The next-gen Peugeot 2008 sub-compact SUV was spied
in China recently. It is expected to debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show
(10-22 September). According to a report from Auto Express, 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-litre 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.
