Peugeot 2008 Leads New Small SUV Blitz

-Exclusive image previews baby SUV, evolving look of 3008

-Set to offer petrol, diesel and, eventually, mild-hybrid power

- John McIlroy

PEUGEOT has scored huge hits with its two most recent SUVs: the 3008 and 5008. And now the French firm is preparing a total overhaul of those cars’ baby brother, the 2008, which is due to be revealed in autumn 2019, ahead of sales starting the following year.

The 2008’s first appearance, probably at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2019, will be part of a logical roll-out of new chassis technology developed by Peugeot’s parent firm, PSA, and its Chinese partner DongFeng. Called CMP (Compact Modular Platform), the new architecture is specifically designed for smaller cars. It’s likely to make its debut on the new 208, which is expected to be seen at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

The new 2008 SUV should be slightly longer but usefully lighter than the outgoing model; the CMP chassis weighs around 40kg less than the ageing PF1 set-up that underpins the existing 208 and 2008 line-ups.