Peugeot's future SUVs revealed

French automotive magazine l’auto-journal has detailed two key projects that it claims will expand Peugeot’s SUV range in the near future.

Although neither project has been officially green-lighted by PSA management, the magazine believes a new range-topping seven-seat SUV, which it refers to as the 6008, as well as a new entry-level 1008, could join the range by late 2017.

According to the report, the 6008 will be positioned as a high-end SUV offering that is distinct from German rivals and has an eye on Renault’s new Espace people-mover.

Said to come from the same technical basis as the 3008 but with ‘maximum space’ and a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso-sized wheelbase, this 6008 would not replace the 5008 people-mover as rumoured, but become a new model in its own right.

One engine suggested to be under consideration is an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre BlueHDi four-cylinder turbo-diesel, tweaked to produce around 150kW. A next-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain currently under development is also highlighted as a contender, as well as the possibility of an eight-speed automatic gearbox as seen in BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer.

Despite offering the 2008 solely with front-wheel drive and the lack of all-wheel drive in Australia's 3008, l’auto-journal says Peugeot management feels that a large SUV such as the 6008 still has to have a four-wheel drive option. A possible collaboration with technical partner Opel has been mooted to provide such a drivetrain.

At the opposite end of the SUV market, Peugeot is understandably gun-shy after its 1007 ‘mini-urban SUV’ proved a sales flop in Europe.

L’auto-journal speculates that Peugeot could re-enter the market with a 1008, and that it could be a project shared with another constructor to reduce costs and increase profitability potential. Toyota is the name raised by the report.

PSA management is apparently waiting for another manufacturer (such as Volkswagen with its up!-based Taigun) to enter the mini-SUV sector to gauge market response.

Further to these possibilities, the report also details the next-generation 3008.

Said to be inspired by the Quartz concept first shown at the 2014 Paris motor Show, the production MKII 3008 will gain a longer, more horizontal bonnet that ends in a three-section vertical grille. Its sides will be ‘more adventurous’ than the first-generation model, while the rear-end will be less-inclined than on the Quartz concept, though the tailgate will house LED light ‘claws’, says l’auto-journal.

The new 3008’s interior should continue the 308’s ergonomic lead, though with ‘aviation-style’ controls similar to the current vehicle. Riding on the PSA Peugeot-Citroen group's latest EMP2 platform, both interior and luggage space are said to be improved.

Management has also approved a 2008 restyle says the report. The front-end will mimic the DKR racer that debuted in this year’s Dakar desert race, while the cabin will be upgraded with higher-quality upholstery and dash trims inspired by the updated 208, which is due in Australia this October.

For Europe, the report suggests an 81kW version of the company's 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine is slated to join two turbo-diesel fours in the new 2008, delivering 74kW and 88kW respectively. A new six-speed automatic transmission is set to appear with ‘some’ engine combinations.

Expect to see the facelifted Peugeot 2008 and new 3008 on sale in Europe in 2016, with local details to be announced closer to launch.