Peugeot 4008 to arrive sans diesel

Peugeot will release its new 4008 compact SUV in Australia as a petrol-only proposition. The announcement was made ahead of the vehicle's international launch in Portugal. A Peugeot spokesperson told motoring.com.au that the decision was made after research showed "little demand" for a manual-only diesel variant.

With diesel-powered 4008 variants currently offered exclusively with a manual transmission -- and Australian diesel SUV buyers favouring automatic, high-grade, all-wheel drive variants -- the choice was rather obvious. Peugeot said it hopes to have an automatic transmission available for its diesel-powered 4008 next year, but felt it important to get the model to market.

As such, the 4008 line-up will comprise a solitary engine choice -- the same (110kW/197Nm) 2.0-litre four-cylinder found powering the derivative Mitsubishi ASX -- offered with the choice of CVT or manual transmissions and with the option of two- or all-wheel drive.

4008 will be offered in two trim levels locally -- Active and Allure -- the latter offered exclusively as an all-wheel drive proposition. Peugeot's own indications show the model mix will be split 30:70 in favour of the two-wheel drive entry-level Active model.

Although specification has yet to be finalised, a Peugeot spokesperson indicated that the specification line-up will closely reflect that of the 308 locally. That means we will likely see Active models offer seven airbags, stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, front foglamps, LED daytime running lamps, auto wipers, auto headlamps, cruise control, cloth seats and a full-size spare wheel. Allure models will likely add leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels, and perhaps a sunroof and rear window privacy glass.

All 4008 variants are available with Peugeot's assured service programme (capped price servicing) for $330 a year.

On sale locally from June 9, the all-new Peugeot 4008 will essentially replace the larger 4007 (which shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Outlander) which is currently on run-out. Peugeot Australia says it aims to sell 950 examples of the 4008 before year's end while targeting full year (2013) sales of 1600 units.

Vehicle specification and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle's launch though it is likely the on-sale price will be below $30,000.

Visit motoring.com.au again for our upcoming launch review of the new Peugeot 4008.

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