GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: New Peugeot 4008 on show

Peugeot's compact SUV offering has been reworked and restyled. The new 4008 softroader will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva motor show and is scheduled here in June. Australia is one of the first markets to receive the 4008 after the Geneva unveiling.

In January Peugeot sold just over 30 4007 models, up against the likes of Nissan X-TRAIL with 1048, Mazda CX-7 on 1167 and current segment leader Toyota RAV4 with 1292. Spokesperson for the brand Jaedene Hudson told motoring.com.au that the French brand expects to increase segment sales in Australia by 20 per cent with the release of the 4008.

The new 4008 range will start under $30,000, according to Peugeot Australia, putting it up against fellow Euro softroader Volkswagen Tiguan.

And unlike the outgoing 4007 model, the 4008 will be available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Stop-start technology is also offered, for both the petrol and diesel models of which two each are available overseas. Peugeot Australia will confirm local specification closer to launch, which is scheduled for May.

The 4008 will be sold here with a choice of six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

Now based on the Mitsubishi ASX platform, the 4008 replaces the Outlander-based 4007 compact softroader but is 300mm shorter. The Peugeot softroader's high-packaging standard has also been met again with the 4008 model.

The 4008's body is all-but completely Peugeot, with in-house commissioned styling and the brand's "family face" at the front end. Only the rear doors (and windows) are the same as the ASX.

Ms Hudson admitted the new 4008 is an important model for the brand, which is expecting a busy year. The much-anticipated 208 GTI is also on its way this year. Her boss, Peugeot Automobiles Australia General Manager, Ken Thomas said: "The 4008 allows Peugeot access to the ever expanding compact SUV segment with a product that's perfectly suited to today's active consumer.

"Available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, the 4008 caters to all buyers in the market."

Visit the Carsales Network again for our launch review of the new Peugeot 4008 in May.

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