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      Peugeot to take on Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport with its new '2008' crossover

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      CarTrade Editorial Team

      Peugeot, the second largest car maker in Europe and a part of PSA Peugeot Citroen group, has launched its new urban crossover vehicle called '2008' in Paris on January 7, 2013. The 2008 crossover seems like a bold move from Peugeot to square off against the popularity and demand for Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster among car enthusiasts across the world. Duster has received immense appreciation from buyers, but faces the risk of losing market leadership to the hands of soon-to-be launched EcoSport in Indian auto market.

       

      Peugeot to take on Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport with its new '2008' crossover
      Peugeot to take on Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport with its new '2008' crossover
       

      The Peugeot 2008 looks like one of the most promising models from the French auto major in recent years. It has also been revealed that Peugeot's Mullhouse production unit, based in Alsace region of France, will take care of the assembling operations of its newly unveiled 2008 model. The vehicle will then be exported to various auto markets of Turkey, Australia, Japan South Africa and Russia.

      The stylish 2008 crossover has been designed by the company's automobile engineering teams in Paris, Sao Paolo and Shanghai, which explains its overtly exotic visual appeal. The French auto major is expected to introduce its new crossover not just in Chinese and South American passenger car markets, but in several European countries as well. Ford EcoSport is already retailed in China, whereas Duster also rejoices with a pan European and South American fan following. It seems that Indian turf might get little late in witnessing the face off between Duster, EcoSport and Peugeot 2008.

      Speaking of under-the-hood specifications of Peugeot 2008, the crossover will come fitted with an option of 1.4 HDi and 1.6 litre e-HDi motor in its diesel variants, churning out a peak power output of around 70 bhp and 90 bhp, respectively. 2008's petrol variants are expected to come in four trim levels, namely 1.2 litre, 1.4 litre, 1.6 litre VTi and a 1.6 litre THP engines, with power rated at 82 bhp, 95 bhp, 120 bhp and 156 bhp, in order of mention. The French auto major has confirmed that its upcoming stylish model will come trimmed with Start / Stop technology, a state-of-the-art particulate filter and many other world class engine refinements.

      Accordingly, from engine power output ratings, the Peugeot 2008 seems like a potent contender against the likes of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Both EcoSport and Duster are true blood compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which lend them an immensely successful combination of great control and handling of a hatchback with off-roading potentials of a Utility Vehicle (UV).

      Taking in consideration the overall exterior appearance and build quality, the Peugeot 2008 crossover looks mean and could definitely lure buyers away from its segment contenders- Duster and EcoSport. It is going to be interesting to see when the French auto major introduces its 2008 crossover in the Indian auto market, which is witnessing a remarkable turn of tides in favour of small and powerful SUVs. The pricing could play a major role in deciding 2008's future, if it is launched in the country. Evidently, Peugeot is yet to find a solid foothold on the Indian turf and an aggressively priced 2008 crossover, around Rs. 8 lakhs, seems like an interesting proposition for the auto maker to develop a decent market share in the country.

      Peugeot | 2008 | Peugeot 2008