AutoExpress has created a rendering of the next-gen
Peugeot 2008 sub-compact SUV which is expected to debut at the 2019 Frankfurt
Motor Show with an all-new platform. The report states that the
next-gen Peugeot 2008 will be based on PSA's new CMP chassis which was
co-developed with Chinese partner Dongfeng. The new platform which is expected
to debut on the 2019 Peugeot 208 (expected at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show) will
offer 40 kg of weight saving over the current 2008. The current 2008, revealed
at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show is based on the PF1 platform.
While the exterior and interior designs will be a
thorough overall, the petrol engine is reportedly a revision of the current
1.2-liter PureTech unit with power outputs ranging from 85 bhp to 130 bhp. The
diesel engine is reported to be PSA's next-generation 1.5-liter Blue HDi
diesel. Transmission duties of the front-wheel drive 2008 will be handled by an
8 speed automatic on higher variants and 6 speed manual on entry-level variants.
Coming to the relevance to the Indian market,
Peugeot operated a plant near Mumbai and ceased operations at the end of 1997.
However, the carmaker has planned a re-entry by 2020 and plans to manufacture
cars and SUVs at a plant near Chennai. The PSA group has signed two joint
ventures in India: with Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Limited (HMFCL), a
subsidiary of the CK Birla Group, to handle assembly and distribution of PSA's
passenger vehicles in India, and with AVTEC Ltd, another subsidiary of the CK
Birla Group, to manufacture and supply powertrains.
Given the high demand for sub-compact SUVs and
hatchbacks, the Peugeot 2008 and 208 could lead the Indian entourage. Last
year, these models were reported to arrive here in the initial phase of the
Peugeot's re-entry.
