Crossing over, French style

Having just been launched in Europe, Peugeot's new 3008 crossover vehicle is headed for Australian shores in March 2010.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel mill when it launches next year, the 3008 range will be complemented by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine likely to follow about a month later.

Based on the 308 platform, the front-wheel drive 3008 (first reported officially here) will have a high ride height and will be wider than the 308 hatch. Peugeot likens the 3008 to the two-wheel drive Ford Territory and though it is a shorter vehicle, the features list will raise eyebrows.

Standard features will include a high-reach gearshift, heads up display, six airbags, a split rear tailgate, full size spare wheel, rain sensing wipers, adjustable suspension with dynamic roll control, an electronic park brake, 17-inch wheels, and ESP as standard.

The ESP system will be a talking point, thanks to its five different settings: road, offroad, sand, snow, and off altogether.

Built in France, the trendy styling and strong features of the 3008 have created high demand in parts of Europe such as the UK, and Peugeot Australia hopes to sell the vehicle in Australia from around $40k.

The French automaker also has a hybrid version of the 3008 in the works, which will be released in Europe in late 2010 with an Australian launch planned for 2011. The Peugeot 3008 hybrid will be the test bed for the company's hybrid technology and is likely to output around 147kW from its diesel and electric motors.

A 2.0-litre HDi engine will drive the front wheels while the electric motor will drive the rear wheels and the crossover car will feature a full electric mode for low speed, zero emission driving. Peugeot's preliminary testing shows CO2 emissions of 109g/km, which is very low, and fuel consumption of just 4.0L/100km.

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