with the Peugeot 208, 308 and 508 models, GT Line adds a sporty theme with a red/black coloured features. Gloss black elements replace the standard chrome piping on the front grille surround, fog light covers, mirror casings and roof bars whilst a new set of 17” alloys plus a liberal smattering of ‘GT Line’ badging is also thrown into the bargain.
Inside, a compact sports steering wheel joins the standard 7” multi-function colour touch screen. Mirror Screen function allows the driver to link and display their smartphone interface on the 2008’s touch screen, whilst other tech such as the reversing camera and park assist are all accessible via the same heads-up display.
On the road, or off it for the matter, the new 2008 compact crossover can be equipped with Grip Control for optimum traction whatever the conditions underfoot. An array of selectable drive settings tailored for asphalt roads, snow, mud, and sand will keep the 2008 on the straight and narrow whatever the weather and the system can also be deactivated if an when required. Four suspension options are available, each with a generous ground clearance of 16cm.
Under the bonnet, the new generation Peugeot 2008 can be specified with an extensive assortment of powertrains including a trio of petrol and diesel variants. Whilst the outgoing model’s 1.6 litre VTi and 1.4 litre HDi engines have been phased out, the 1.2 PureTech petrol and 1.6 BlueHDi diesel are each available in three different power specifications, either with 5 or 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Pricing for the new Peugeot 2008 compact crossover has yet to be confirmed. We’ll find out more on this as well as its proposed arrival in UK showrooms at its world premiere during the upcoming 2016 Geneva Motor Show.